Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) announced that a Great Lakes Maritime Academy (GLMA) cadet tested positive for COVID-19 while in self-quarantine in NMC housing prior to a planned training cruise.

The cadet is one of 10 cadets who began a self-quarantine July 6 in NMC’s East Hall. The cadets took the COVID-19 test on July 10 and received the results on Wednesday. The cadet who tested positive is asymptomatic and is now in isolation. NMC representatives say they are working closely with the Grand Traverse County Health Department while it conducts its case investigation and contact tracing to determine potential spread. Because the cadets were already in a voluntary self-quarantine, the GTCHD has not identified any community exposure with this case at this time. NMC is also working with the GTCHD to determine potential additional exposure within the group of 10 cadets, which could delay the cruise departure date. 

NMC and GLMA have implemented safety protocols and procedures that follow CDC, MARAD and maritime industry guidelines. The cadets were in a voluntary 14-day self-quarantine ahead of a summer training cruise aboard the T/S State of Michigan. The vessel was scheduled to depart NMC’s Great Lakes Campus Harbor Friday, July 23.