SSU Reentry Frequently Asked Questions

 Return to the Covid-19 Inormation Page

While I am not considered ‘at risk” for serious illness from COVID-19, I live with a family member who is at risk. Can I take leave or telework in order to minimize my change of exposure?

Approval of all COVID-19 related accommodations and flexible work arrangements (including telework) expired June 30, 2021. Requests for ADA accommodations or flexible work arrangements will be viewed in accordance with the pre-pandemic ADA accommodations or Telework/Flextime policies.

 Will the university be conducting screening of faculty and staff before individuals come to work each day?

The university reserves the right to conduct screening of employees and others who come to campus. If screenings are used, appropriate notification will be provided.

 Will the university be prohibiting outside vendors/visitors from campus?

Outside vendors and visitors will be allowed and encouraged to practice protocols necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Will the university provide cleaning and sanitation supplies for self-cleaning in my department and my workspace?

Yes. Upon request.

Will the university be mandating that all employees wear face coverings?

The University of Georgia system(USG) encourages people to wear masks based on their preference and assessment of personal risk

 How do employees who interact with other university employees/stakeholders/vendors stay safe?

The University System of Georgia (USG) continues to recognize COVID-19 vaccines and boosters offer safe, effective protection and urges all students to get vaccinated and/or boosted either on campus or with a local provider.

Stay safe while interacting with others by practicing social distancing, wearing personal protective equipment such as facemasks/face coverings and gloves, covering coughs and sneezes, washing your hands often, and cleaning and disinfecting workspaces.  Employees are also encouraged to obtain a COVID-19 test should they experience any symptoms. Employees are strongly encouraged to get the Covid-19 vaccine.

 Do employees need to wear cloth face coverings or personal protective equipment (PPE such as N95 respirators, gloves) to protect themselves while working?

The University of Georgia system(USG) encourages people to wear masks based on their preference and assessment of personal risk

 How often should employees wash their hands while at work?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises washing your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.  While hand washing with soap for 20 seconds is preferred, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, should be used when soap and water is not available.

What can I tell employees about reducing the spread of COVID-19 at work?

If employees display symptoms of COVID-19, they should leave the workplace immediately, get a COVID-19 test immediately, and report the symptoms to a supervisor and/or hr@savannahstate.edu.  Encourage employees to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

 What is social distancing?

Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing: 1) Stay at least 6 feet (about two arms’ length) from other people; 2) Do not gather in groups; and 3) Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.

 Will the university require employees to provide a doctor's note or positive COVID-19 test result?

Yes. If you are out of work due to COVID-19, a doctor’s note or a positive test result is required.

Should I cancel my meetings and conferences?

No. Meetings can be held face to face or virtual at the discretion of the organizer/meeting planner.

How can my workplace implement social distancing practices?

Fully vaccinated individuals may resume classes and other campus activities without the need to social distance. Unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. Until fully vaccinated (two weeks after receiving the last vaccine dose), such individuals are strongly encouraged to continue socially distancing from others when possible. Vaccines remain available for all members of the university community from SSU’s VAX Clinic. 

 Will the university be providing free COVID-19 testing for faculty and staff?

Yes. COVID-19 testing is free for everyone and is available on SSU campus. SSU’s COVID-19 Testing Center located in Harris Hall and is available to offer testing services to faculty, staff and students. For a COVID-19 test, please use the link below to schedule an appointment https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/COVID19@savannahstate.edu/bookings/.

Will the university be providing free COVID-19 Vaccine for faculty and staff?

Yes. SSU will continue to ensure vaccine availability to faculty, staff, and students through the VAX Clinic located in the Harris McDew Health Center. Savannah State will not assess COVID-19 vaccination rates for the institution. For COVID vaccines, please use the link below to schedule an appointment https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/COVID19VaccineClinic@savannahstate.edu/bookings/.

Will the university be cleaning and disinfecting copiers, doors, elevators and computers?

The university has developed a cleaning schedule. Please see below.

