Campus Operations Updates, Social Distancing in the Classroom, University Testing Services, and more!
Spring 2021 News for Students
Health & Wellness Update on Administration of COVID-19 Vaccine at UGA The University Health Center has received its first doses of COVID-19 vaccine: a limited supply from both Moderna and Pfizer. We began offering vaccinations in accordance with the phased approach established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) over the Winter Break.
While we do not have a precise schedule for receiving more doses of the vaccine, we anticipate that we will soon begin to receive regular shipments. We will continue to follow CDC and GDPH guidelines for administration until everyone who wants a vaccine gets a vaccine. You will be notified as additional information becomes available. Surveillance Testing Changes Planned for Spring Semester When the campus community returns for the start of the spring 2021 semester, the University of Georgia will once again increase the capacity of its voluntary surveillance testing program and increasingly rely on saliva-based testing.
From Jan. 4-22, capacity at the Legion Field surveillance testing site and pop-up locations across campus will be expanded to accommodate up to 1,500 tests per day (1,000 per day at Legion Field and 500 at pop-up locations).
As soon as the current supply of nasopharyngeal test kits is exhausted—sites will switch to all saliva-based testing. Accurate results will be provided within 24-72 hours.
Revised Guideline for COVID-19 Quarantine Period Effective Jan. 4, 2021, the University of Georgia will allow the 10-day option for quarantine for those who are in close contact with individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. However, those exercising the 10-day option must have been symptom-free throughout the monitoring period.
We strongly encourage students, faculty and staff to voluntarily take a COVID-19 test within 48 hours of the end of the 10-day quarantine period (test to be administered between days 8 and 10). These tests are administered for free to the campus community by the UGA Health Center and Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. If the test is negative, the individual may return to campus, but MUST continue to closely monitor for any new COVID-19 symptoms through 14 days. DawgCheck is the best method for monitoring these symptoms. If new symptoms occur, the individual must not come to campus and must seek further testing/evaluation.
If the test is positive at the end of the 10-day period, the individual must begin a 10-day isolation period from the date of the test. Required COVID-19 Training for Students The Spring 2021 COVID-19 training module is now live in eLC. Returning students will complete a condensed “Refresher” module, while new students will complete the full version. Students should log into eLC and complete the training before returning to campus. Returning to campus safely is everyone’s responsibility, and we know you will do what you can to ensure you, your fellow students and all members of the University community have a safe, healthy and successful spring semester. Free Access to Daily Mental Wellness Support As a member of the UGA community, you have free access to mental wellness support whenever and wherever you are. The goal of TAO, Therapy Assistance Online, is to provide online and mobile tools to help you conquer the day-to-day struggles of general stressors like anxiety and depression, or specific troubles like relationships and addiction. TAO Includes interactive sessions, mindfulness exercises and practice tools all aimed at helping you achieve your goals. Click here for more information and how to access this free resource tool. Remember to Check your Symptoms Before Coming to Campus
Living on Campus Paw Points and Bulldog Bucks Update As we start the Spring semester, we are temporarily suspending the use of Paw Points and Bulldog Bucks in the dining commons. This allows us to focus on safety, social distancing and customer service by reserving access for meal plan customers only. We invite anyone without a meal plan to enjoy dining at more than twenty on-campus retail locations such as Starbucks, Panda Express, Au bon Pain, Chick-fil-A, Barberitos and more. These retail locations continue to accept Paw Points and Bulldog Bucks as well as credit/debit cards Familiarize Yourself with New Parking Procedures at the North and Tate Center Decks The North and Tate Center parking decks have transitioned to a License Plate Recognition (LPR) system, which provides customers with an efficient, user-friendly and contactless parking option. The LPR system was first introduced on campus in 2014 and has been implemented in most parking decks and select surface lots. The LPR system allows entry and exit gates to be removed, which reduces traffic in the parking area and provides contactless payment options for visitors who can use ParkMobile to pay for hourly parking. Career Center Virtual Resources To help students with career support, the Career Center will continue offering virtual appointments, programming and resources throughout the spring semester.
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