MCC Daily Tribune

MCC Re-Opening Work Groups

Governor Cuomo recently reiterated that the NY PAUSE order will remain in effect until May 15. While the order can be extended if needed, there are positive signs around the state's battle against COVID-19. The overall hospitalization rate is dropping, intubations and new cases are down, and additional drive-thru testing sites will be opening in the coming days.

In addition, the Governor announced a phased re-opening plan for New York. The plan will be regionally phased-in and will begin with construction and manufacturing industries. Thereafter, businesses will reopen based on how essential they are. The Governor did not give a specific re-opening date however, he did set four factors to monitor in determining the state's readiness for phased re-opening: new hospitalizations would need to have dropped for two weeks; a decrease in the rate of transmission; and an increase in antibody and diagnostic testing.

To ensure that the College is fully prepared to return to face to face operations, we will begin to further develop MCC's phased re-opening plan. MCC's plan to re-open will be based on our ability to protect the health and safety of our students and employees. We will coordinate with the Monroe County Department of Health and comply with Governor Cuomo's state-wide Executive Orders. Our capacity to re-open will also take into consideration availability of testing, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), capacity for increased sanitation as campus facilities are utilized, temperature checks, etc.

Planning for the re-opening has been tasked to five Work Groups each led by a member of the Executive Policy Group (EPG) outlined on MCC's Emergency Operations Plan. All Work Groups will coordinate membership, plans, timelines, etc. through the EPG. The Work Groups are as follows:

Learning Experience: Co-Chairs Provost/VP Andrea Wade & VP Todd Oldham
Student Experience: Chair, VP Lloyd Holmes
Employee Experience: Chair, Executive Dean Joel Frater
Facilities and Operations: Chair, Chief Tony Perez
Fiscal Stewardship: Chair, CFO/VP Heze Simmons

While there remains much planning yet to be done, we commit to inclusive communication as the process and protocols evolve. My thanks to all of you who are participating, and I look forward to seeing the great work resulting from your efforts."

Katherine Douglas
Office of the President
04/29/2020