Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

MATC continues to set the safety and health of its community as the highest priority. Please see these additional important items:

• Vaccines are proving to be incredibly effective. MATC is offering small group education sessions regarding COVID-19 and vaccination for departments and students. To arrange a session, contact Dr. Josie Veal.
• Masks will continue to be available at entrances.
• Keep it clean. MATC will maintain its enhanced cleaning protocols throughout all of its buildings. Continue washing or sanitizing your hands frequently and staying home when sick.
• Contact investigations will continue when an individual who has been on an MATC campus tests positive.
• For employees and managers: Based upon federal law, an employee may choose to share their vaccination status with a supervisor or coworker; however, a supervisor or coworker cannot ask for the status or proof of that status.

You are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines when you have completed a primary series and, when eligible, received the most recent booster dose recommended for you.

WI DHS: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-dose.htm

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html

While MATC does not require the vaccine for its students and employees, MATC strongly encourages vaccinations for everyone eligible. The vaccine is safe, effective and widely available.  

MATC Free Vaccination Clinic for the Public

• Free parking (Eighth and State Street structure): voucher will be provided
• Open to MATC students, their partner/spouse and children (12 years and older), and the public
• The vaccines are free of charge
• If you received your first dose of Pfizer at another site, there is an option to receive your second dose at the on-campus clinic
• Walk-ins are welcome
• Vaccine card holders will be provided

Contact Dr. Josie Veal with questions. Share your shot and tag us on social media with the hashtag #MATCVaccinated!

City of Milwaukee Vaccination Clinics

The City of Milwaukee Health Department is offering walk-in vaccine clinics at the Northwest Health Center and Southside Health Center. No appointment is needed and no ID or insurance is required. The clinics are offered Monday through Friday and free parking is available. Language interpretation is available upon request. You can call 414-286-6800 with questions or to speak with a nurse. The City of Milwaukee Health Department also maintains a list of other options for walk-in clinics, mobile clinics, library clinics, and Milwaukee Public School clinics. 

Access to a vaccine should not be an obstacle for someone to get vaccinated. Here are some other easy steps you can take to access the COVID-19 vaccine:

1. Visit vaccines.gov (English) or vacunas.gov (Spanish) to search and find a vaccine near you. 
2. Text GETVAX (438829) for English or VACUNA (822862) for Spanish to receive three vaccine sites on your phone within seconds. 
3. Call the National COVID-19 Vaccination Assistance Hotline at 1-800-232-0233 for those who prefer to get information via phone call. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources for Parents

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released updated information regarding COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens. The CDC is encouraging parents to have children and teens 12 years of age and older vaccinated as soon as possible. 

If you are looking for more information about COVID-19 vaccination for children, you can visit the following trusted resources:

• COVID-19 Resources for Parents and Guardians (DHS webpage)
• COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens (CDC webpage)
• Factsheet: What Parents and Guardians Should Know
• Pfizer EUA Fact Sheet for parents and guardians to read before vaccinating their children

Why should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

The COVID-19 vaccine can protect you, your family, and our college community from the COVID-19 virus. It is the best tool to keep you and your family healthy. At 95% efficacy, the vaccine is extraordinarily effective at protecting you from the virus. It is available to everyone free of charge.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

The COVID-19 vaccine is very safe. The vaccine was developed through groundbreaking partnerships between leading medical experts in America, some from right here in Wisconsin. The process for approving the vaccine was transparent and rigorous, with continual oversight from medical experts and final approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Experts at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the FDA continue to track the safety of the vaccine.

Where can I access the COVID-19 vaccine?

There are many organizations providing the vaccine free of charge to individuals. These include primary care physicians, pharmacies, community health clinics, health departments, community vaccinations sites, and employers. 

Does the COVID-19 vaccine have side effects?

