COVID-19 Information
NEW CDC Quarantine and Isolation Calculator
A tool to help determine how long you need to isolate, quarantine, or other steps to prevent the spreading of COVID-19. People with COVID-19 and close contacts should follow the recommendations outlined on link below. These recommendations do not change based on COVID-19 community levels.
Test Kits
Beginning March 29, Minnesotans will be able to order two test kits (for a total of four tests) per home through an online ordering system. Minnesota has secured 500,000 test kits (for a total of 1 million at-home tests) and the program will be available until all the test kits are ordered. Minnesota will use this program as a model for providing more access to COVID-19 rapid testing in the months ahead.
Minnesotans will be able to visit mn.gov/covid19 to request two test kits, or four total tests, per household. Tests will be available starting on Tuesday, March 29, and will be available until supply has been exhausted. If this program proves successful and valuable for Minnesotans, the State will count on it as a key part of the response to future case surges.
The State of Minnesota’s at-home PCR testing program through Vault Health will end on March 31. Minnesotans who have Vault PCR tests at home will be able to use them until they expire, or until December 31, 2022, whichever is first.
How To Get a Test
Minnesotans have other options to access COVID-19 testing:
- Through the federal government, Minnesotans can order free rapid at-home tests at CovidTests.gov. Food banks, local public health agencies, community groups, and other community health organizations may also have free tests available.
- Costs for over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 tests are now required to be covered by health plans offered by insurance companies, employers, and groups under actions taken by the Biden Administration. In some circumstances, Minnesotans can receive free tests by showing their insurance card at a store. Minnesotans should check with their health plan prior to purchasing at-home tests to ensure they are following the steps necessary to have costs covered.
- Anyone can walk in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s free COVID-19 Community Testing sites or find a testing option near them through the state’s Find Testing Locations map.
UPDATE: March 3, 2022
Riverland will no longer require the wearing of face masks in public indoor spaces as a COVID-19 pandemic mitigation strategy effective Friday, March 4, 2022.
The change in strategy from required to optional is college-wide.
It is prudent to remain cautious. The sensible precautions of diligent handwashing, physical distancing, staying home if sick, and covering sneezes and coughs will help all of us stay healthy and safe as we plan and participate in upcoming gatherings.
NEW REPORTING PROCESS: If you need to report a positive COVID-19 result please send an email to our new secure address: covid@riverland.edu.
Resources
- Vaccines.gov (Use Vaccines.gov to find a location near you, then call or visit their website to make an appointment.)
- Minnesota COVID-19 Response (Find Covid 19 Vaccine Locations)
- Walk in or Make an Appointment
We are taking this mitigation measure in response to the increase in cases of COVID-19, including the Delta variant, especially among the unvaccinated. Counties where Riverland campuses are located have a "high" or “substantial” level of transmission and with the proximity of our campuses (CDC COVID Data Tracker) we are taking precautions collegewide in all Riverland buildings. The CDC recommends this step because the latest research finds that vaccinated individuals can spread the Delta variant to others. We will continue to monitor rates and adjust our approach should transmission rates change.
For more information, see the CDC COVID Data Tracker.
- Vaccinations are now available to everyone 12 and older in the state of Minnesota. Riverland will not require vaccines but will continue to encourage vaccinations to all students and employees. Explore this link for resources
- Please continue to stay home if you are feeling ill and encourage others to do the same.
- Continue handwashing practices and use sanitizer when handwashing is not possible.
- Business that rent space in our campus buildings may have their own safety protocols. Please check with them directly to determine what restrictions they may have.
WHAT IS DIFFERENT?
- We no longer require the screening tool prior to coming to campus and our entrances will be cleared. You will see more doors to each building are now open.
- Social Distancing signage and markers will be removed but maintaining distance from others is still a best practice. There is no longer a need to limit class sizes because of social distancing requirements. We will restore class furniture arrangement to pre-covid status. The only caveat is if local infection and vaccination rates dictate otherwise.
- Some Academic programs may require personal protective equipment (PPE) if required by that industry/program or if very close contact is imminent. Expectations will be communicated by your instructor(s).
- There have been changes in the isolation and quarantine protocols. See Isolation and Quarantine Protocols
No matter who you are or what your style is, it's more important than ever to band together to protect each other by getting your flu and COVID-19 vaccine.
Now is a great time to get your flu vaccine! You can even get your COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. Everyone age 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. Everyone age 5 years and older should get a COVID-19 vaccine.
One arm at a time. One bandage at a time. Let's band together to control this year's flu and slow the spread of COVID-19 - for all of us.