Augusta University is mapping its future as new COVID-19 cases continue to decline and more people are getting vaccinated.
University President Dr. Brooks Keel held a town hall meeting Tuesday and outlined updated guidelines on both the Health Sciences and Summerville campuses.
Vaccinations will not be mandated for students, faculty and staff. Fully-vaccinated individuals can resume classes and other activities without wearing a mask or social distancing. Unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to wear a mask and continue to social distance. They are also urged to get vaccinated.
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“We’re not completely out of the woods. We will continue to monitor for any spike in cases,” said Dr. Keel.
Employees are expected to begin transitioning back to pre-COVID-19 work arrangements instead of teleworking.
Teleworking arrangements should end by June 30, although there may be some exceptions.
Dr. Keel said, “We’ve learned a lot from the COVID-19 experience. It may be a group or a unit can be more efficient by continuing to telework.”
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Alternate educational arrangements for students will also end by June 30. Students should expect to return to a traditional education setting by the fall semester.
Dr. Keel sees the summer semester as “transitional.” He expects by Fall 2021 that both campuses will be back to pre-COVID-19 activities.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
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