Do Your Part to Slow the Spread

Minnesota’s COVID-19 case counts have been climbing since June, especially in the 18-24 year old age group. Around 1,000 cases a week have been reported in this age group. COVID-19 cases have occurred as a result of people gathering without social distancing at bars, restaurants, and house parties.

It is everyone’s responsibility to help reverse the trend. If case counts continue to increase or remain at this level, RCTC could be significantly challenged in how we will be functioning and delivering services this fall. So, we ask you to adhere to the following:

  • When getting together in a social setting, whether indoors or outdoors:
    • Keep group sizes small (10 or fewer people) – the smaller the better!
    • Ensure at last 6-foot social distancing between you and your friends.
    • Meet outside if you can – it is less risky than meeting inside.
  • Limit the number of people in small or common spaces.
  • Avoid crowded gathering spots like restaurants and bars.
  • If you do go to a restaurant or bar:
    • Don’t stay if tables aren’t spread out. Clustering/crowding spreads COVID-19 fast.
    • Sit outside. We see less transmission of COVID-19 when people are outside.
    • Sit at a table with space between you and others rather than stand at a bar. It is too easy to get close to each other when you are standing.
    • When sitting with your friends, try to give yourself as much space as possible.
    • Wear a face covering when you are not eating or drinking.

Minnesota Colleges and Universities have partnered with the Minnesota Department of Health and Office of Higher Education to support in-person learning this fall. It is now your responsibility to ensure that we are able to move forward with these plans. Your actions directly impact the ability for higher education to come together this fall. Additionally, your actions directly impact the level of COVID-19 we have in our state, as well as the level of risk to our high-risk populations – including some of your fellow students, staff, and faculty. Do the right thing, slow down, wear a mask, and spread out.

 

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