New CMU health and safety plans announced for fall

Central Michigan University today announced updated COVID-19 guidelines for its main campus in Mount Pleasant ahead of the start of the Fall 2021 semester. By Friday, Sept. 3, all students, faculty, and staff must either provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or have begun participation in weekly COVID-19 testing.

Through the "Protect yourself. Protect others." program, students, faculty, and staff who choose to be vaccinated can complete a voluntary attestation form and upload their vaccination card, which allows them to opt-out of weekly COVID-19 tests.

Individuals who choose not to be vaccinated, or who choose not to complete the voluntary attestation form, will be required to complete weekly COVID-19 tests. Required testing is free of charge and will be available on campus beginning Aug. 30. Individuals must have their first COVID-19 test result or vaccination card information uploaded by Sept. 3.

These added protocols come as COVID-19 cases continue to rise throughout Michigan and the U.S., including the more contagious delta variant. President Bob Davies is committed to providing a safe and inclusive return to campus for all individuals this fall.

In a letter to the CMU community this morning, Davies explained the new protocols and decision-making process.

"Vaccination or testing, combined with the use of masks indoors for all individuals, will help us prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our campus and community," Davies said. "This plan is designed to allow everyone to make their own decision while practicing social responsibility — a core value at CMU."

This fall, masks also are required in many areas on campus. These areas include all classrooms, labs and other instructional spaces, in communal areas, health clinic areas, and indoors in any single room or enclosed space with more than 25 individuals in attendance.

To schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine, CMU students and employees can visit the CMU Health page, call 989-774-6599 or visit the Vaccine Finder. CMU also will host vaccine pop-up clinics on campus during move-in and during orientation week and throughout the semester.