USG face covering instructions remain in place

The governor’s executive order from July 15 contained a new provision suspending any state, county, or municipal law, order, ordinance, rule, or regulation that requires face coverings. However, the University System of Georgia’s (USG) face covering guidance does not fall into one of these categories and therefore is not suspended.

USG institutions require that all faculty, staff, students, and visitors wear appropriate face coverings while inside campus facilities and buildings where six feet of social distancing may not always be possible. Face covering use will be used in addition to and is not a substitute for social distancing. Other guidelines include:

• Face coverings are not required in one’s own dorm room or suite, when alone in an enclosed office or study room, or in campus outdoor settings where social distancing requirements are met.
• Anyone not using a face covering when required will be asked to wear one or must leave the area. Repeated refusal to comply with the requirement may result in discipline through the applicable conduct code for faculty, staff, or students.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for those who are unable to wear a face covering for documented health reasons.