MT. PLEASANT, Mich. (WWJ) -- Central Michigan University will require students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 this fall, while those who are unvaccinated will be required to participate in weekly COVID-19 testing, the school announced Thursday.
CMU officials say by Friday, Sept. 3, all students, faculty and staff must either provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or have begun participation in weekly testing, which will be provided free-of-charge on campus beginning Aug. 30.
Through the school’s “Protect yourself. Protect others.” program, those who choose to be vaccinated can complete a voluntary attestation form and upload their vaccination card, which will allow them to opt-out of weekly testing.
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Students, faculty and staff will be required to have their proof of vaccination or first COVID-19 test result uploaded by Sept. 3.
The school’s announcement comes as COVID-19 cases continue to surge again across Michigan and the rest of the country, including the more contagious Delta variant. The state reported 2,600 confirmed cases and 31 new deaths earlier this week.
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State health officials on Wednesday predicted a further spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations this fall, suggesting there could be as many as 4,000 more deaths this fall and winter.
Central Michigan President Bob Davies says he is “committed to providing a safe and inclusive return to campus for all individuals this fall.” In a letter to the CMU community Thursday 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."
School officials say face masks will also be required in many areas on campus, including all classrooms and labs and other instructional spaces, in communal areas, health clinic areas and indoors in any single room or enclosed space with more than 25 people in attendance.
More information on CMU’s latest COVIID-19 updates and protocols can be found on the schools’ COVID-19 Information and Resources page.
CMU students and employees can visit the website or call 989-774-6599 to find help scheduling a vaccine appointment.
The school will also host pop-up vaccine clinics during move-in and orientation week, as well as throughout the semester.