How to have a safe homecoming

Homecoming for MNSU students is an important and exciting season and it’s important to keep COVID safety in mind. 

It is not only a first homecoming for freshman students but also returning sophomores due to COVID circumstances this previous year. 

“I’m pretty excited for homecoming this year. I didn’t get the full experience last year and it makes me feel like I’m experiencing it for the first time. I hope they go all out this year to make up for it,” sophomore Ryan Schmidt said.

With this return to normalcy it is easy to forget the COVID threat remains. Early in the fall semester, the University reinstated a mask mandate at the recommendation from Minnesota Department of Health due to low levels of vaccinations in the community. 

There are several tips provided by the Student Health Services in order to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations to wash hands regularly, continue to wear a mask and get plenty of sleep are some ways that students are able to stay healthy amidst the pandemic. 

In regard to homecoming, or any big event that could result in spreading the virus, it is recommended to get tested after five days to ensure creating a COVID-free space. 

These may seem like simple tasks that we were taught as children but they truly make all the difference. Not only can it make such a big difference but it can affect people’s lives when it comes to COVID. 

The CDC recommends washing your hands for 20 seconds or longer with soap and warm water regularly. In between washing your hands it is important keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth, and nose. When using hand sanitizer the CDC recommends that the hand sanitizer has 60% alcohol or higher. 

Freshman KJ Corson said she was excited for her first homecoming here at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She was most excited for the parade this saturday at noon and supporting her school with her friends. Coming from a small town, Corson said she is excited to be a part of a big community and the fun events planned. 

Freshman Mariah Palmby said she was excited for Monday’s bonfire and fireworks, saying she’s excited to get into the school spirit and “mav out” with her friends. Shailee Nagel, also a freshman, says that not being able to have these experiences really makes her appreciate them and want to go all out in all of the events during the school year, especially homecoming and football games which she missed the most.