by MTU Flex Task Force
Our moving 14-day total of detected COVID-19 cases stands at 235 active cases confirmed, down from 263 on Wednesday, January 26. Houghton County has a seven-day average of 63 confirmed cases per day (as of January 26). On-campus isolation is currently housing 16 individuals.
KN95s Still Available
Michigan Tech has close to 5,000 disposable KN95 face coverings still available to students and employees. The University is offering this limited supply of KN95s to assist those who 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.
Wastewater Sampling
Wastewater sampling continues, and this week wastewater results showed less viral load than what would be expected with the confirmed cases we have on campus. This is not unique to Michigan Tech. Other universities and some city and state officials have seen similar trends in their wastewater sampling. While more analysis is needed to determine why this is happening, higher vaccination rates and changing infection dynamics, such as a shorter duration of infection and less overall shedding of the virus, could be factors.
On-demand Testing
COVID-19 on-demand testing is available to Michigan Tech students and employees during the spring 2022 semester. Testing is currently offered Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Rozsa Center basement. All testing is done on a walk-in basis—no appointments are needed and there is no cost. The consent form can be filled out online between 8:30 a.m and 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday on the day you get tested.
Free At-home Tests
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.