As you know, COVID-19 is on the rise within the geographic area we serve. Both Mercy Health and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are recommending that everyone in Michigan get vaccinated and wear a mask in public places to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The good news is that we have not seen a significant increase in positive cases within our on-campus community, nor in our hands-on classrooms and labs. Since the onset of the pandemic, we have notexperienced a campus related outbreak. Our current safety protocols of frequent cleaning, encouraging vaccinations, covering mouth and nose with a mask, hand washing, staying home when sick, and social distancing appear to be limiting the spread of COVID-19 on campus.

As a college, our current strategy is to stay the course. We will continue daily health screenings for staff and faculty, and we ask everyone to use our CARE Report/Self-Reporting function on MyMCC to report exposures and positive cases. MCC will also be partnering with Public Health-Muskegon County to offer a booster, first, and second shot vaccine clinic at the Sturrus Technology Center on Thursday, December 2, 2021, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

We have consulted with Director of Public Health-Muskegon County Kathy Moore before deciding on this strategy. Director Moore explained closing facilities would only be necessary when the college is experiencing a specific challenge like significant absenteeism or outbreaks. Director Moore advises continuing COVID-19 safety protocols including proper mask-wearing, hand washing, staying home when sick, and social distancing when possible to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Please continue to follow these strategies to ensure a safe learning experience for all as we journey through the final week of classes and final exams. This is a time when we need to take care of each other and protect ourselves.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dale K. Nesbary
College President