March 3, 2022

NMC Community COVID Update

As COVID-19 continues to impact our community, it has become increasingly important to create easy access to important information. The White Pine Press is committed to publishing on-campus exposures every issue this semester in addition to COVID protocols, resources, and events in an effort to help disperse this important information. We will also share some general community information and resources.

    Masking: Starting Monday, Feb. 28, NMC will recommend masking, and will no longer require them while inside NMC buildings. This change aligns college policy with state and local guidelines, spurred by a downward trend of cases, related hospitalizations, and an increased vaccination rate in our service area. N95 and surgical masks will still be provided in all campus buildings. As an exception, the College’s Health Occupation programs and Health Services office will continue required masking based on MDHHS recommendations.
    Vaccinations: Vaccines remain the best protection against COVID-19, especially against severe illness. Vaccines are widely available for ages 5 and up. Grand Traverse Health Department and local pharmacies are administering vaccinations and boosters. Visit vaccines.gov to find a location.
    Reporting: NMC will continue its quarantine protocols, contract tracing efforts, enhanced cleaning/sanitization efforts, and rapid testing services through Health Services. Case reporting procedures are still in effect and will continue to be reported on NMC’s COVID-19.

    Dashboard. If you are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms, please stay home and seek campus or community testing resources to help mitigate on-campus spread.
Testing: Call NMC Health Services at (231)995-1255 to schedule a COVID test if you are having symptoms or were exposed. The Grand Traverse Health Department and local pharmacies are also testing. To order free COVID tests for your home, visit covidtests.gov. If students, staff, or visitors test positive, please contact NMC Health Services and isolate.
    Resources: Visit NMC’s COVID hub for more information and resources at nmc.edu/covid19.