University of Georgia
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

Communications procedure for additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 at University of Georgia

Date:
Posted on
To:
  • Faculty, Staff, and Students
From:
  • Garth Russo, M.D., Executive Director of University Health Center

As this current pandemic continues to evolve, it is likely that additional members of our University community may test positive for COVID-19. As the lead medical professional at the University of Georgia Health Center, I wanted to share with you our plans for updating the broader university community.

We are closely coordinating with the Georgia Department of Public Health and following DPH guidance. The University Health Center is following established protocols for evaluating individuals who seek our care for symptoms of COVID-19. Consistent with those protocols, the Georgia Department of Public Health oversees contact investigation and notification of persons who have had close contact with the individuals in question. If you are deemed by DPH to have increased risk because of exposure to these individuals, DPH has the responsibility to notify you. In many cases, affected individuals may reach out to other individuals personally to make them aware.

Because of a need to maintain patient privacy, we will provide updates via the University Health Center website on the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases impacting students or employees that are reported to us, rather than individual, case-by-case notifications through Archnews. This information will be on the UHC website under the heading “Health and Exposure Updates.” Please review this website regularly for updated information. The main University of Georgia coronavirus website will link to this website, as well.

Your personal interaction extends beyond the university community. Therefore, I encourage you to also review the Georgia Department of Public Health information about all confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Georgia on a daily basis via the GDPH website.

While we understand the concerns and fear around COVID-19, it is extremely important to stay calm and maintain a close eye on your health and any symptoms that may arise. The symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Most cases of COVID-19 are mild with symptoms similar to a cold.

  • Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room.
  • Tell your doctor about your recent travel and your symptoms.
  • Avoid contact with others.

We each have a responsibility to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our community. To help prevent the spread of coronavirus, take appropriate measures, including:

  • Adhere to social distancing practices and CDC guidance regarding groups and group activity.
  • Wash hands regularly.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Be responsible and courteous to others and stay home if you are sick or experiencing symptoms.
  • Respect personal space when greeting others and during conversations.
  • Be mindful of those in high risk populations such as those with underlying health conditions and the elderly.
  • Follow CDC and DPH guidance on personal and business travel to avoid increasing your risk and that of others.

For accurate and reliable information about COVID-19, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov. Please monitor UGA’s coronavirus website for further updates.