On the afternoon of Aug. 6, 2020, University of Georgia President Jere Morehead released the following statement to faculty and staff members at the school. Phase three of re-entry for faculty and staff begins on Aug. 10, and students are expected to return to class for in-person instruction on Aug. 20. Masks are required.

Here is the statement:

Updated Guidelines on face coverings:

The University System of Georgia (USG) and UGA are requiring that all faculty, staff, students, and visitors wear an appropriate face covering while inside campus facilities/buildings where six feet social distancing may not always be possible. Through consultation with the Medical Oversight Task Force and the Preventative Measures Advisory Board, UGA has determined that face coverings must be worn in certain areas inside University facilities at all times because it is not always possible to meet social distancing requirements (i.e., at least six feet of physical distance from others can be maintained in all directions at all times) due to the typical occupant densities that occur throughout campus. These areas include but are not limited to: classrooms, teaching labs and other instructional spaces, conference rooms, hallways, enclosed stairwells, elevators, lobbies, lounge areas, public restrooms, shared work spaces, common areas of residence halls, student activity and exercise centers, performance spaces, retail spaces, museums, libraries, and dining services facilities (unless seated and actively eating). Face coverings are required even when moving through shared spaces such as lobbies, elevators, stairwells, lounges, etc., when using campus public transportation (including bus stops) and while inside university vehicles if more than one person is present. Face coverings are not required when alone in an enclosed office or study room, for students in their own residence hall rooms or suites, in dining areas when seated and actively eating, or in campus outdoor settings where social distancing requirements are met and the person has control over someone entering into their six-foot vicinity. Reasonable accommodations may be made for those who are unable to wear a face covering for documented health reasons. Employees seeking such an accommodation should contact Human Resources, while students should follow the Disability Resource Center’s existing accommodations process.

Campus Conversation on COVID-19.

As part of our ongoing communications outreach to the campus community, a live webinar was held on Tuesday, August 4, to discuss campus COVID-19 planning efforts. We are grateful to more than 2,200 individuals who participated. The webinar addressed questions submitted by the participants, and the discussion topics varied from in-person and online instruction to COVID-19 testing and reporting, to economic pressures caused by the pandemic. The goal was to address concerns and better inform attendees of the careful planning that has gone into preparing the campus for the return of faculty, staff, and students. The webinar is archived on UGA’s coronavirus website, along with additional frequently asked questions, and we encourage you to make time to watch the event. With the first day of classes fast approaching on August 20, many students already have returned to Athens to prepare for the fall semester. As our campus becomes more active, it is important that all members of the community are aware of the many safety precautions being taken by the University, are knowledgeable of the resources available to them, and understand their individual responsibility to abide by the guidelines issued by the GDPH, CDC, USG, and UGA to contain the spread of the coronavirus. We encourage you to check the University’s COVID-19 website regularly for new information. In closing, we want to share our deepest appreciation to the many members of our community who continue to work tirelessly and constructively to help our institution navigate this challenging situation. The University will continue to do everything in its power to maintain a healthy and safe environment for all of us to live, work, and learn. Your ongoing support, cooperation, and flexibility remain essential for our efforts to succeed in this next phase of our reopening process.

Cox Media Group