Early Bird

Safe Return to Campus highlights

COO Larry Sampler shares updated mask protocols and important updates on vaccine distribution.

By Lindsey Coulter

February 8, 2021

Last week, Larry Sampler, chief operating officer and vice president for Administration and Facilities Management, shared the following updates:

More info on Auraria Campus vaccine distribution

The Health Center at Auraria has partnered with Covid Check Colorado/Primary Bio to provide the adequate logistical resources to meet the demand for vaccine. As part of this collaboration, Auraria constituents will be given priority scheduling at each phase of distribution. In addition, community members will also have access to the Auraria Campus vaccination point of dispensing, according to State of Colorado-defined guidelines.

Metropolitan State University of Denver leaders continue to advocate for the vaccination prioritization of employees who interact directly with students and for students who are completing internships and practicum hours in health care and Pre-K-12 settings. However, the University is also bound to the state’s vaccine-distribution plan, which prioritizes the populations that have accounted for the most Covid-19-related deaths and hospitalizations. While most Roadrunners will likely fall into Phase 3 (which begins this summer), any members of the University community who fall into higher-priority phases and are able to receive their vaccinations from other providers are absolutely encouraged to do so.

Please stay tuned for joint vaccine-distribution-plan communications from President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., and members of the Auraria Executive Council. Visit the Health Center at Auraria website for more vaccine and testing information.

Roadrunners can also weigh in online by completing the Vaccine Distribution Recommendation Survey.

Safety reminder

On-campus face-covering protocols have changed with the emergence of new virus variants.

• Masks must properly cover the nose and mouth.
• Bandannas and buffs are not acceptable face coverings.
• Shields may be added with a mask but cannot be used alone unless medically approved by the Health Center at Auraria.
• While teaching, faculty members may wear face shields if they can maintain a minimum distance of 12 feet from students during class.

Face coverings must be worn at all times while in the presence of others, and Roadrunners must continue to perform the required daily health self-assessment prior to coming onto campus.

As always, if you have questions or concerns about Safe Return to Campus planning, please reach out through this form or via email at roadrunnersafereturn@msudenver.edu.