TRAVERSE CITY —Starting Wednesday, August 11, NMC will require everyone to wear a mask while inside any one of the college’s buildings, regardless of your vaccination status. This change is to limit the spread of COVID-19, especially the delta variant which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows is more infectious and can be transmitted by vaccinated people. The delta variant is driving an increase in cases and hospitalizations across the country and has been identified in Grand Traverse County. The CDC has placed Grand Traverse County in the “substantial transmission” category for COVID-19 and recommends indoor mask use for both unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals.
Symptoms of the delta variant are similar to the original strain including:
- Headache
- Fever
- Sore throat
Cough and loss of smell may be less common symptoms of the Delta variant.
Vaccines are effective and widely available for those 12 and older. NMC is not currently requiring students or employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, but it is highly recommended. To schedule an appointment near you please visit nmc.edu/vaccines.
You do not need to wear a mask in the following circumstances:
- Outdoors
- Alone in an enclosed space
- Eating or drinking
Social distancing is not required at this time and NMC remains in Stage 4 of its reopening plan.
As we head toward the fall semester, NMC will be offering pop-up vaccine clinics on campus, including at Pinepalooza August 31 in West Hall. Students who have received the COVID-19 vaccine will be eligible to win prizes including full spring semester tuition and fees, housing fees, bookstore gift certificates and Amazon gift cards. More details will be released soon on how to enter to win!
Currently only about 50% of 20–29 year olds in Grand Traverse County have received the COVID-19 vaccine. That is the lowest percentage of all eligible age groups in the county. Please encourage your friends, family and neighbors to get vaccinated to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help our community return to fewer restrictions sooner.
NMC remains committed to keeping our students and employees safe while limiting the disruption to learning as much as possible. We will continue to monitor the situation and will lift the mask requirement when conditions improve. We will continue to communicate with you on the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our campus community. You can find more information and resources at nmc.edu/covid-19. Thank you to everyone who helped keep our NMC community safe during the pandemic, and your continued support.
Release Date: August 10, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019