On September 9, 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order 14042, “Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors.” This Executive Order requires most federal contractors, including the University of Georgia, to comply with COVID-19 guidance from the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force (“Task Force”). This guidance was initially issued on September 24, 2021, and requires that federal contracts […]
On October 20, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended its emergency use authorization for COVID-19 vaccines to allow for the use of a single booster dose as follows: The use of a single booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine that may be administered at least 6 months after completion of the primary […]
On September 22, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration amended its emergency use authorization of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine to include a single booster dose at least six months after completion of the full vaccine series. Beginning Monday, September 27, 2021, UGA faculty, staff, students, retirees, and dependents (18 and over) who have received the […]
You are required to report the positive test through DawgCheck and isolate for 10 days per CDC/GDPH guidelines. The system will prompt you to provide information on others with whom you may have been in close contact. It will also trigger notifications to Student Care & Outreach (SCO) and the Facilities Management Division (FMD). Case managers in SCO will notify your professors and contact you to coordinate any support or assistance you may require, and FMD will coordinate cleaning and sanitation of spaces where you have been.
If you are a resident of on-campus housing, you will not be allowed to stay in your residence hall during the 10-day isolation period and will be encouraged to return home. If this is not a viable option, SCO can arrange for other housing and meal delivery on an individual basis.
We also strongly encourage you to share your test results with those you believe you were in close contact with. Those contacts should:
You are required to report the positive test through DawgCheck and isolate for 10 days per CDC/GDPH guidelines. The system will prompt you to provide information on others with whom you may have been in close contact. It will also trigger notifications to the Facilities Management Division (FMD) and to your hiring authority (dean/vice president or designated supervisor).
Anyone who tests positive is required to isolate for 10 days, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms, per the CDC. Fully vaccinated people can still contract COVID-19, although such break-through infections are very rare.
According to the University System of Georgia, telework may be possible, depending upon the nature of the work to be performed:
Provisions for special paid leave associated with COVID-19, other than Vaccine Leave, have expired. Those who are unable to telework must take accrued leave [Sick or Annual Leave or Leave Without Pay (LWOP)] during the 10-day period of isolation.
We also strongly encourage you to share your test results with those you believe you were in close contact with. Those contacts should:
The University Health Center offers Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines to the campus community. Appointments may be scheduled via the UHC Patient Portal. Being vaccinated offers your strongest defense against COVID-19. The latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that vaccinated individuals are not at high risk of symptomatic or severe infection, but new research has shown a vaccinated individual may be able to pass the virus to another individual. The University of Georgia and University System of Georgia strongly encourage all faculty, staff and students to be vaccinated and encourage all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals to wear a mask inside in public areas.
Find more information about UGA's COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan on the University Health Center's website.
Students who are showing symptoms should seek care from the University Health Center. Please do not walk in. Make an appointment via telehealth or in person by calling 706-542-1162 or your primary care team’s number.
Employees who are showing symptoms should seek care and testing from a healthcare provider and may be required to self-quarantine.
Free COVID-19 testing will continue to be offered to asymptomatic faculty, staff and students at the University Health Center, regardless of vaccination status. For the safety of your family and friends, please consider getting tested if you are not fully vaccinated. Appointments can be booked via the Vet View scheduling process.
An appropriate face covering has the following qualities:
Face coverings with exhalation valves are not considered effective as they can allow virus particles to escape. Cloth face coverings are recommended to be worn with face shields.
Read more about appropriate face coverings and how to wear them from the CDC here.
If you are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, isolate until an accurate assessment of the cause can be determined. Isolation, similar to quarantine, requires that you remain out of contact with others and limit movement in public. Isolation and the support needed to accomplish it is best achieved off campus or at a permanent residence. Student Care and Outreach can help with various means of support, and the Health Center can assist with medical assessment and testing. Students should contact Student Care and Outreach to discuss the option that is best suited for their individual circumstance.
Employees should not come to work when they are sick and should self-isolate until they can determine the cause through consultation with their healthcare provider. This requires the appropriate use of available leave. If an employee appears to be exhibiting symptoms associated with coronavirus while at work, a manager should excuse the employee from work and advise them to seek care from their healthcare provider.
The College of Public Health has developed and will continue to update a guide to local testing sites for faculty and staff. Note: Only PCR nasal test sites are listed here: https://publichealth.uga.edu/coronavirus/local-testing/
Public health officials strongly encourage people who test positive to notify those with whom they have had close contact, and in many cases, this is the most effective way to notify those who have been exposed.
If you receive a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, you are required to report those results through DawgCheck.
Access DawgCheck through the UGA app or online at dawgcheck.uga.edu.
The University System of Georgia encourages everyone—whether vaccinated or not—to wear a face covering while inside campus facilities. However, face coverings and social distancing are not required.
Any students who want face coverings can pick them up at no cost at Information Desks in the Tate Student Center and the Miller Learning Center.
Follow this link to learn more about proper masks and masking behaviors.
You can help prevent illness by taking several simple steps:
The University System of Georgia encourages everyone—whether vaccinated or not—to wear a face covering while inside campus facilities. Learn more through the University Health Center.