COVID-19 Update: Return from Spring Break testing, vaccine/booster clinic March 16
Based on the low level of community spread and over 90% compliance with the university’s vaccine policy, Oglethorpe University shifted to a mask optional policy on March 4, 2022. Thank you to the entire campus community for your response to this shift. We recognize that, for some, this was a welcome change and that others are still processing the change. We encourage everyone to respect each individual’s decision regarding wearing a mask.
The latest guidance from the CDCrecommends mask-wearing based on personal preference in areas of low community spread. Those who are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccine or are immunocompromised are still encouraged to wear a well-fitting mask.
Reports of COVID-19 cases on campus remain very low; view the latest activity on the COVID-19 dashboard. Still, please continue to follow the policies in the COVID-19 Handbook, while practicing other public health recommendations including distancing and hand-washing, to promote the health and well-being of our campus community.
An increase in community spread or shifts in CDC guidance could result in reintroducing a mask requirement in the future. Please monitor your emails for ongoing COVID-19 updates and thank you all for your flexibility!
Return from Spring Break
As the return from Spring Break may present a period of higher risk of COVID-19 spread, all students who are not up to date on their vaccines, or have a medical or religious exemption, must submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their return to campus (either returning to the residence halls or first day of class, whichever is first). 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.
Students will be responsible for obtaining their own COVID-19 test, and both PCR and antigen tests, which include at-home tests, will be accepted. Tests are available from the sources below, and students can order masks and a limited number of tests from Oglethorpe here: oglethorpe.wufoo.com/forms/zlx3esh1sbe4mw/. Students should submit COVID-19 test results here: COVID-19 test submission form for students
Employees with medical or religious exemptions and those who have not yet updated their vaccine status in Paycom must also submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to returning to work on Monday, March 28. Employees are responsible for obtaining their own COVID-19 test and should upload their test results through Paycom.
These baseline tests are in addition to ongoing weekly testing of a randomized percentage of the campus population who are not up to date on their vaccines.
How to get a COVID-19 test
According to the CDC, every home in the U.S. is eligible to order two sets of four free at-home tests. If you already ordered your first set, you are now able to order a second set today. Students should include their campus P.O. Box when ordering. It takes 7-12 days for kits to be shipped. Learn more >>
Insurance companies are required to cover or reimburse 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.
If you have challenges accessing a COVID-19 test, please reach out to [email protected].
Free walk-up vaccine and booster clinic – Wed., March 16
Oglethorpe University is offering COVID-19 vaccines and boosters as part of a free walk-up vaccination clinic on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Turner Lynch Campus Center Trustee Room. If you have questions about the clinic, please contact [email protected].
Additional COVID-19 vaccine/booster clinic dates on campus:
- Thursday, April 14 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. – TLCC Trustee Room
- Friday, May 13 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – TLCC Trustee Room
I’ve tested positive for COVID-19. Do I need to report my case?
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 are responsible for obtaining their own COVID-19 test. If you have an issue obtaining a COVID-19, please contact [email protected].