THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED AS THE COLLEGE RECEIVES INFORMATION REGARDING COVID-19
MCC Covid-19 Reports
February 21, 2022
Good evening,
Over the past few weeks, we have seen cases of COVID-19 decline and are hopeful the trend will continue as the weather warms. On Thursday, February 17, 2022, Governor Cooper removed mask mandates for the state. Currently, the state’s positivity rate is 10.7% and Montgomery County’s positivity rate is 14.6%. Given these improved metrics, we will be reducing COVID-19 restrictions over the next week.
As always, we will strive to have a safe and inviting environment on campus. So please remember, if you feel ill or show symptoms of COVID-19 you should contact the appropriate college employee and quarantine or wear a mask as necessary. If you wish to continue to wear a mask or social distance on campus, you are most welcome to do so. The use of masks is encouraged in areas of high contact and may continue to be required in some clinical or lab settings.
This week the administration will be working with individual departments to transition away from COVID-19 restrictions and address any health or safety concerns. Individual departments will make announcements as appropriate. Masks will become optional on campus effective February 28, 2022.
I thank each of you for your support and understanding during this difficult time. We are excited at the possibility of a return to normal and look forward to putting this pandemic behind us. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Chad A. Bledsoe, Ph.D.
President
September 10, 2021
Reports of Students or Employees Who Potentially Contracted COVID
August 12, 2021
Good afternoon,
As we prepare to begin the fall term, I wanted to write and update employees and students on the status of MCC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While we have been successful preventing the spread of COVID on campus I regret to announce that COVID-19 infections are on the rise once again. Currently, the state’s positive test rate stands at 14.0% and Montgomery county’s positive test rate is 12.3%.
Due to the increase in infection rates, we are reinstating mask restrictions on campus. Starting today, masks are once again required inside buildings and within 10 feet of entrances for all employees, students, and visitors. Masks are not required outdoors (provided social distancing is practiced) or when individuals are alone in closed offices/rooms.
While this is not where we wanted to be a year and a half into the pandemic, it is a necessary step to ensure a safe teaching and learning environment. Please help us remain open by observing social distancing, adhering to current restrictions, and by getting vaccinated. We are all ready to return to normal and the sooner we can get this virus behind us, the sooner we can lift restrictions and enjoy college life as it should be.
Sincerely,
Chad A. Bledsoe, Ph.D.
President
June 4, 2021
Good afternoon,
Last week, I contacted faculty, staff and students updating everyone on MCC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, I stated that we would continue to reduce COVID related restrictions on campus as the situation stabilized and improved. COVID infections continue to decline and as of today, the state’s positive test rate stands at 2.9% and Montgomery county’s positive test rate remains under 4%.
Given the continued improvement in the situation, we will continue to reduce restrictions on campus. Starting Monday, June 7th, vaccinated individuals are no longer required to be masked on campus. Un-vaccinated individuals are still required to wear masks indoors. Additionally, anyone exhibiting COVID like symptoms or who has exposure to a person testing positive should notify his/her instructor or the human resources department before coming to campus.
As mentioned previously, the goal is to return to normal by the start of the fall semester so we can get back to teaching and learning in a comfortable environment. While we are happy to take these steps in our “return to normal”, we will always prioritize the health and welfare of our employees, students, and visitors. Please continue to help us fully re-open the campus by observing social distancing, adhering to current restrictions, and by getting vaccinated.
Sincerely,
Chad A. Bledsoe, Ph.D.
President, Montgomery Community College
May 26, 2021
Good afternoon,
As we begin the summer term, I wanted to write and update staff and students on the status of MCC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While there is still a lot of work left to do, we have been successful preventing the spread of COVID on campus and are pleased to announce that more than half of full-time employees are now fully vaccinated. Additionally, the state’s positive test rate stands at 3.8% and Montgomery county’s positive test rate is 3.5%. This is great news and a significant improvement from where we were only 6 months ago.
Due to these positive trends, we are going to begin easing restrictions on campus. Starting today, individuals are no longer required to be masked outdoors on campus. Masks are still required inside buildings and within 10 feet of entrances. Additionally, we are exploring ways to safely lift restrictions indoors. You may expect a follow-up announcement on indoor restrictions within the next week.
The goal is to return to normal by the start of the fall semester so we can get back to teaching and learning in a comfortable environment. That said, we will always prioritize the health and welfare of our employees, students, and visitors. Please help us re-open the campus by observing social distancing, adhering to current restrictions, and by getting vaccinated. We are all ready to return to normal and the sooner we can get this virus behind us, the sooner we can lift restrictions and enjoy college life as it should be.
Sincerely,
Chad A. Bledsoe, Ph.D.
President, Montgomery Community College
December 7, 2020
Reports of Students or Employees Who Potentially Contracted COVID
September 29, 2020
Good morning,
As we move closer to the midpoint of the semester, I wanted to write and provide an update on MCC’s COVID-19 response.
We remain in Phase II (2.5) of the Governor’s reopening plan and MCC continues to operate under safety restrictions.
