COVID-19 vaccine/booster clinic Feb. 21 and campus updates

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We hope everyone is enjoying a great start to the spring semester! The COVID-19 Task Force and senior leadership team continue to monitor the local spread of COVID-19. View the latest activity on the COVID-19 dashboard. We thank everyone for promoting the health and well-being of our campus community by practicing recommended public health guidelines and for following the policies outlined in the Spring 2022 COVID-19 Handbook.

Dining services

Dining services will return to normal operations starting Saturday, February 12.

Student-hosted events and activities

In-person student-hosted events and activities may resume starting tomorrow, February 11. Remote or virtual events continue to be encouraged when feasible, and indoor events must adhere to the university’s mask requirements. Any gathering on Greek Row must be specifically approved by the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Difference between isolation and quarantine

Please refer to this helpful infographic as a quick reference to distinguish the difference between isolation and quarantine. Isolation refers to those who have tested positive for COVID-19. Quarantine refers to those who are determined to be a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19. Quarantine protocols differ for individuals depending on vaccination status.

Note: The CDC has updated its vaccine guidance with the following terms:

  • Up to date means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.
  • Fully vaccinated means a person has received their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines.

Vaccine policy reminder, upcoming vaccine/booster clinic Feb. 21

Prior to the spring semester, Oglethorpe University updated its COVID-19 vaccine policy to require booster shots in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (see details). This updated policy was established to ensure that our campus community has the highest level of protection against COVID-19 and its variants this spring. Faculty, staff and students were expected to receive a COVID-19 booster prior to the start of the semester, or when eligible.

Students, faculty and staff should have already acknowledged their vaccination status or applied for a medical or religious exemption through the appropriate method below. If you previously received a medical or religious exemption, you do not need to resubmit your information. Additionally, if your vaccination status has changed, or you now have your booster, you must update your status through the appropriate method below.

Follow-up with those who have not met the requirement, confirmed their ineligibility for the booster, or applied for a medical or religious accommodation is now taking place, and may result in temporary removal from the campus community until the requirement is completed.

Oglethorpe University is offering COVID-19 vaccines and boosters as part of a free walk-up vaccination clinic on Monday, February 21, 2022 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Turner Lynch Campus Center Trustee Room. If you have questions about the clinic, please contact [email protected].

About the clinic:

  • This clinic is open to the entire community for those 12 and older.
  • Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines/booster will be available.
  • Vaccines are free, regardless of insurance or immigration status.
  • Please bring your COVID-19 vaccination card, identification and insurance card if you have them.

Additional COVID-19 vaccine/booster clinic dates on campus:

  • Wednesday, March 16 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – TLCC Trustee Room
  • Thursday, April 14 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – TLCC Trustee Room
  • Friday, May 13 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – TBD

COVID-19 testing

Students, faculty and staff testing positive for COVID-19 must report their case so that the proper case management can take place – regardless of their vaccination status.

  • Students testing positive for COVID-19 must report their case to [email protected].
  • Employees testing positive for COVID-19 must report their case to Sandy Butler, HR Director.

The university continues to require COVID-19 tests for a randomized percentage of the campus population who are not up to date on their vaccines on a weekly basis. Individuals will be notified via email when they are selected and must submit a valid test result as instructed in the email.

Individuals can order free at-home COVID-19 tests through covidtests.gov. Up to four tests can be distributed to each home address for U.S. residents. Students should include their campus P.O. Box when ordering. It takes 7-12 days for kits to be shipped.

Insurance companies are required to cover or reimburse for at-home COVID-19 tests purchased on or after January 15, 2022 (some insurance companies may have reimbursed tests purchased prior to that date). More information about this program can be found here.

COVID-19 testing is also available through many sources, including private physician offices and pharmacies (where there may be a charge) and county departments of public health (where they are generally free). Find a COVID-19 testing site near you.

Proper mask-wearing and other best practices

Face-coverings will continue to be required indoors on campus unless you are alone in your office or room, or while actively eating or drinking. Masks must be worn as recommended, fitting snugly against the face and completely covering your nose and mouth. Additionally, you may consider N95 or KN95 masks, which offer higher levels of protection. These masks are now more widely available than they were at earlier stages of the pandemic. Everyone is required to provide their own mask on campus. However, there is a limited supply of masks available through Campus Life and the Office of the Provost when needed.

In addition to proper mask-wearing and vaccination, there are many other ways to mitigate COVID-19 spread. The CDC continues to recommend that you:

  • Avoid large crowds
  • Wash your hands regularly
  • Stay aware of COVID-19 symptoms and monitor your health daily

Athletics

Athletes should continue to work with coaches and trainers in compliance with NCAA protocols. For additional information on Oglethorpe’s COVID-19 policies and regulations regarding athletics, please visit gopetrels.com/covid-19.

Reporting COVID-19 violations and concerns

Individuals should report COVID-19 violations, incidents or concerns through this form. For students, reports are addressed through the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities and may result in removal from campus. Reports pertaining to faculty and staff are addressed through the appropriate human resource guidelines and may result in