Photo by: Brad Rempel
Minnesota Introduces Temporary Vaccination Policy
1/14/2022 11:54:00 AM | Athletics
Athletics will require proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test for events held from Jan. 26 - Feb. 9
The University of Minnesota announced today that it will require attendees at indoor events to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative, third-party COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event.
The temporary policy, which reflects the University's vaccination announcement made earlier in the day, will start on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022, and will end on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022. This policy may be extended, and Athletics will work with campus leadership to determine if an extension is needed. Any extension of this policy will be announced prior to Feb. 9.
The COVID-19 vaccine requirement applies to all attendees age five and older. Minnesota's indoor mask / face covering mandate also remains in effect for all home athletic indoor events.
The policy applies to tennis, swimming and diving, track and field, women's basketball, men's basketball, women's hockey and men's hockey games, as these sports meet the criteria (indoor event with more than 200 attendees between Jan. 26 - Feb. 9) for individuals to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative, third-party COVID-19 test.
The first scheduled event with the policy in effect will be Minnesota's home men's basketball game against Ohio State on Jan. 27.
The following are ways attendees can comply with this policy:
For Current University of Minnesota Students, Faculty and Staff:
You need to show a valid UCard as proof of compliance with the University's already established vaccine policy to gain entry to events.
For All Others:
Individuals ages five and older must show proof of vaccination or a negative, third-party COVID-19 test taken in the previous 72 hours to enter the events described above.
On-site testing will not be available at Minnesota athletic events. Fans can visit the state of Minnesota's website if they need help locating a testing site.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What qualifies as proof of vaccination?
Individuals can show their CDC-provided vaccination card or a photo of their vaccination card, along with a photo ID with a matching name. Individuals can also use Docket or other government-approved services that provide copies of medical records, in concert with a photo ID with a matching name, to verify their vaccination status. A matching photo ID is not required for guests under age 18.
What qualifies as proof of a negative COVID-19 test result?
Those who do not show proof of vaccination for entry must instead provide a copy (email, printout or screenshot) of a third-party test that shows a negative result on a sample collected in the 72 hours prior to entry, along with a photo ID with a matching name. A matching photo ID is not required for guests under age 18. At-home, self-read tests do not meet this requirement.
What does vaccination mean?
According to the CDC, for children 5 years through 17 years of age, a primary series consists of 2 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. For persons 18 and older, a primary series consists of:
• A 2-dose series of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or
• A single-dose COVID-19 vaccine (Johnson & Johnson's vaccine)
Is a booster required for entry as well?
At this time, proof of a booster shot is not required for entry.
How does this apply to guests who may be under the age of five?
This policy does not apply to guests under the age of five since they are not currently eligible for vaccination. Other public health policies, notably those regarding wearing masks inside University facilities, still apply.
Do spectators still have to wear a mask?
Minnesota's indoor mask mandate, which was put into place in September 2021, is unchanged and spectators will need to continue to wear a well-fitted face mask that covers the wearer's nose and mouth. The lone exception is when an individual is eating or drinking.
Will concession stands remain open?
Yes, concession stands will remain open and offer a full menu.
What if I have questions about upcoming events?
Please contact Gopher Sports at 1-800-U-GOPHER or email GopherSports@umn.edu.
The temporary policy, which reflects the University's vaccination announcement made earlier in the day, will start on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022, and will end on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022. This policy may be extended, and Athletics will work with campus leadership to determine if an extension is needed. Any extension of this policy will be announced prior to Feb. 9.
The COVID-19 vaccine requirement applies to all attendees age five and older. Minnesota's indoor mask / face covering mandate also remains in effect for all home athletic indoor events.
The policy applies to tennis, swimming and diving, track and field, women's basketball, men's basketball, women's hockey and men's hockey games, as these sports meet the criteria (indoor event with more than 200 attendees between Jan. 26 - Feb. 9) for individuals to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative, third-party COVID-19 test.
The first scheduled event with the policy in effect will be Minnesota's home men's basketball game against Ohio State on Jan. 27.
The following are ways attendees can comply with this policy:
For Current University of Minnesota Students, Faculty and Staff:
You need to show a valid UCard as proof of compliance with the University's already established vaccine policy to gain entry to events.
For All Others:
Individuals ages five and older must show proof of vaccination or a negative, third-party COVID-19 test taken in the previous 72 hours to enter the events described above.
On-site testing will not be available at Minnesota athletic events. Fans can visit the state of Minnesota's website if they need help locating a testing site.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What qualifies as proof of vaccination?
Individuals can show their CDC-provided vaccination card or a photo of their vaccination card, along with a photo ID with a matching name. Individuals can also use Docket or other government-approved services that provide copies of medical records, in concert with a photo ID with a matching name, to verify their vaccination status. A matching photo ID is not required for guests under age 18.
What qualifies as proof of a negative COVID-19 test result?
Those who do not show proof of vaccination for entry must instead provide a copy (email, printout or screenshot) of a third-party test that shows a negative result on a sample collected in the 72 hours prior to entry, along with a photo ID with a matching name. A matching photo ID is not required for guests under age 18. At-home, self-read tests do not meet this requirement.
What does vaccination mean?
According to the CDC, for children 5 years through 17 years of age, a primary series consists of 2 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. For persons 18 and older, a primary series consists of:
• A 2-dose series of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or
• A single-dose COVID-19 vaccine (Johnson & Johnson's vaccine)
Is a booster required for entry as well?
At this time, proof of a booster shot is not required for entry.
How does this apply to guests who may be under the age of five?
This policy does not apply to guests under the age of five since they are not currently eligible for vaccination. Other public health policies, notably those regarding wearing masks inside University facilities, still apply.
Do spectators still have to wear a mask?
Minnesota's indoor mask mandate, which was put into place in September 2021, is unchanged and spectators will need to continue to wear a well-fitted face mask that covers the wearer's nose and mouth. The lone exception is when an individual is eating or drinking.
Will concession stands remain open?
Yes, concession stands will remain open and offer a full menu.
What if I have questions about upcoming events?
Please contact Gopher Sports at 1-800-U-GOPHER or email GopherSports@umn.edu.