Northwestern Michigan College will require a mask to be worn inside any of the college's buildings starting Wednesday - including the Dennos Museum Center - regardless of the vaccination status of the individual.

According to a college press release, the change is in response to the spread of the Delta variant, which is driving an increase in cases and hospitalizations across the country and has been identified in Grand Traverse County. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has placed Grand Traverse County in the "substantial transmission" category for COVID-19 and recommends indoor mask use for both unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals. Individuals on the NMC campus are not required to wear masks when outdoors, alone in an enclosed space, or eating or drinking. 

NMC is not currently requiring students or employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, but is highly recommending vaccination, according to the release. "Currently only about 50 percent of 20-29 year olds in Grand Traverse County have received the COVID-19 vaccine," the release states. "That is the lowest percentage of all eligible age groups in the county. Please encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to get vaccinated to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help our community return to fewer restrictions sooner."

NMC plans to offer pop-up vaccine clinics on campus this semester, including at Pinepalooza August 31 in West Hall. Students who have received the COVID-19 vaccine will be eligible to win prizes including full spring semester tuition and fees, housing fees, bookstore gift certificates, and Amazon gift cards.