UPDATED January, 2022

Based on guidance announced by the CDC in December of 2021, the State of Georgia and Georgia Piedmont Technical College have updated their protocol requirements regarding COVID-19 isolation and quarantining. These updates are founded on science showing that the majority of coronavirus transmission occurs early in the course of the illness. To further clarify the requirements below, please know that the CDC defines isolation as separating sick people with a contagious disease from those are not sick while quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.

Isolating
Regardless of vaccination status, people with COVID-19 should:

      • Isolate for five (5) days from the date symptoms first appeared or -if asymptomatic- from the date of the positive test.
      • If you are symptom-free or have not had a fever for at least 24 hours, you may end isolation after the minimum 5-day isolation.
      • If symptoms are not improving or the fever has not resolved, continue isolating until these criteria are met.
      • After ending isolation, continue to wear a mask around others for at least five (5) days.

Quarantining
If you are boosted and/or fully vaccinated within six months with Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or within two months with Johnson & Johnson:

      • You do not need to quarantine at home.
      • You should wear a mask around others for ten (10) days.
      • If possible, get tested on day five (5).
      • If you develop symptoms, get tested and isolate at home until test results are received, then proceed in accordance with the test results.

If you are unvaccinated, or became fully vaccinated more than six (6) months ago (Moderna or Pfizer) or more than two months ago (Johnson & Johnson) and have not received a booster:

      • You must quarantine at home for five days.
      • After that, continue to wear a mask around others for five (5) additional days.
      • If possible, get tested on day five (5).
      • If you develop symptoms, get tested and isolate at home until test results are received, then proceed in accordance with the test results.

For specifics, see the Georgia Department of Health Administrative Order or visit the CDC website. Please note that GPTC continues to recommend that everyone on campus wear masks when in the presence of others and/or when social distancing is not possible.

August 19, 2021:

A Message from GPTC President Tavarez Holston

As cases associated with the Delta variant of the COVID virus continue to climb, we must reiterate the importance of being vigilant. As such, Georgia Piedmont Technical College strongly encourages vaccinated and unvaccinated faculty, staff, students, and/or vendors to consistently wear masks whenever indoors in the company of others. Please also remember other safety protocols such as frequent hand-washing and maintaining social distancing whenever possible. We will also impose more stringent restrictions on in-person gatherings while on campus.

While we cannot mandate getting the COVID vaccination, it is highly recommended to anyone who is medically able to do so. Vaccines are now readily available at many locations all over the State of Georgia. For a complete listing of where you can get the vaccine, visit Georgia’s vaccination website.

We can—and will—move forward together!

All Best,

Dr. Holston

The following COVID Safety Protocols are in effect:

      • Masks and facial coverings are strongly encouraged while on campus but are no longer required:  According to the CDC, masks and social distancing are still recommended for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals – especially when indoors. GPTC will not require proof of vaccination for its college community to access training, facilities, or services while on its campuses.

      • GPTC is committed to keeping everyone as safe and healthy as possible. As such, there are frequent cleaning and sanitation measures taken against COVID-19. Campus classrooms, common areas and restrooms will be sanitized and cleaned throughout the day and in the evenings. Students can help by being courteous and sanitizing desks and work areas. Cleaning supplies are provided in each classroom.

      • Access to buildings will continue to be limited to entry points where thermal cameras are located:  Anyone with a high-grade temperature (or symptoms of COVID-19) will not be permitted to remain on campus.
      • Elevator occupancy is limited to two (2) people.
      • Quarantine following exposure: Those who have been fully vaccinated are not required to self-quarantine or get tested after exposure to COVID-19.
      • Sign-in for contact tracing purposes is no longer required upon entering campus buildings.
      • All normal campus operations have resumed. This includes in-person, face-to-face class and program offerings, faculty and staff availability on campus, and GPTC Conference Center events.
      • Under Georgia law, (State Bill 359), there is no liability for an injury or death of an individual entering these premises [GPTC campuses and facilities] if such injury or death results from the inherent risks of contracting COVID-19. You are assuming this risk by entering GPTC’s premises.
      • If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19/coronavirus, please review these guidelines/flowcharts:

COVID flowchart-students-final
COVID flowchart-employees-final

 

 

Report Covid-19

      • Questions? Please address questions related to COVID-19 campus protocols to the GPTC COVID-19 Task Force members, made up of college administration and staff, at covid@gptc.edu.

For a history of our procedures and updates since the pandemic began, view the COVID website archive messages.

Note: if you have yet to opt into the GPTC Emergency Notification System, this is the perfect time to do so. Text these two words:  join emergency to 30890.