Due to persistent high COVID-19 regional transmission rates and the need for additional time for a number of students to get their final vaccination doses, Augsburg is extending the indoor face covering requirement through the month of September.

Because the COVID-19 Delta variant is airborne, it is important to wear a mask in any indoor space where others are present or could be present before or after you were there. This includes:

• study areas (e.g., in Hagfors Center, Lindell Library, etc.),
• lobby areas,
• restrooms,
• hallways, stairwells, and elevators,
• classrooms and meeting rooms,
• and other shared or common spaces.

Indoor masks are not required in one’s own residential unit or individual office with the door closed, or when eating in designated campus dining areas. Campus dining areas currently include the Dining Commons and Einsteins coffee shop in Christensen Center.

Due to staffing vacancies, Nabo and Kafe Kafeega will not be open until later in the semester. When those venues open, additional spaces may be designated as dining areas. Eating outdoors on campus is also a good
option, when weather permits. Masks or face coverings are not required outdoors on campus, although there may be specific outdoor events where masks may be required if close contact and large crowds are expected.

We will continue to monitor the regional transmission rate and report weekly on Augsburg’s COVID-19 Dashboard during September and adjust mitigation protocols based on campus and regional transmission levels. If you have questions about COVID-19 requirements in specific situations, please contact the helpline@augsburg.edu, and your questions will be forwarded to the appropriate party.