(CENTREVILLE) – Glen Oaks Community College employees will be able to return to work on campus starting July 6.

Glen Oaks President Dr. David Devier announced the plans in an e-mail that was sent out on Tuesday. He said that after some deliberation by the Glen Oaks COVID Task Force, the Committee determined that all employees will be expected to return to work on campus on Tuesday, July 6.

Earlier, the Task Force had considered a return date in August, but shifted the time line due to a number of changes, including: the COVID vaccine becoming widely available to anyone over the age of 12 quicker than anticipated; the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration emergency ruling prohibiting in person work being lifted on Mary 23; All Michigan Department of Health and Human Services gatherings and face mask orders scheduled to be lifted July 1, and COVID cases have been greatly reduced.

Devier says the Committee felt that it was important to allow employees ample time to prepare for their return to in person work; perhaps get vaccinated if they haven't already, and get back into the flow before the fall semester starts on August 30.

Glen Oaks continues to work in a safe manner with safety protocols in place that include masks and daily health checks for unvaccinated employees.