Frequently Asked Questions
Table of contents
About COVID-19
What is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing respiratory illness in people and others circulating among animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people. Previous coronavirus outbreaks have included severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that there are reported cases of COVID-19 in all 50 states. Because this is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation, the CDC will provide updated information as it becomes available, including any changes in the risk assessment.
The Michigan Department of Health has created a coronavirus website with information about COVID-19: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus.
How does it spread?
Although we have a lot to learn about this virus, it is currently believed that it spreads like other respiratory viruses- by people with the infection coughing and sneezing. These droplets are inhaled by other people or moved to the eyes, nose or mouth by contaminated hands.
What are the symptoms of this infection?
Visit the CDC website for an up-to-date list of symptoms and information about when to quarantine or seek medical attention.
I feel anxious about coronavirus. What can I do?
We understand that some community members are concerned. If you would like to talk with someone, support is available to students through:
- CARE of Southeast Michigan
- Disaster Distress Line
- 7 Science Based Strategies to Cope with Coronavirus Anxiety
- Macomb County Community Mental Heath
You can help prevent the spread of colds and other viral ailments by doing the following:
- Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and immediately dispose of the tissue.
- Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
Where can I get more information about the novel coronavirus?
For current information about this evolving public health situation, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2019 Novel Coronavirus page. The Michigan Department of Health has also created a website with information about COVID-19: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus.
Health, wellness and prevention
The CDC website provides comprehensive guidelines for the following:
- Avoiding getting sick: Information about how Coronavirus spreads, protecting yourself, wearing masks, social distancing, cleaning and disinfecting, and more.
- What to do if you are sick: Information about monitoring your symptoms, seeking medical care, isolation and quarantining following potential exposure.
- Testing: Information about who should get tested, testing for current or past infection and contact tracing.
- Precautions for individuals who are at increased risk: Information for older adults, people with medical conditions, and those who need to take extra precautions.
- Traveling during the pandemic: Information about protecting yourself and others before, during and after travel, as well as travel recommendations and restrictions.
College operations
Are classes being held at Macomb?
As of Monday, March 16: The college was closed to the public. In-person services, as well as on-ground instruction, are no longer available. Please contact departments by telephone or email for resources and support. Fall 2020 classes are being offered in online, hybrid and web-enhanced formats. Students should regularly consult Macomb’s website for updates and additional information. The administration continues to monitor the situation with the CDC and Macomb County Health Department, and will take additional actions as appropriate.
To receive important information from the college, including class updates from instructors, students should make sure the email address they have on record with the college is their primary email address. Students can review their email address on record and make any changes to it by going to the Self-Service Menu in My Macomb. Click User Profile (under your name) and scroll to Email Addresses.
Are campus events affected at this time?
College campuses remain closed. Please visit our college calendar for a schedule of upcoming virtual events.
When will the May commencement ceremony be rescheduled?
The college is looking at how best to combine the May and December ceremonies, and will announce plans once finalized.
Macomb will be conducting the normal degree audit process after the semester has concluded, and students who applied for graduation and met their program requirements will receive their diploma via U. S. mail in late summer.
How does Macomb clean and disinfect?
Macomb’s custodial cleaning service uses an EPA-registered disinfectant to clean touchpoints, public and common area restrooms and kitchens daily.
There are also dispenser stations throughout the campuses containing hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer can help prevent the spread of the virus, though proper handwashing technique is deemed to be more effective by the CDC. Handwashing instructions can be found in most all of the restrooms on Macomb’s campuses.
Information for faculty and staff
How should faculty prepare for teaching their courses online?
To transfer their coursework to an online format, faculty should consult with their dean and associate dean, and the Center for Teaching and Learning, 586.445.7588.
I am a faculty member who has been instructed by my physician to self-isolate due to unprotected and direct COVID-19 exposure. What should I do?
Please inform your supervisor and contact Lauren Willey in Human Resources, and stay home and self-monitor for 14 days.
What is the Families First Coronavirus Response Act?
Click the following link for information about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.