UGA Campus Update
Fall 2021 Campus News
Reports of COVID-19 at UGA Hit Semester Low Cases of COVID-19 reached an all-time low for the semester at the University of Georgia, with 47 cases reported for the week of Sept. 27-Oct. 3. The latest figure, a 48% decrease from the previous week, shows an overall decline in cases reported on campus, mirroring similar recent trends in the local community and across the state.
The University Health Center (UHC) posted the data as part of the weekly update on its website Wednesday morning. Of the 47 cases reported in DawgCheck, 33 were students, 11 were staff members and three were faculty.
The positivity rate for UGA’s surveillance testing was low again this week, with 9 of 843 asymptomatic individuals testing positive for a rate of 1.068%. The UHC can test up to 800 individuals a day, and this service is offered free to the campus community.
Last Chance to Answer the Call to Win $1,000! The final 25 lucky winners in UGA’s Vaccine Drawing will be selected at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15. Current UGA faculty, staff and students who have received a full series of the COVID-19 vaccine—whether at the University Health Center or elsewhere—can register NOW to win a cash prize of $1,000.
Not fully vaccinated yet? It’s not too late! Individuals who receive their second dose (or single dose of J&J) before 5 p.m. on Oct. 15 will be able to add their names to the pool.
If you’ve already registered, there’s no need to register again, your name is still in the pool. Faculty and staff winners will be processed through UGA’s payroll and taxed accordingly, and those at senior leadership levels (University Cabinet members and deans) will not be eligible to participate. Students will be provided the aid through their student accounts.
Getting Vaccinated On Campus Vaccinations are available at the UHC. Click here to make an appointment. Getting your vaccine is fast, easy and at no cost to you.
Faculty, staff and students who get vaccinated at the University Health Center will receive a $20 gift card as well as a specially designed UGA T-shirt while supplies last. Options include local gift cards to Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Rashe’s Cuisine and Maepole.
Gift card and t-shirt incentives are for new vaccinations only. Share the word with friends and colleagues!
COVID-19 Booster Shot UGA faculty, staff, students, retirees and dependents (18 and over) who have received the Pfizer vaccine series (2 doses completed more than six months ago) and who meet eligibility requirements outlined by the Georgia Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control may schedule appointments to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot. Appointments may be scheduled at patient portal.uhs.uga.edu. Individuals should bring their original vaccine card to the appointment. Those who have received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccines are not eligible to receive a Pfizer booster dose at this time, per CDC guidance. Vaccination status will be verified on-site.
Based on the FDA’s authorization and CDC recommendations, the following groups are eligible to schedule appointments for the Pfizer COVID-19 booster dose if it has been at least 6 months since the completion of the primary Pfizer series:
Face Coverings Strongly Encouraged in Classrooms Please remember that face coverings are strongly encouraged inside all buildings on the UGA campus, including classrooms. Pursuant to University System of Georgia directives, neither the University nor individual faculty or staff can mandate face coverings in campus facilities, including classrooms. While faculty may strongly encourage students to wear face coverings in classrooms, face coverings are not required, and students are not required to comply with any directives from faculty that masks are required in classrooms. Any student who wants a cloth face covering can pick one up at no cost at Information Desks in the Tate Student Center and the Miller Learning Center.
Face Coverings Required on Buses Regulations from the Transportation Security Administration require passengers to wear face masks on UGA buses, except for children under two and persons with certain disabilities. Disposable face masks are available on UGA buses for any riders who do not have a mask. If you do not want to wear a mask, please take advantage of the extra five minutes added to the period between classes, and walk to class or ride a bicycle.
COVID-19 Testing The University Health Center (UHC) continues to offer free surveillance testing for all faculty, staff and students—just as we did last year. We are open for appointments Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
The UHC can accommodate up to 800 saliva tests per day. Appointments for asymptomatic testing can be booked via the Vet View scheduling process and walk-ups are always welcome. Surveillance tests are conducted outside the UHC, separate from students who are coming inside the clinic for symptomatic testing. There is plenty of room to park, and the whole process usually takes about 5-10 minutes. Samples are processed by the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories, and results are provided to clients within 24-48 hours.
Based on CDC and DPH guidance, any individual, vaccinated or not, should get tested if they have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 within 3 to 5 days of that contact.
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