Keep Safe
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UPDATE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated and simplified their recommendations for how people can protect themselves and their communities from respiratory viruses including COVID-19. Read the recommendations here and download a graphic outlining the updated guidance here.
Masking
The College offers free surgical masks and hand sanitizer stations at all major building entrances. Complimentary N-95 masks are available at the Health Services Office (Biederman 106).
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.
Testing
Students and employees experiencing symptoms of respiratory viruses including COVID-19 are expected to stay home until symptoms subside.
- Students and employees 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.
Exposure
When you may have a respiratory virus:
- Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory virus symptoms that aren't better explained by another cause. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others.
- For people with COVID-19 and influenza, treatment is available and can lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness. You may return to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without the use of a fever-reducing medication.
- When you return to your normal activities, take additional prevention strategies over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses. Enhanced precautions are important to protect those most at risk for severe illness, including those over 65 and people with weakened immune systems.
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. Human Resources will continue to monitor for clusters of cases in the workplace.
Vaccination
Vaccination is considered the most effective action you can take to prevent severe COVID-19 outcomes. Northwestern Michigan College 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.
On-Campus Housing Protocols
Students should have a plan of what they do if they test positive or have close contact with someone who tests positive. There is no requirement of notifying the college.
Expectations for students who test positive:
- Limit non-essential contact with others if you have worsening symptoms or a fever.
- Students may return to class or work as long as symptoms are improving and have no fever for 24 hours.
- Contact medical personnel if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
Expectations for students whose roommate tests positive:
- Self-monitor for symptoms, and leave the room when possible.
- When in your room, limit contact with your roommate and consider wearing a mask.
Read NMC's Full Exposure Control Plan here
Contact Troy Kierczynski, Vice-President for Finance and Administration, at (231) 995-1147 or tkierczynski@nmc.edu with questions.