 Maintenance Activity Schedule

Maintain entrance: Sanitize all door handles, automatic door operators and door surfaces using disinfectant wipes.

Twice Daily

Offices: Sanitize desk workstations surfaces, keyboards, chair armrests, office door handles—to be done by employees who work in individual workspaces.

Twice Daily

Classrooms/Teaching Labs: Clean and sanitize all door hardware and automatic door openers with disinfectant wipes—professors and student assistants may assist with this process.

After each use

Copy Rooms: Clean and sanitize all door hardware faucet handles and horizontal surfaces with disinfectant wipes. While these areas will be cleaned once daily by facilities staff, it is recommended that employees disinfect with spray or wipes after each individual use.

Once Daily

 Building Elevators: Sanitize buttons and elevator lobby doors and automatic openers with disinfectant wipes.

Daily

Restrooms: Sanitize restroom door handles, surfaces, faucets, soap dispensers, paper dispensers, surfaces and toilets and other areas as appropriate. Replenish supplies (toilet paper, paper towels, soap and hand sanitizer) as necessary.

Daily

Cleaning of Athletics facilities, including locker rooms will be handled by facilities staff. However, it is recommended that facilities be cleaned by employees and athletes after each individual use.

Daily

Trash Pickup: Pickup from restrooms, main public areas, and corridors and from trashcans placed outside of individual offices.

Daily

Cleaning schedules will be posted in each area as appropriate.

How do I clean and disinfect machinery or equipment?

Clean

• Use a lint-free cloth, such as a screen wipe or a cloth made from microfiber.
• Avoid excessive wiping and submerging item in cleanser to avoid damage.
• Unplug all external power sources and cables.
• Do not use aerosol sprays, bleach or abrasive cleaners.
• Ensure moisture does not get into any openings.
• Never spray cleaner directly on an item.

Disinfect

Using an EPA registered disinfectant wipe or a wipe gently and carefully wipe the hard, nonporous surface of the item. This includes the display, keyboard, mouse and the exterior surface of the item.

 How can I safely use cleaning chemicals?

Clean

• Wear disposable gloves to clean and disinfect.
• Clean surfaces using soap and water, then use disinfectant.
• Cleaning with soap and water reduces number of germs, dirt and impurities on the surface.
• Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces.
• Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.
• More frequent cleaning and disinfection may be required based on level of use.
• Surfaces and objects in public places, such as shopping carts and point of sale keypads should be cleaned and disinfected before each use.
• High touch surfaces include: Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.

Disinfect

Recommend use of EPA-registered household disinfectant. Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product.

Many products recommend:

• Keeping surface wet for a period of time (see product label).
• Precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
• Always read and follow the directions on the label to ensure safe and effective use.
• Wear skin protection and consider eye protection for potential splash hazards
• Ensure adequate ventilation
• Use no more than the amount recommended on the label
• Use water at room temperature for dilution (unless stated otherwise on the label)
• Avoid mixing chemical products
• Label diluted cleaning solutions
• Store and use chemicals out of the reach of children and pets

You should never eat, drink, breathe or inject these products into your body or apply directly to your skin as they can cause serious harm. Do not wipe or bathe pets with these products or any other products that are not approved for animal use.

See EPA’s 6 steps for Safe and Effective Disinfectant Use.

 Should central air systems in offices be turned off?

No, the central air systems in offices should not be turned off.

Are dining services typically available to employees on campus, going to be open? 

Yes. The University of Georgia system(USG) encourages people to wear masks based on their preference and assessment of personal risk. Some of the furniture was removed to adhere to distancing requirements. Hand sanitizer is available at the entry station.  

 Are employees allowed to eat lunch or take breaks in current break rooms/lobbies?

Yes. The University of Georgia system(USG) encourages people to wear masks based on their preference and assessment of personal risk

 What should I do if an employee or colleague comes to work with COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, or shortness of breath)?

