Effective Wednesday, August 4, 2021, all individuals (students, faculty, staff, contractors, visitors, etc.) are required to wear a face covering when indoors on the RCTC Campus or in a state vehicle when traveling with another person, regardless of a person’s vaccination status.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on masking recommends masks be worn indoors in any county where the COVID transmission rate is shown to be substantial or high. Olmsted County (and several surrounding counties) recently moved from moderate to substantial; thus, RCTC believes it is in everyone’s best interest to reinstitute a face covering requirement. Masks or other facial coverings are not required outdoors. This face covering requirement will remain in effect until further notice. If you need a face covering, please go to the Welcome and One-Stop Center for a free RCTC-branded mask.
According to CDC, the Delta variant appears to be much more easily transmitted and wearing masks or other facial coverings indoors have shown to help slow that transmission. In addition, MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm shared during yesterday’s press call that masking alone is not enough protection against the Delta variant; hence a critical need to get vaccinated. Please go to COVID-19 Vaccination Registration (mn.gov) to locate the closest clinic near you.
Our focus remains on protecting the health and safety of all that come to our campus and supporting our students as you progress down your educational paths. Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we continue to adjust our campus plans to focus on these priorities.