Common side effects include fever, chills, body aches, and soreness at the injection site. These side effects are normal - they are a sign that your body is building protection from the virus. These common side effects go away in a few days.The likelihood of a severe side effect from the COVID-19 vaccine is less than 0.5%.

Why do I need two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine?

Depending on the manufacturer, some versions of the COVID-19 require one dose and some require two doses. For the COVID-19 vaccines that require two doses, those doses must be separated by a few weeks to get the best protection from the virus. The first shot helps your body recognize the virus and gets your immune system ready, and the second shot actually gives you a boost of immunity. It is very important to read the information and disclosures provided when you receive the vaccine and follow the instructions regarding whether you need to schedule an appointment for a second dose.

Where can I find more information about the COVID-19 vaccine?

Continue to seek answers to your questions regarding the vaccine from reliable sources such as your healthcare provider or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Here are some additional trusted resources for information about the COVID-19 vaccine:

• Myths and Facts About the Vaccine
• Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
• Vaccine Information for Wisconsin Residents
• City of Milwaukee Vaccine Information

Use these resources to locate a free COVID-19 testing site:

• City of Milwaukee (link)
• Other Wisconsin communities (link)

To locate COVID-19 vaccine sites:

https://www.vaccines.gov/

Order free COVID-19 home tests:

https://www.covid.gov/tests

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has made COVID-19 materials and publications available in several languages and accessible formats. The websites listed below contain information on COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and avoiding illness.

• American Sign Language (ASL) Videos  
• Screen-Reader Accessible Publications
•  इन्फोग्राफिक्स और प्रिंट संसाधन (Hindi)
• Cov Duab Ntawv Xov Xwm thiab Cov Ncauj Lus Luam Tawm (Hmong)
• Waxyaabo Loo Daabacay si Kooban (Somali)
• Recursos de Infografía e impresión (Spanish)

This chart shows the number of times MATC has activated its COVID-19 contact investigation protocol. These numbers are based on self reporting of students, employees and contractors.

Effective 8/1/22: The contact investigation protocol is activated when a person who has been on campus reports a positive COVID-19 test result and has been on campus 7 days prior to the positive test result.

2/20/23-2/23/23 Totals

COVID-19 Key Indicators: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fjEKL3s4LMPlaCpAzUC3P1Ba0yq84zk/edit

Milwaukee County (as of 1/12/23)
Cases: Yellow
Test Positivity: Red
Care: Green
Vaccination: Yellow

CDC COVID COMMUNITY LEVEL: Milwaukee County (Medium)
On Campus Mask Recommendation: Mask Friendly

Campus Indicators (1/4/23)
Cases: Green
Tracing: Green
PPE/Supplies: Green
Stakeholders: Green

For more data, see our dashboard page (link)

• While reported COVID-19 cases on campus remain low, MATC continues to encourage anyone inside an MATC facility to wear a KN95 or N95 mask. Masks will continue to be available at entrances.
• If you have been on campus and have tested positive or have had exposure to someone who tested positive, use the MATC secure contact form. Do not come to campus until you receive further instructions.
• Report violations of COVID-19 protocols via the Speak Up For Safety Incident Report form.
• Delay travel until you are fully vaccinated. If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDC’s recommendations for unvaccinated people. People who are fully vaccinated can travel safely within the United States.
• The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has launched the Wisconsin Exposure Notification app. The app can help you protect yourself and the college community by sending and receiving updates about possible exposure. This fact sheet contains instructions for downloading the app on iPhone and Android devices.
• MATC has partnered with Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network to provide a free virtual visit to full-time and part-time students. Use service key MATC and show your student ID during an online visit.

The college has implemented protocols to prevent further spread of COVID-19 and ensure the appropriate members of the campus community are notified of a positive COVID-19 case and/or potential exposure to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.

• If you have been on campus and have tested positive or have had exposure to someone who tested positive, use the MATC secure contact form.
• In addition to completing the secure contact form, employees should contact Human Resources at employeecovid@matc.edu. If you are an employee and a student informs you they have tested positive for COVID-19 or potentially been exposed, notify studentcovidresponse@matc.edu.
• Learn more about the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s definition of a close contact for reporting purposes.