Employees who suspect an employee is ill should encourage the employee to go home as soon as possible. Encourage employee to get a COVID-19 test immediately and ask them to notify their supervisor. Any concerns should be reported directly to your supervisor even if the employee is not in your department. Your supervisor should contact HR if the employee reports outside of their department or if within the same department request the employee to go home until confirmation from a medical provider is obtained that a return to work is possible. Employees may be asked to follow the potential exposure protocol for COVID-19, which is staying home until they are without symptoms, including fever free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning to work.

What should I do if an employee or colleague is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 and reporting to on-campus work?

Employees should notify ssucovid-19@savannahstate.edu and their supervisor if they believe they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Should any employee start to experience symptoms of fever and/or upper respiratory illness, he or she should seek medical treatment and notify his or her supervisor and ssucovid-19@savannahstate.edu. An employee should stay home in a non-work status in order to support full recovery. During the period of self-quarantine, employees continue to telework unless they are otherwise on leave. Employees should follow CDC guidelines to determine the appropriate time to return to work, while SSU asks returning employees to be symptom free and fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication and present a negative covid-19 test result before returning to work.

Faculty and staff who have potential exposure to COVID-19 but are not experiencing symptoms should follow CDC guidelines and are not required to quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated against the virus.

What should I do if I suspect a co-worker of being high-risk and reporting to on-campus work?

Employees are entitled to protections against discrimination based upon age, disability, and a number of other protected categories. Others should not presume to determine if someone is in a high-risk category. Each individual should assess him or herself with the CDC guidance and/or their health care provider to determine if she or he believes it is safe to come to work. If a coworker learns of a high-risk factor, they must maintain confidentiality of that information, only reporting it with HR or a supervisor, or sharing it with permission of the individual with the risk factor.

 If employees have been exposed but are not showing symptoms, should the university allow them to work?

Faculty and staff who are a close contact to COVID-19 but are not experiencing symptoms should follow CDC guidelines and self-quarantine for 5 days if you are not vaccinated.

• Schedule a COVID-19 test on campus or with a local provider after quarantining for 5 full days
• Receive a negative COVID-19 test result
• Discontinue quarantine after negative test result but continue to monitor for symptoms, wear a mask

During the period of self-quarantine, employees continue to telework unless they are otherwise on leave. People who are fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine after contact with someone who had Covid-19 unless they have symptoms.

 What should I do if I find out several days later, after a colleague has worked, that they were diagnosed with COVID-19?

Employees who had close contact with the employee who test positive for COVID 19, if not fully vaccinated and boosted may need to quarantine. The co-worker should notify the CARES office @912-358-4673 of the potential contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and receive advisement.   Co-worker should also notify the supervisor. Fully vaccinated, boosted individuals with no symptoms do not have to quarantine.

What will SSU’s response be should someone on campus becomes ill with COVID-19?

SSU will always work to protect the privacy of all employees as well as the health and safety of the campus community. SSU asks all employees to self-monitor daily before coming to work and requires employees to stay home when not well and to follow return to work protocol of being symptom and fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning to work. SSU will work to isolate the area(s) of exposure and follow CDC guidelines to clean and disinfect areas used by ill employees.

 Isolation for Vaccinated and/or Non-Vaccinated Individuals

If you test positive for COVID-19 regardless of whether you are fully vaccinated, follow the below measures after you notify the Cares office at ssuCOVID-19@savannahstate.edu:

• Self-isolate for 5 full days
• Wear a mask if you must come in contact with other people (e.g., sharing a vehicle)
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds or use alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
• Monitor your symptoms
• Schedule a COVID-19 test on campus or with a local provider
• Receive a negative COVID-19 test result for return to work
• Discontinue isolation if you do not have symptoms after 5 days
• Continue to wear a mask until day 10

What is the appropriate response if someone refuses to wear a face mask/face covering or social distance?

The University of Georgia system(USG) encourages people to wear masks based on their preference and assessment of personal risk

At this time, all SSU employees, students and university guests (including contractors and vendors) are expected to wear facemasks/face coverings and social distance while on campus. Employees may seek assistance from their supervisors should other employees fail to comply. Fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear a mask or social distance.