Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Updated October 2, 2023

On May 11, 2023 the government ended its public emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been a long time coming and a milestone we should all celebrate. As the government lifts restrictions and scales back services, so will MATC. The college is committed to keeping employees and students healthy on campus. Here’s what you need to know:

Prevention/Staying Healthy

Masks
Meeting restrictions are lifted! Though you may meet and greet as you please, know that MATC remains a mask friendly campus. If you feel safer wearing one, do so. Employees in our child care centers should follow state guidelines. [the document doesn’t list what the state requirements are for child care centers]

PPE
You’ll have to work with your department to order personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, disposable gloves and cleaning supplies. The PPE ordering link will stop working Wednesday, May 31.

Vaccination
Health experts say that vaccination and boosters are among the most effective ways to avoid COVID-19. We encourage all students and employees to get vaccinated, but it is no longer required. New employees will no longer have to be vaccinated or apply for an exemption.

Students traveling abroad to study may require a vaccination. And, students who work with community partners may have to get vaccinated. In those cases, vaccinations will be determined by the Academic Pathway.

Treatment

Getting Tested
The government is scaling back its testing offerings — free at-home tests are no longer available and many community testing sites will close by June 30. Contact your doctor, pharmacy or local community health center to see how you can get tested.

New: September 25, 2023 Home COVID test can be ordered on this weblink: https://www.covid.gov/tests

Treatment Options
What if you have symptoms? The Wisconsin Department of Health Services offers a free COVID-19 Treatment Telehealth service for Wisconsinites ages 18 and older who have symptoms of COVID-19 to help them access COVID-19 treatments. The service will run through December 2023.

Stay Home
Though the college is no longer offering “wellness days,” employees are encouraged to take vacation or sick days. Staying home keeps students and fellow employees safe and healthy. Sick time does not affect any flexible work arrangements.

Reporting COVID cases
Local health departments are no longer tracing contacts or making notifications of cases. Students, starting Saturday, July 1, report positive cases using the COVID email account or the secure contact form. College health officials will give you return-to-class information and masking guidelines. It’s up to you to inform your instructors and close contacts. Employees, HR will continue contact tracing through the end of the year. If you have symptoms of COVID, contact HR at employeecovid@matc.edu.


EXPERIENCING COVID-19 SYMPTOMS?

  • If you feel sick, stay home at the first signs of illness (regardless of vaccination status). Do not wait until you feel sick a few days in a row. Continue safety practices such as hand-washing and sanitizing. If you have symptoms, get tested and complete the college’s secure contact form. Continue to use the secure contact form for:
    • Symptoms of COVID-19
    • Positive COVID-19 test results
    • Exposure to a person who has tested positive for COVID-19
  • Do not work on campus if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Do not come to work if you have completed a COVID-19 test and are awaiting results.


VACCINE Education and CLINICS

MATC Fall Immunization Clinics (pdf)

To locate COVID-19 vaccine sites:

https://www.vaccines.gov/

Overview of COVID-19 Vaccines

Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines

 



Updates from MATC  

para Español, visite Coronavirus información - Español

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

COVID-19 FAQs

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 if experiencing any respiratory symptoms.
  • Cover your cough and sneeze into your flexed elbow or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Wash your hands immediately.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Monitor yourself for fever, cough, shortness of breath or other signs of respiratory infection.
  • Consult your healthcare provider if symptoms develop.