COVID-19 Update
April 10, 2023
Dear Motlow Family:
After three years of COVID-19, our nation is in a better place with CDC data showing a 92% decline in daily reported COVID-19 cases, an 80% decline in COVID-19 deaths, and an 80% reduction in COVID-19 hospitalizations. The nation’s ongoing recovery has been hard-earned through natural immunity and vaccinations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that COVID-19 remains a global health emergency but acknowledges that the pandemic is at a “transition point.”
On May 11, 2023, the Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 will expire.
The Biden administration will continue to work to protect our health by ensuring that COVID-19 vaccines and certain treatments will be widely accessible. Depending on an individual’s health care coverage, out-of-pocket expenses may occur for vaccines, treatments, and COVID-19 tests.
Until May 11th, free tests and vaccines can be obtained at pharmacies and health departments.
This link will direct you to sites where test kits are available and will be sent to your home: covid.gov/tests.
For more information, please visit:
Fact Sheet: COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Transition Roadmap
July 22, 2022
While it may appear that COVID-19 is in the rearview mirror, it is important for all of us to remember that COVID-19 is a new illness, and there is still much to learn about how it works and how to control it. Many ways we responded to being exposed or infected when COVID first emerged have changed, but many of the preventions are the same. Here is some information to help you be informed on how to protect your health and the health of the Motlow community.
What is the current COVID variant in our communities?The SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to change with the new variants being more contagious than prior variants. Vaccines and prior infections are providing less protection from getting COVID-19 but do reduce the risk of hospitalization or death. A new vaccine is being developed.
Am I at risk? If you are 18-49 years of age, you are at the highest risk of getting COVID with 54.1 percent of the COVID-19 cases occurring within this group. If you are 50-59 years of age or older, you are less at risk of getting the virus, but you have a higher risk of death with 11.4 percent of COVID-19 deaths occurring within this age group. The risk of death increases for people 70 years of age and older.
The take-away is that the current COVID variants are more contagious with case numbers and hospitalizations increasing. Therefore, to protect the Motlow community, you are encouraged to do the following:
- Stay home if you are sick (cold-like symptoms of fever, fatigue, sore throat and cough, and less common symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) and do a COVID test (available free from the government at COVID.gov).
- If you test positive for COVID-19 or if you are exposed, follow the guidelines from the Tennessee Department of Health.
- To help you stay healthy, avoid sick individuals, wash hands frequently, keep 6 feet from other people when you are in a public setting, consider wearing a mask if the number of cases is increasing or you have a health condition, cover your sneezes, and disinfect frequently touched objects.
Motlow is committed to the health and safety of its community in its mission for student success.
- Be informed! Current information:
- Get help! COVID-19 has been challenging and you are not alone. Counseling is available
- Get information about CARES and HEERF funding
November 13, 2021
The Tennessee State Legislature met in special session and passed legislation that eliminates our mask requirement. The Governor signed the legislation into law.
Effective immediately, the mask and daily health self-assessment requirements are no longer applicable for students and all Motlow employees.
Students, employees, or visitors who want to continue to wear a mask are welcome to do so.
Motlow State has determined that the function of the PEMT (Pandemic Emergency Management Team) has transitioned from its original mission. The PEMT co-directors will continue to monitor COVID-19 local health departments and CDC guidance. Communication will be delivered as needed.
The health, safety and wellness of students, faculty and staff continues to be a College priority.
August 31, 2021
Masks are required indoors on all Motlow campuses. All students, employees, and guests are required to complete a daily health assessment form each day before coming on campus. Employees, students, and visitors are advised to observe social distancing wherever possible.
August 18, 2021
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 84 on Aug. 16, affirming individualized decisions regarding mask wearing in public places of learning during the COVID pandemic.
As a result of Governor Lee’s Executive Order 84, the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) added the following recommendation:
“Colleges should encourage faculty, students, and staff to wear masks in indoor settings where social distancing is not possible. Institutions should not have a mask mandate or requirement.
If a student, faculty, or staff member declines to wear a mask, the institution should not take disciplinary action.
Individual faculty members are not permitted to require that masks be worn during instructional activities or to treat the failure to wear a mask as a basis for removing a student from class.
The System Office recognizes that many people on both sides of this issue have deeply held feelings and beliefs, and we recognize the polarizing nature of decisions regarding masks. Institutions should encourage everyone to avoid confrontation and to try to lower the temperature as we all try to navigate the current phase of the COVID pandemic.”
Motlow State Community College encourages faculty, students, and staff to wear masks in indoor settings where social distancing is not possible.
August 4, 2021
Effective Wednesday, August 4th, 2021, and in compliance with CDC guidance, Motlow State Community College will require the wearing of face masks for faculty, staff, students, and guests inside all Motlow State Community College buildings.
In support of this decision, clarifying points and most recent CDC guidelines follow:
- The CDC recommends face masks to be worn inside of public indoor settings regardless of vaccination status
- Masks will be worn inside all Motlow State Community College used/owned/rented/leased locations and as designated via outdoor/indoor signage except when in a private office or when eating
- Masks are not required outdoors
- Continue use of health-protecting behaviors by staying home when sick, practicing physical distancing, avoiding crowds, frequent hand washing, and cleaning high-touch items such as cell phones and desk tops
June 1, 2021
Motlow is fully open for walk-ins and appointments. All student services are operational. We are excited to see all of our students on-ground and around campus.
Students, staff, and visitors are no longer required to complete a health self-assessment form before coming to campus. No appointments are needed to come to campus to receive student services.
May 6, 2021
Motlow State Community College will re-open its campuses to in-person students for the fall semester. Motlow’s reopening aligns with the Tennessee Board of Regents institutions across the state.
The college will initiate its return to campus plan beginning May 10. Specific details for accessing campuses and services can be found in the student resources section of this page.
Motlow will reopen its five campuses: Moore County, McMinnville, Fayetteville, Smyrna, and Sparta. The decision to return for Fall 2021 is commensurate with decreased COVID-19 restrictions per the State of Tennessee and aligns with Governor Bill Lee’s announcement of the end of the statewide public health orders.
April 23, 2021
Motlow State Community College is planning a phased return to on-campus classes in fall 2021, subject to new information, guidance, or direction from state and local health officials. The safety of our students and employees is our highest priority.
Here is what we know about Summer and Fall 2021. The situation is fluid, and this information is subject to change.
- Summer and Fall registration began on April 5. More than 25% of courses are scheduled to take place face-to-face, on campus, in spaces that accommodate social distancing.
- Masks and a daily self-assessment are required.
- Plans are being developed to make in-person academic support and library services available to students.
- There are student drop boxes available on every campus.
Regardless of instructional modality, all classes will be held to the standards of a high-quality education typical of Motlow State. We encourage you to register early to ensure your seat in your preferred classes.