Implementations to Prepare for the Coronavirus (March 12 Update)
In a continued effort to protect the Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) community, MECA&D is implementing the following:
Spring Break Extension
- Spring Break will be extended for an additional two weeks. Classes are currently planned to resume on Monday, March 30, 2020
- Until further notice, Staff are expected to report to the MECA&D campus and continue their regular work schedule
- The Porteous and 380 Cumberland buildings will be deep cleaned and disinfected during this two-week period
Closing MECA&D to External Visitors on Saturday, March 14, 2020
Effective Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 5:00pm, MECA&D will be closed to external guests. The front doors of the Porteous Building will remain locked until further notice. All departments are required to cancel or reschedule any public events. Admittance will be granted only to those who have an identified business need to be on campus. Please be sure to notify the front desk if you are expecting a guest with a legitimate business need.
Closing Academic Buildings to Students on Sunday, March 15, 2020
Effective Sunday, March 15, 2020, at 8:00pm, MECA&D’s academic buildings will be closed to all students in all degree and non-degree programs. The building will reopen on Sunday, March 29th at 10:00 am. Students have until 8:00 pm on Sunday, March 15, 2020, to get needed materials or supplies from Porteous and/or 380 Cumberland. Students will NOT be permitted access to the Porteous and 380 Cumberland buildings after this time.
Student Life
During Extended Spring Break, students should take every step necessary to minimize their risk of exposure. Students may choose to stay in the residence halls during Extended Spring Break or may prefer to go home or elsewhere, with caution to be aware of cluster outbreaks.
Student Life requires all residents staying in the residence halls for the Extended Spring Break to register that they are present in the halls for safety reasons.
- Students must fill out this form informing Student Life of their dates of stay in the residence halls
- Meal services for students on a MECA&D meal plan will be provided in a to-go fashion under food handling best practices starting Monday, March 16, 2020. More details will be provided via email regarding the first meal service
Students who exhibit symptoms of acute respiratory illness (progressive cough, fever, and shortness of breath) should seek medical assessment and must email studentlife@meca.edu.
Residents may not bring guests into the residence halls during Extended Spring Break.
What to Do if You Feel Ill
Members of the MECA&D community who exhibit symptoms of acute respiratory illness (cough, fever, shortness of breath) should not come to the MECA&D campus. Please seek medical advice from your Primary Care Physician/local Emergency Room.
How to Protect Yourself & Others
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends:
- Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- If you are not feeling well, stay home, seek medical guidance
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
What is Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19)?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
Situation in Maine
As of March 11, 2020, at 12:00 pm, Maine CDC is reporting 0 positive cases of COVID-19.
We recognize this is a dynamic situation and will provide timely updates as necessary.
Learn More
Individuals can learn more about coronavirus, risk assessment, situation updates and more by visiting the following links: