Join Us: Protect yourself, others this holiday season

November 17, 2020

Colorado Mountain College is urging its students, faculty, and staff to step up to protect themselves and their communities as COVID-19 continues to spread ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

“With the pandemic worsening across our state and the holidays approaching, it is more important now than ever that we all do our part by wearing our masks, staying 6 feet apart, staying home when we’re sick, washing our hands and seeking testing,” says CMC President and CEO Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser. “We are also asking our college community to think long and hard before making the decision to attend gatherings with friends or family this holiday season.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says small household gatherings are an important contributor to the rise of COVID-19 cases. The CDC has posted guidelines for safely celebrating Thanksgiving that encourage celebrating the holiday virtually instead of in-person.

“If you’re traveling home for the Thanksgiving holiday, or attending a small gathering, please continue to respect the 5 Commitments to Containment and research local COVID-19 conditions and restrictions before you go,” President Hauser says. “This may be the year when it’s safest for you to restrict your Thanksgiving meal to people who are already in your household.”

Those who do plan to travel to visit friends or family are encouraged to self-isolate prior to attending the gathering and consider getting tested for COVID before they go. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains a map of free COVID testing sites.

Colorado Mountain College is closely monitoring local public health regulations at each of its campus locations. Although most classes will continue to be delivered remotely after the Thanksgiving holiday, students will return to their residence halls and still have access to campus resources.

“That’s why it’s more important now than ever that our students are careful and stay as healthy as possible,” President Hauser says. “We want you to stay strong and healthy and finish the semester with us.”