Please remember the following;
- If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID notify your faculty or Student Services.
- Remember that masks are required on campus from the time you exit your car until the time you enter your car to leave campus.
- For a full list of MCC’s response to the COVID crisis please visit our COVID page at www.montgomery.edu
Because of these procedures, we have not had a COVID transmission on campus and are able to continue to keep our doors open. Thank you for helping with our COVID response efforts. Please continue to practice safe habits and hopefully we can return to normal sooner rather than later.
If you have questions please feel free to contact us at covid19@montgomery.edu
Sincerely,
Chad A. Bledsoe, Ph.D.
President
July 13, 2020
Good morning,
I am writing today to update you with the latest information I have concerning the response to COVID-19 and its effect on MCC as we prepare for the Fall Semester.
At the end of last week, I participated in calls with the State Community College System and received an update from the Governor’s Office concerning the impact of the virus. As you may be aware, COVID cases continue to increase in the state. At this time, we are continuing our efforts to limit interactions and ensure the safety of students, employees and visitors to campus. We expect to receive guidance from the Governor this week concerning the Phased Reopening Plan and the impact it will have on public schools this fall.
Once we receive those updates, we will finalize our plans for the fall and notify students. Please be assured that we will keep the health and safety of you as our top priority. Over the past several months we have planned for a variety of scenarios and are ready to open campus, open on a limited basis, or move to online/hybrid instruction depending on the status of the outbreak. Additionally, we have processes in place to help students who have been physically, emotionally, or financially impacted by COVID-19. In short, we are ready to pivot on a moment’s notice to adjust our instructional delivery to ensure you have the best possible resources to be successful.
We know this outbreak has brought many activities in life to a halt. Please don’t let your education be one of those things impacted. The faculty and staff at MCC want you to be successful and are ready to help.
If you have questions or need help preparing for fall please feel free to contact us. Stay tuned to email and media outlets for our announcement about our plans for Fall.
Sincerely,
Chad A. Bledsoe, Ph.D.
President
June 1, 2020
(Email to MCC faculty and staff, from Dr. Chad Bledsoe)
Good afternoon,
Now that the state has entered Phase II of the reopening plan, I wanted to write and provide an update on how this will affect operations at MCC as we prepare to begin Summer semester and look toward the Fall term.
In phase II, College operations will not differ significantly from the procedures we currently have in place. Whenever possible, employees should limit access to campus so we can keep face-to-face interactions to a minimum. However, understanding that some services related to labs, registration, and financial aid may need to take place in person, we are going to begin allowing some visits to campus by appointment.
Given that more people will be on campus, as of today, we will begin implementing additional safety procedures to help protect employees and visitors. Attached you will find a summary sheet showing operational procedures during each phase of the reopening. This document will be updated and shared campus-wide as conditions change. As you review the document, please note the following elements.
In person interaction should be limited, to the extent possible. Please ensure that there is at least six feet of distance among all individuals unless proper safety measures are in place.
Employees, students, and visitors are required to wear appropriate PPE when on campus.
Exceptions to this rule may be made when individuals are alone in their office, outside and maintaining proper distance, in a vehicle, or in situations where they do not come in contact with other people.
Failure to follow this requirement will result in a formal warning and may result in removal from campus. If visitors or students fail to follow this procedure please notify the appropriate Vice President or the President.
As appropriate, maintenance will enact enhanced cleaning of college facilities.
Any employee, visitor, or student showing symptoms of COVID-19 shall not come to campus. He/she should notify Melinda Hill, his/her supervisor, instructor, or the President immediately.
As this crisis continues, I know we are all feeling the stress of its effects and want to return to some sense of normality. Hopefully, we will be able to do so soon, but in the meantime, we need to prevent the spread of this virus and protect those who come to campus. I appreciate your help in ensuring these procedures are in place. If you have questions, concerns, or see situations that are concerning please contact me.
Be safe and thank you again for everything you do for MCC.
Sincerely,
Chad A. Bledsoe, Ph.D.
President
May 14, 2020
(Email to MCC students, faculty, staff, from Dr. Chad Bledsoe)
Good evening,
In an effort to continue to ensure the health and welfare of students, employees, and visitors, Montgomery Community College is extending the current modified work and class schedule that began March 17, 2020.
The current schedule will remain in place until further notice. Our plan is to parallel Phase I of the Governor’s phased reopening plan. Once the Governor moves the state into Phase II of the reopening NC plan, MCC administration will assess the ability to reopen services in a limited face-to-face manner.
Please continue to monitor the college’s email, website, and social media sites for updates on access to campus. As always, our primary concern is for the health and welfare of our constituents. If you have questions please feel free to email us at covid19@montgomery.edu
Chad A.Bledsoe, Ph.D.
President
April 10, 2020
(Email to MCC students, faculty, staff, from Dr. Chad Bledsoe)
Good afternoon,
In an effort to ensure the health and welfare of students, employees, and visitors, Montgomery Community College will extend the current modified work and class schedule that began March 17, 2020. This schedule will remain in effect until at least May 15, 2020. A decision on whether or not to extend this schedule will be made by May 05, 2020.
