Spring 2022 Campus Update

In this issue:

Getting Vaccinated

COVID-19 Testing

Report Positive Tests in DawgCheck

Face Coverings

Mental Health and Wellbeing

References and Links

Free at-Home Test Kits

Households in the U.S. can now order one set of 4 free at-home tests from the United States Postal Service (USPS). Orders will ship at no cost starting in late January.

You may order your kits on the USPS COVID-19 Home Kit website. To see the latest guidance for COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) websites.

Getting Vaccinated

Faculty and staff who would like to schedule a COVID vaccine appointment at the University Health Center may do so by calling 706-542-5575. Students may continue to schedule their COVID vaccine appointments online through the Patient Portal. While supplies last, you can also receive a $20 gift card following your vaccination. The University Health Center offers first, second and booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine free of charge to faculty, staff, students and their eligible dependents aged 16 and up.

COVID-19 Testing

Surveillance testing remains an important step in our defense against infection. The University Health Center and Veterinary Diagnostic Labs are equipped to test up to 800 people per day for COVID variants. These tests are free to faculty, staff and students. Click here to schedule an appointment. Walk-ups are also welcome. Over the next three weeks, testing will be expanded through pop-up locations at the Tate Student Center offered by the College of Public Health on January 20, 25 and 27 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Report Positive Tests in DawgCheck

Remember that any faculty, staff or student who tests positive for COVID is required to report that positive test through DawgCheck and to follow the advice provided. Typically, a positive test will require a period of isolation, depending on the test results. Quarantining also applies to unvaccinated individuals who are identified to have been in close contact with an infected individual. The Georgia Department of Public Health recently changed its protocols on quarantine and isolation to reflect CDC guidance, and UGA is now following the new guidance. Click here to see the latest information.

Student Affairs will continue to hold a stock of beds for potential quarantine and isolation needs by our students, and the Student Care and Outreach team stands ready to assist.

Face Coverings

We continue to strongly encourage the wearing of face masks when inside campus buildings. Face coverings are required on Campus Transit buses in accordance with federal transportation rules. We have approximately 50,000 KN95 masks in stock for distribution. Departments that are interested in having masks on hand can order them at no cost through UGAmart.

Students can pick up masks at information desks in the Tate Student Center and the Miller Learning Center, while supplies last.

Mental Health & Wellbeing

We understand the tremendous strain that the COVID pandemic continues to present for members of our campus community. We want to remind you that there are several support systems and tools available to you through various resources offered by the University System of Georgia and UGA.

Faculty and Staff have access to several benefits programs that can be accessed through OneUSGConnect (e.g., Kepro EAP counseling, Virgin Pulse Well-being, Accolade care management, Live Health Online, etc.). UGA is working with the USG to implement strategies to focus on employee mental health and emotional well-being, including providing a Mental Health First Training course for key campus personnel.

Students also have access to well-being and mental health resources through UGA Student Affairs Well-being Resources. Visit well-being.uga.edu to learn more.