Los Alamos Reporter

NNMC President Richard Bailey Issues COVID-19 Health And Safety Update

NNMC NEWS RELEASE

The proliferation of variants and the re-emergence of increased case numbers has prompted Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) to implement more aggressive measures to combat the spread of COVID-19.TT

“Since March 2020, Northern New Mexico College has served as a role model for the thoughtful and thorough way we have endured the pandemic.  Because of the teamwork and steadfast resolve of our campus community, we are proud of the fact that not a single positive COVID case has originated from either campus,” said NNMC President Rick Bailey. “NNMC is committed to the health and safety of not only our students, faculty and staff but our families and the communities we serve.”

The standards below, effective immediately, are being implemented with one simple, unchanging focus — to keep us all safe and healthy. 

  • All students, faculty and staff who want or need to be in-person on either campus must provide proof of full vaccination to the NNMC Health and Safety Officer by October 15.
  • Exemptions to the vaccination policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and only for medical or religious reasons.
  • Masks are required by all personnel on either campus, with two exceptions:
    (1) outdoors with proper spacing; or (2) indoors in your office alone with the door closed.
  • Physical presence on either campus by non-college personnel will be prohibited until further notice.  Exceptions will only be made on a case-by-case basis after consultation with the college president.  

“Ultimately, the decision to implement these standards is bigger than the College,” Bailey said. “We all need to count on each other, now more than ever.”

Northern strongly advocates for everyone who is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine. With New Mexicans ages 18 to 24 vaccinated at the lowest rate of any group (41%) and fall semester started, it is paramount that we work together to vaccinate our campus communities to ensure we limit spread and disruption in higher education settings.

The Delta variant is at least two times more contagious than previous COVID variants – but our vaccines are working.  You can help protect the lives of our community and our most vulnerable – by getting vaccinated – today. New Mexicans are eligible up to August 31, for a $100 incentive for getting a dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Schedule your vaccine appointment at vaccinenm.org today. For more information visit vaccine nm.org.

For Northern New Mexico College’s COVID-19 guidance, updates, and resources, please visit https://nnmc.edu/covid19/