Keep Safe
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Masking
Masks are recommended but not required inside NMC facilities. As an exception, masks are required for Health Occupations lab courses and GLMA cadets aboard the training vessel.
The College offers free surgical masks and hand sanitizer at all major building entrances. Free N-95 masks are available at these locations.
COVID-19 Symptoms
Per the CDC guidelines, people with the following symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
If you are experiencing any symptoms, please stay home to prevent further viral spread and take a COVID-19 test. You may return to campus five days after symptoms subside, but should wear a well-fitting mask for the next five days.
Testing
Students and employees experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are expected to stay home until symptoms subside, and take a test before returning to campus.
- Students have access to free testing at NMC Health Services. Call (231) 995-1255 to schedule an appointment. Health Services is open 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday through Friday during Fall and Spring semesters.
- Non-students, including employees and community members, are encouraged to utilize free community testing sites and maintain a stock of rapid antigen tests at your residence. Free rapid tests (8-pack) can be ordered through the United States Postal Service.
Exposure
If you’ve had a close-contact exposure but remain asymptomatic, you may return in-person to your classroom or workplace but should wear a well-fitting mask for ten days and take a COVID-19 test on the fifth day following the exposure. If you test positive, follow the isolation procedures below.
Isolation
Per the CDC, you are most infectious and should isolate from others during the first five days of infection. Isolation (day 1) should begin on the first day following symptoms onset, or the first day following a positive test if asymptomatic. If symptoms subside after five days, you may return to campus but should wear a mask for the next five days when in public.
If you suspect you have COVID-19 and are awaiting test results, you should isolate out of precaution until you receive test results. If the test result is negative, you may return to campus but should still wear a well-fitting mask for the ten days following the date of exposure.
Contact Tracing and Case Reporting
Contract tracing is no longer emphasized by the CDC except for high-risk group-living situations such as nursing homes, hospitals, and prisons. However, NMC Health Services will continue to monitor for classroom and on-campus housing case clusters, and will communicate with any students who were exposed by close contact (within six feet for fifteen or more minutes). Human Resources will continue to monitor for clusters of cases in the workplace.
- Employees who test positive should notify their supervisor and Hollie DeWalt in Human Resources at hdewalt@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1350 and follow isolation procedures.
- Students who test positive should submit a Red Flag report. Instructors may submit this on behalf of the student. Health Services receives the alerts and will follow-up with the student and instructor on next steps.
- Multiple Classroom Case protocols can be found here. NMC Health Services will guide instructors on this assessment.
As of Spring 2022, the College is no longer updating its dashboard for on-campus cases and exposures.
Vaccination
Vaccination is considered the most effective action you can take to prevent severe COVID-19 outcomes. Northwestern Michigan College highly recommends all students and employees be vaccinated (and boosted) for your safety and the safety of our campus community.
Older adults and people with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes are at much higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19. If you have an underlying medical condition, please consult your doctor to understand your risks related to COVID-19.
Community vaccination sites can be found here.
Social Distancing
Social distancing is no longer emphasized by the CDC guidelines, but is still listed as a component to protect yourself and others.
On-Campus Housing Protocols
For students living in on-campus housing, the College has reserved a limited number of isolation rooms in each hall for dorm students who test positive. Guests are allowed on-campus but remain subject to College and housing guest policies.
See COVID-19 Housing Expectations for more detail.
Other COVID-19 Safety Measures in Place at NMC
- Sanitization Stands — Hand sanitizer and surgical masks are available at every major entryway in College-owned facilities.
- Physical Barriers — the College has placed Plexiglas barriers in high-traffic areas to combat close contact among students and employees.
- Cleaning — College custodial staff continues its deep cleaning protocols to ensure any high-touch surfaces are wiped frequently to minimize spread of germs. Examples of high-touch surfaces include door handles, desks or countertops, drinking fountains, light switches, and more.
- Signage — Safety signage remains on building entrances, hallways, and classrooms across campus reminding students and employees of the best measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19.