Covid-19, Flu and Respiratory Illness Protocol, Resources and Information

Current Covid-19 Guidelines

As new Covid-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths remain low in Denver and across the state, Metropolitan State University of Denver has no mandatory Covid-19 protocols or requirements. The decision to pause the requirements was made in consultation with state and local public health officials and with input from stakeholders across campus.

The suspension includes all Covid-19 vaccine requirements for students and employees as well as any related registration holds for student non-compliance. Students and employees will no longer need to show proof of receiving the vaccine or apply for an exemption. No further action is needed from either current students or employees at this time.

If public health conditions demand, requirements may be reinstituted at any time. To safeguard your health, please stay up to date on your Covid-19 vaccinations.

As of March 1, 2024:

  • There is no requirement for those testing positive, or for employees who become aware of a positive case, to call or report a positive case to the Health Center at Auraria. In response to changing guidance from public-health agencies, the Health Center at Auraria will no longer conduct contact tracing on campus.  
  • Students and employees who are returning to campus after any type of respiratory illness should wear a mask while on campus until all symptoms are fully resolved 

IF YOU GET SICK:

  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when people get sick with a respiratory virus, the updated guidance recommends that they stay home and away from others.
  • For people with COVID-19 and influenza, treatment is available and can lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness.
  • Recommendations suggest returning to normal activities only when symptoms have consistently improved for at least 24 hours and the individual has been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medication.
  • Anyone who tests positive for a respiratory virus can contact their medical provider for consultation and therapies if desired or if medically necessary. Medications may be available. 
  • According to the CDC, once people resume normal activities, they are encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for the next 5 days to curb disease spread, such as taking more steps for cleaner air, enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses. Enhanced precautions are especially important to protect those most at risk for severe illness, including those over 65 and people with weakened immune systems.
  • Students and employees should report any absences to their instructor(s) and/or supervisor, as is routinely expected for all absences due to an illness. Students may return to class without a doctor’s note. according to the guidelines.  
  • Consider therapeutic treatments through your primary-care physician or through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. 

Get your flu vaccine and Covid-19 booster 

The Health Center at Auraria strongly recommends that all students, faculty members and staff members be fully vaccinated and boosted for Covid-19 and flu (unless medically contra-indicated). 

The center provides flu and Covid-19 vaccines during the fall semester for all MSU Denver, Community College of Denver, University of Colorado Denver and Auraria Higher Education Center students, faculty members and staff members. 

Roadrunner Expectations

Regardless of these changes, Roadrunners are expected to: 

  • Stay up to date on Covid-19 vaccinations and all immunizations to safeguard both personal and public health  
  • Stay home when feeling ill, whether with Covid-19 or not, to recover and prevent community spread 
  • Contact the Health Center at Auraria with questions or concerns. The Student CARE Team is also available to assist students should there be any concerns.
  • Remain flexible, as certain protocols may be reinstated as public health conditions necessitate 
  • Be kind and act respectfully around others by continuing to carry a mask and be prepared to wear it when asked 

Frequently Asked Questions
Updated August 22