MMC COVID-19 Update: Friday, March 20

Dear MMC Students, Faculty, and Staff,

As you know, there are multiple members of our college community with suspected cases of COVID-19 who are awaiting test results. I write now to confirm that a staff member has received a positive test result. The staff member has not been on campus since last Friday, March 13, 2020, and was not symptomatic while on campus. The main campus buildings were thoroughly deep-cleaned and sanitized this past Monday, March 16, 2020.

I’m providing this notification in accordance with guidance from public health officials at the city and state levels but I want to emphasize that there is now widespread community transmission of the virus in New York City. In other words, the spread of the virus is not accurately traceable by contact.

It is incumbent upon all of us to follow the social distancing and personal hygiene measures outlined by the CDC:

• Practice “social distancing” by remaining home and avoiding all non-essential outings.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick or at higher risk by staying at least six feet, or two arms-length, away.
• Wash your hands often.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly, including your phone.
• Call your healthcare professional if you have concerns about COVID-19 and your underlying condition or if you are sick.
• For more information on steps you can take to protect yourself, see CDC’s How to Protect Yourself.

Governor Cuomo also announced this morning that “all workers in non-essential businesses across New York state are required to stay home in an effort to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.” 

To further limit the number of people on campus, the library will be completely closed starting tomorrow, Saturday, March 21, 2020. Any students who rely on the library for technology or Internet access necessary for remote instruction should email studentaffairs@mmm.edu with information about your needs. Faculty and staff who have not been designated Essential On-Site Employees should not access their offices beyond this weekend.

I thank you all for actively helping to limit the spread of this virus by staying home as much as possible, and I wish each member of our community good health in the coming days and weeks.

Sincerely,

Kerry Walk, Ph.D.
President

Published: March 20, 2020