Freya Nelson – Staff Writer

According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), there have been at least eight identified UK variants of the COVID-19 virus found in Minnesota. MDH suspects that this number is an underrepresentation of the COVID variants currently in the state. In conscious preparation for the spread of these new strains, the College has implemented a surveillance testing plan in order to keep the community safe.
“Surveillance testing has been added to our COVID safety protocols this spring because the new variants are more contagious and testing is now readily available. Doing random surveillance testing is one additional strategy to help minimize an outbreak of the virus on campus,” released Gustavus’ COVID-19 Response Team last week.
Throughout this testing process, 10% of the student population will be chosen at random and asked to take a COVID test. The students selected each week will then receive an email including information on testing locations as well as a link to sign-up for a specific appointment time. The testing will be held in the Chapel every Tuesday with appointments ranging from 7:30am-10:30am and will be entirely free of cost for students. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in these testing events if selected.
“If you are selected [for surveillance testing], do me a favor and comply. Think of it as doing your part to help keep Gustavus safe,” Dean of Students JoNes VanHecke said.
The testing is designed to be efficient in order to meet the needs of students’ busy schedules. With the appointment time slots, the selected students will be able to choose a time of day that works best for them.
“I was selected this Tuesday to be randomly tested and I was genuinely surprised at how efficient the process was. I have done mass testing events on campus before but the surveillance testing was significantly faster. It took only 5-10 minutes so it wasn’t an inconvenience to me whatsoever,” senior Gunnar Bosking said.
In terms of identifying the new variants, the Minnesota Department of Health insists that testing is the most efficient way to find and prevent these variants from spreading. The MDH states that the first identified case of the new variant of COVID-19 found in Minnesota occurred only a month ago.
“We’re thankful that our testing program helped us find this [first] case, and we thank all Minnesotans who seek out testing when they feel sick or otherwise have reason to get a test,” Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said in a news release for the MDH website.
In addition to Gustavus’ surveillance testing efforts, the college will continue to hold mass testing events, regular testing for athletes, and free testing available to the Gustavus community through Health Service. There is also no-cost COVID testing for Minnesotans available at locations such as St. Peter/Mankato Hyvee stores.
For more information on COVID testing visit https://gustavus.edu/healthservice/testing.php.