COVID-19 Dashboard Update – The Mines COVID-19 dashboard was updated today, revealing 38 active cases on campus. A total of 2,372 tests were completed last week, with a positivity rate of 1.22 percent. Additional case details are available here.
Three outbreaks remain active on campus, in Bradford Hall, Spruce Hall and Kappa Sigma. CDPHE defines outbreaks as two or more individuals within a cohort (facility, business, non-household group) who have tested positive for COVID-19 within a 14-day period. The state’s outbreak report is updated each Wednesday at covid19.colorado.gov/covid19-outbreak-data.
Tales from the Testing Line: The Bob Ross of COVID-19 swabs – Those stories we’ve all heard about COVID-19 testing – brain-tickling swabs, long lines and even longer waits for the results – are a thing of the past. Getting tested for COVID-19 has evolved a lot since March 2020 – but you don’t have to take our word for it. Every week, we’ll be bringing you a new “Tale from the Testing Line” from Orediggers just like you.
“Shoutout to the health care worker at COVIDCheck on campus who called himself Bob Ross while he was giving me a COVID test. He just said, ‘I’m painting trees, more trees,’ and that lighthearted joke made the testing process so much better.”
-Christina Vessa, Brand Manager, Communications and Marketing
Share your own Tales from the Testing Line by replying to this email or dropping a note to communications@mines.edu.
Celebrating Super Bowl LV the COVID-19-safe way – The Big Game is Sunday, but just like the offensive lines of the Chiefs and Buccaneers, now is not the time to let your guard down. Celebrate safely with these tips:
- Keep your parties small: Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, recommends keeping any gatherings limited to members of your immediate household. “Just lay low and cool it,” he told NBC’s Today show earlier this week.
- Get together with your friends – virtually: Check out these seven tips from our friends at Boston University for how to have a virtual Super Bowl party that isn’t totally lame.
- If you are going to gather, be COVID-19 smart: Keep your group as small as possible – this is not the year to invite all 10 of your best friends over to watch the game. Gather outdoors, if possible. While together, wear masks whenever you aren’t actively eating or drinking, stay at least 6 feet away from one another and wash your hands frequently. That communal bowl of chips and salsa is a no-go, too.
- Know your status before you go: If you are planning to attend a get-together, get tested TODAY through COVIDCheck Colorado. You should have your results back before kickoff at 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Make your appointment here: primarybio.com/a/mines.
Don’t fall for vaccination phishing attacks – Be wary of any emails you receive regarding COVID-19 vaccinations. That’s the latest message from the Information Security Team in ITS, which is anticipating email phishing attacks that attempt to trick individuals into “signing up” for vaccinations and divulging sensitive information. Should Mines need to communicate to employees and/or students about vaccinations, that information will be sent by the Mines Pandemic Response Team and/or the Human Resources office. Check out the new COVID-19 Vaccinations page for the latest updates.
Oredigger Promise Rule No. 6: Don’t be an ear dangler – A face mask doesn’t do much to protect you or your fellow Orediggers when it’s hanging from one ear or firmly positioned under your nose. Instead, it just looks silly. We’ve received increased reports of Orediggers wearing masks incorrectly on campus – especially when outside – so consider this a friendly reminder to always keep that mask up while on campus. “Up,” by the way, means over your nose and mouth and under your chin. And definitely not dangling from one ear. For more about acceptable face coverings, consult the Mines Mask Policy. (In a nutshell: Vents and single-layer neck gaiters are out. Multiple layers of cloth fabric are in.)
President Johnson to students: “Orediggers, we can do this, but I need your help.” – In a message earlier this week, President Johnson encouraged all Mines students to actively recommit to the principles of the Oredigger Promise for the remainder of spring semester. That includes wearing masks, social distancing, limiting interactions outside immediate households and participating in the free COVID-19 testing on campus. “I’m worried about whether we’ll make it to May,” he wrote. “We have COVID-19 cases on campus, and there are early indications of greater transmission in the places where we live and gather outside the classroom.” Read the full message on the Mines Climbs Together website.
Family sets up scholarship in name of Michael Lee ’14 – In late December 2020, Michael Lee, a 2014 Mines graduate and former captain of the men’s golf team, passed away from complications of COVID-19. At the time, the men’s golf team released a statement on Twitter noting shock and dismay at the 28-year-old’s passing, saying, “Michael represented Mines with class and excellence on and off the course.” Michael’s family set up a Mines scholarship in his name. Learn more at weare.mines.edu/michaelleescholarship.