On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidelines for fully vaccinated people given new evidence on the delta variant of the COVID-19 virus, which is circulating in the United States.
One guideline the CDC added is a recommendation for fully vaccinated people to wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of "substantial" or "high" transmission. Their interactive COVID-19 data map indicates the level of community transmission by county. As of today in the Twin Cities, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, and Washington counties are below this threshold, at "moderate," and Anoka, Ramsey, and Scott counties are at "substantial."
We know employees are concerned about the increase in cases and the rate of infection with the variants. We are hearing from many employees who are sharing their questions and concerns with the pandemic planning team; thank you for continuing to send your feedback through the online form.
The pandemic planning team and Met Council leaders across the organization are continuing to keep a very close eye on transmission in the region, our own Met Council cases, and guidelines from federal and state public health officials. The state of Minnesota has not updated its masking guidance, and we follow both the CDC and the state to inform our policies and requirements. We also follow OSHA for workplace guidance, which was last updated in June.
At this time, the Met Council is not changing any policies or requirements related to COVID-19. We will update employees as soon as possible if we make any changes.
In the meantime, please get vaccinated if you have not already, get tested if you are experiencing symptoms or believe you were exposed to COVID-19, wear a mask if you prefer, and continue safe practices to stop the spread of the virus.
Vaccines are safe and effective
Our progress so far – and our path forward – relies on Minnesotans getting the vaccine. The vaccines are free, safe, and effective, and all Minnesotans age 12 and over can get one right now. Many sites are offering walk-in appointments.
If you have not been vaccinated and are eligible, please re-evaluate the risks to yourself and to others who cannot be vaccinated, like people with health conditions and children, and choose to get vaccinated.
Review the story below for resources to find vaccination opportunities.
Testing helps stop the spread of COVID-19
Anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should immediately contact their health care provider and seek testing, regardless of their vaccination status. How to get a COVID-19 test:
Continue safe practices onsite
Everyone should continue these safety and health practices when onsite to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Stay home if you’re sick.
- Get tested if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or think you may have been exposed to COVID-19. Stay home if you tested positive for COVID-19, and contact your manager.
- Wash your hands often.
- Clean your work space frequently.
Face coverings are encouraged
Though not required, you may continue to wear a mask at Met Council facilities if you choose to. In addition, to protect yourself, you are encouraged to continue to wear a mask if you are unvaccinated, cannot be vaccinated, have people in your home who cannot be vaccinated, or otherwise you or members of your household are at risk.
The CDC also now recommends that even fully vaccinated people wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission. Their interactive COVID-19 data map indicates the level of community transmission by county.
A federal mask requirement applies to all forms of public transportation will remain in effect through September 13.
Remember, when interacting with others, you should not assume anything about their vaccination status or health situation based on whether or not they are wearing a mask. Employees, customers, or visitors who arrive onsite wearing face coverings should be treated with respect.
Employees should never ask their co-workers about private, personal medical information, including their COVID-19 vaccination status. Be considerate and respect individual privacy.
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