Introduction

Medgar Evers College (MEC) continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety, and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff, as well as the community at large. The College remained open throughout the pandemic with a dedicated group of essential staff – Public Safety officers, custodians, maintenance personnel, and operations teams – to achieve an open and safe environment. We are thankful that these frontline staff members have worked daily to protect the campus and community as others worked remotely to effectively serve our students. MEC will continue to follow public health, New York State, and CUNY guidelines and directives for the spring 2022 semester.

 

 

 

Child Care Center

The Child Care Center (The Center) located at 1150 Carroll Street, first floor, will operate at the capacity allowed under New York City regulations for child care centers. The Center can serve children, 10 per room, under the current guidelines. The child care center will need eight to 10 staff members, depending on use. The Center is operating remotely until further notice. The Center’s cleaning and safety protocols will adhere to New York State and City requirements for child care centers.

 

 

 

Cafeteria and Cafés

MEC’s cafeteria and cafés are closed until further notice, and vending machines are shut down. No storage of food or beverages is allowed in shared refrigerators. Kitchens and lunch breaks will be organized to minimize the duration of use and enforce adherence to social distance. Social distancing issues will be addressed when the new campus food vendor begins services, and this plan will be updated accordingly:

  • Allow only one person at a time with a two-minute wait before the next person enters, unless there is enough space to maintain social distance the entire time with two-minute breaks;
  • Use signage to deter the use of amenities, such as refrigerators and coffee makers;
    Limit the number of chairs/seating areas;
  • Post signs to remind employees of social distancing;
  • Secure and remove reusable kitchen items;
    Staggering or scheduling use of shared space;
  • Cafeteria and cafés will employ stringent safety protocols to avoid cross-contamination and identify allowable occupancy to control physical distance;
  • Cafeteria staff must wear face masks and gloves when working and interacting with the public;
  • Cafeteria staff must follow infection prevention guidelines.

 

 

 

Auditoria, Seminar Rooms, and Event Spaces

Auditoria, seminar rooms, and event spaces are not available for any in-person events until further notice. There will be strict occupancy and time limitations for any in-person events scheduled before stage 4 begins. Hand sanitizer and wipes will be made available in each room.

 

 

 

 

 

Food Pantry

The food pantry will be open three days per week, and require two staff members during opening hours: Mondays, 10:00am to 2:00pm; Tuesdays, 3:00 to 7:00pm; and Wednesdays, 10:00am to 2:00pm. Reservations will be required to ensure social distancing, and proper cleaning and safety protocols will be in place.

 

 

 

 

Hallways, Stairwells, and Access Points

Signage and floor markers will be posted to cue occupants on recommended traffic flow in corridors, stairwells, entrances, and exits to minimize contact. These measures include:

  • Markers with one-way arrows on floors in hallways and stairs to designate traffic flow; labeling would minimize face-to-face interactions;
  • Hand hygiene stations near all stairwells;
  • Signage will be posted to discourage lingering and congregating in hallways and stairwells;
  • High touch surfaces, such as stairwell handles and railings, will be cleaned frequently.