Recently the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance for managing COVID-19 related issues. In response to the guidance, the University System of Georgia announced a new face mask policy on July 6 which will be in place for all USG institutions, including South Georgia State College. As of July 15, 2020, masks or face coverings will be required in campus buildings at all SGSC locations.SGSC will be providing two masks each to students, faculty and staff to support compliance with this policy. The new face mask policy states the following:
“Effective July 15, 2020, University System of Georgia (USG) institutions will require all faculty, staff, students, and visitors to wear an appropriate face covering while inside campus facilities/buildings where six feet social distancing may not always be possible. Face covering use will be in addition to and is not a substitute for social distancing.
“Face coverings are not required in one’s own dorm room or suite, when alone in an enclosed office or study room, or in campus outdoor settings where social distancing requirements are met.
“Anyone not using a face covering when required will be asked to wear one or must leave the area. Repeated refusal to comply with the requirement may result in discipline through the applicable conduct code for faculty, staff or students.
“Reasonable accommodations may be made for those who are unable to wear a face covering for documented health reasons.”
The announcement also gives updated guidance for people who will need extra precaution due to age and underlying medical conditions. The entire announcement can be found at https://www.usg.edu/coronavirus/.
“The safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff are among our highest priorities, and South Georgia State College has been working to develop plans following recommendations from the CDC and the Georgia Department of Public Health for a return to campus in the fall. This announcement is one additional step that will help to keep our campuses as healthy as possible,” said SGSC President Dr. Ingrid Thompson-Sellers. “We ask that you remain mindful that we may need to adjust plans as the COVID-19 situation evolves.”
Additional information can be found on SGSC’s COVID 19 update page at http://www.sgsc.edu/alert.cms. Classes are scheduled to begin on August 17.