Chad A. Bledsoe, Ph.D.
President
March 27, 2020
(Email to MCC students, faculty, staff, board members, from Dr. Chad Bledsoe)
Good morning,
In an effort to continue to ensure the health and welfare of students, employees, and visitors, Montgomery Community College will be extending the current modified work and class schedule through April 17, 2020.
We understand that this is a difficult situation and appreciate the efforts made by students, faculty, and staff. Trying to conduct classes remotely is not always easy but, as a whole, we are making it work. In the coming weeks we will be sending out additional information about ways we will make up labs and classes that have been missed.
If you have questions please feel free to contact administration at covid19@montgomery.edu
Stay safe,
Chad A. Bledsoe, Ph.D.
President
March 16, 2020
(Email to MCC students, faculty, staff, board members, from Dr. Chad Bledsoe)
Good afternoon,
In an effort to ensure the health and welfare of students, employees, and visitors, Montgomery Community College will be implementing a modified work and class schedule effective March 17, 2020. This schedule will remain in effect until at least March 31, 2020. A decision on whether or not to extend this schedule will be made by March 22, 2020.
We understand that this is a difficult situation and are working to try and minimize the impact of the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak on daily life. The following sections outline how the modified schedule will impact various departments and individuals.
Students
Starting Tuesday, all classes will be delivered in an online, or otherwise defined, format.
Please contact your instructor by email for instructions on completing coursework.
Please check your student email frequently as additional changes may be forthcoming.
Faculty
Starting Tuesday, instruction will be conducted online or in a format approved for this situation.
To the extent possible we ask faculty to work from home.
Please contact your division dean for detailed instruction on offering classes.
Staff
While we will continue to provide critical functions, we are encouraging staff to telework or develop modified schedules. Emphasis is placed on social distancing.
If an employee decides to telework, he/she should contact his/her supervisor and fill out the telework request form. That form and the associated timekeeping log will be sent out by Melinda Hill shortly.
Visitors
All campus events are canceled until March 31, 2020.
Please remember that access to campus will be limited. If you need to communicate with an employee, please call the Information Desk (910-898-9600) or email us at covid19@montgomery.edu.
As always, our primary concern is for the health and welfare of our constituents. If you have questions, please feel free to email us at covid19@montgomery.edu.
March 16, 2020
Sharing a message from Montgomery County Health Department
As questions and concerns about coronavirus (COVID-19) increase across North Carolina, we’d like to encourage promotion of the statewide Coronavirus Helpline (1-866-462-3821) for the public, which is answered 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
You can also see the latest online about North Carolina’s response to COVID-19 here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina
March 11, 2020
(Email to MCC students from Dr. Chad Bledsoe)
Over the past several weeks MCC Administration has been in contact with state and local officials and have received information on recommended actions we can take to limit the chance of exposure to or the spread of the Coronavirus.
Staff have implemented measures to actively clean facilities, provided access to hand sanitizer at all MCC locations, and are promoting healthy habits to prevent the spread of viruses. As we continue the semester please keep the following information in mind:
A. For the latest information on the virus, its spread, and potential impact on MCC, please visit the following websites.
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov
www.montgomery.edu/covid-19
www.facebook.com/montgomerycommunitycollege
www.instagram.com/montgomerycommunitycollege
B. Continue to practice good handwashing and avoid unnecessary travel.
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html
C. If you have traveled outside of the United States, traveled to a city with high rates of infection, or are showing symptoms of illness (fever, etc.):
Email your instructor before returning to class, and/or
Call Student Services at 910-898-9600 for advice on whether or not to return to class.
If you have questions or concerns please feel free to email us at COVID19@montgomery.edu. Also, please continue to monitor your student email, the college’s website, and social media for the latest updates.
March 6, 2020
(Press Release)
In order to monitor, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19) threat, Montgomery Community College is taking steps to actively protect the health of our students, employees and their families.
The college is working with state agencies to keep the public informed, and is proactively preparing for any potential risk.
While the possibility for exposure is still low in North Carolina, Montgomery Community College is taking the following precautionary steps:
1. The college’s administration reviewed its internal plans and policies regarding pandemics, communicable diseases, and exposure control and remains in a state of readiness should it be necessary to implement the plans.
2. The college has shared information received from the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Governor Cooper’s task force, and the Montgomery County Health Department on preventive measures to keep from spreading respiratory illnesses.
3. The college’s Facebook and Instagram pages provided links to the NCDHHS website where individuals can obtain the most reliable, up-to-date information about COVID-19.
4. The college is working closely with Montgomery County Schools in a coordinated effort to communicate with employees, students, parents and families about what steps are being taken in response to COVID-19.
If the college receives confirmation that the potential exists for a pandemic, the college’s emergency management team will be activated. This team determines the college functioning based on how far the illness has already spread.
As always, the health and safety of students, employees, and the public are of utmost importance. In the event of an actual pandemic, the college will work with state and local public health officials and other authorities to begin containment measures including temporarily closing the college.