by MTU Flex Task Force
Beginning today, a limited supply (10,000) of disposable KN95 face coverings are available to students and employees on a first-come, first-served basis. The University is offering this limited supply to assist those who would like to wear high-filtration face coverings but have not yet been able to purchase them. We are happy to provide up to two KN95s per person while supplies last.
Distribution locations are:
- SDC Ticket Office
- Wads Front Desk
- DHH Front Desk
- McNair Front Desk
- Library Circulation Desk
- Campus Bookstore
- Public Safety and Police Services
- Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success
If departments wish to coordinate a single pickup for a larger work group, please email campusstore@mtu.edu with your department name, the quantity of KN95s needed (up to two per person), and the name of the person who will be picking them up. The Campus Bookstore will confirm when your order is ready to be picked up. Free surgical-style face coverings, donated through Ford, are also still available to departments through Chem Stores.
Case Totals and Averages
Our moving 14-day total of detected COVID-19 cases stands at 359 active cases confirmed, from 291 on Wednesday, January 19. Houghton County has a seven-day average of 78 confirmed cases per day (as of January 19). On-campus isolation is currently housing 31 individuals. We are now updating the Michigan Tech COVID-19 Testing Statistics website twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Wastewater sampling began again on Monday, January 17, and wastewater results are in line with the Rozsa testing clinic’s results regarding the prevalence of the virus on campus.
Friday Testing
Next Friday, January 28, on-demand testing will be available in the basement of the Rozsa from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. All testing will be done on a walk-in basis—no appointments will be needed and there will be no cost. Results will be emailed and are typically available within 24-48 hours. The consent form can be filled out online between 8:30 a.m and 11 a.m. next Friday.
Please continue to report positive test results, whether you are using an at-home test or a PCR test outside of our Michigan Tech testing center, using the Report a COVID-19 Test form.
Free At-home Tests for Students
Each residential address in the US can order one set of four free at-home tests from USPS. Students in residence halls can place one order per room to share if interested. Students should include their building name, street address, and room number in the online form.
Antigen Tests for Employees
Additionally, a limited supply of antigen tests at the Department of Public Safety and Police Services are available for employees who become symptomatic during their shift. Tests will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The MTU Flex Team is currently looking to secure more antigen tests and will provide more information when they are available.
We strongly encourage all members of our community to monitor themselves on a daily basis for symptoms of COVID-19. Please be aware that if you are exposed to COVID-19, quarantine guidelines vary depending on vaccination status.