MATC has leadership in place to manage the college’s public health response to the pandemic. Dr. Josie Veal manages the college’s public health response.

Dr. Veal can be reached by email at vealj@matc.edu or by phone at (414) 297-8095.

How can I get tested for COVID-19?

See new weekly on-campus testing options above. MATC testing sites cannot test those who are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms. If you have symptoms and need to be tested, please call your doctor or find additional testing options in the City of Milwaukee or statewide.

I’m a student or employee who tested positive or was exposed to COVID-19. What should I do?

If you test positive for COVID-19, or have been told by someone outside of MATC that you have been exposed to COVID-19, complete this contact form. Students should also email studentcovidresponse@matc.edu. If you are an employee, contact Human Resources at employeecovid@matc.edu. You will be contacted immediately for next steps. If you are an employee and you feel ill, do not report to work and contact your supervisor prior to the start of the work day to report your absence.

If you do not receive a response within 24 hours, please contact Dr. Josie Veal at vealj@matc.edu or (414) 297-8095.

How can I help stop the spread of COVID-19?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
• Maintain 6 feet between you and other people if you are not vaccinated, immunocompromised, or at high risk for COVID-19 complications.
• Cover your cough and sneeze into your flexed elbow or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Wash your hands immediately.
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay home when ill or if other family members are ill.
• Monitor yourself for fever, cough, shortness of breath or other signs of respiratory infection.
• Consult your healthcare provider if symptoms develop.

I am experiencing more stress since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Where can I get help?

The college has a team of licensed professional counselors (LPCs) available in the Student Resource Center. To reach the counselors, email counseling@matc.edu.

If you are in crisis and need immediate assistance, please call 911, or contact the following:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Milwaukee County Crisis Services: 414-257-7222
• COPE Hotline--Ozaukee County crisis and supportive listening line: 262-377-2673
• Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Other resources in Milwaukee and Ozaukee Counties:

• IMPACT 211 - Housing, shelter, mental health, and other support resources
• Sojourner Family Peace Center - Shelter & resources for victims of domestic abuse: 414-933-2722
• Advocates of Ozaukee - Shelter & resources for victims of domestic abuse: 262-284-3577
• Local K-12 school districts may be providing free meals to area children. Milwaukee Public Schools are offering free breakfast, lunch and dinner at Stop, Grab & Go locations. 

What if I have lost a job due to COVID-19?

• The MATC CareerHub (formerly JOBshop) offers resources to help students find employment opportunities. Visit CareerHub (formerly JOBshop) | MATC.
• The State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development has expanded unemployment benefits available. You can apply online for unemployment benefits.

How do I access IT help?

• MATC information technology staff continues to provide support to students and employees with technology questions through the MATC Help Desk. To receive the fastest response, please email helpdesk@matc.edu. You can also call 414-297-6541 and leave a voicemail message.

I’m a current student that needs assistance to take classes online. Where can I get assistance with technology?

• With on-campus resources open and pandemic-related funding ending, MATC will no longer distribute Chromebooks and hot spots.
  
  For on-campus support, students are encouraged to use the Academic Support Centers, MATC Libraries and other campus resources. Students may use financial aid to purchase devices at the MATC Bookstore or other stores.

How do I use my Chromebook once I receive it?

• The IT department has created this Chromebook Getting Started Guide to help you set up your Chromebook.
  

How can I obtain internet access at home if I don’t already have it?

• Free or low-cost options can be found on the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. This website also includes a map of public Wi-Fi locations in Wisconsin.

Where can I find help using Blackboard?

• If you are a student, please view this Blackboard Support tutorial for help using Blackboard to access your classes online.
• If you are a faculty member, please visit the Faculty Blackboard Support page for tutorials and training resources.