The University of Minnesota will require proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test for entry to indoor events at all of its campuses starting Jan. 26.
The policy, announced Friday, applies to sports games and other university events, as well as those put on by third parties, where at least 200 people attend.
Through at least Feb. 9, the general public must show either proof of vaccination or a negative test taken up to 72 hours before the event.
Students, faculty and staff can get in just by showing their school ID because of high campus compliance with the U’s vaccine mandate.
President Joan Gabel in her announcement Friday cited the ongoing surge in coronavirus cases caused by the highly contagious omicron variant, as well as the decision by the Minneapolis and St. Paul mayors on Wednesday that guests of certain restaurants and bars would have to prove they’ve been vaccinated starting Jan. 19.
“This temporary approach to public gathering spaces is another step, at a critical moment, that will hopefully reduce stress on our overtaxed healthcare system and yield benefits for us all,” Gabel told students, faculty and staff.
The U’s spring semester starts Tuesday.
Huntington Bank Stadium on the Twin Cities campus was supposed to host a Foo Fighters concert in August, but the band moved the show to U.S. Bank Stadium because the U refused to require fans show proof of vaccination or a negative test.
St. Paul and Minneapolis announced mandates this week for bars and restaurants to require proof of vaccination or negative tests for COVID. St. Paul’s mandate is limited to about one-third of its restaurants — those the city has licensing power over.