In recent months, some campus procedures have changed because of the coronavirus pandemic, and many people on campus have been working to implement new practices to get ready for the fall semester.

As students, faculty, and staff prepare to return to campus in the coming weeks, several resources will prepare them for what to expect and provide the information they need.

Cleaning

Over the summer, Facilities Management has updated its cleaning protocol to include fogging spaces and wiping down surfaces more frequently. Most common spaces, meeting rooms, and high-touch surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected multiple times per day. Restrooms and elevators will be cleaned four times every day. Facilities will use a non-toxic, EPA-approved disinfectant in all these areas that kills germs.

Disinfectant, tissues, dry wipes, and hand sanitizer will be made available for common spaces and individual offices. Detailed cleaning procedures are posted on the Facilities Management website.

Face Coverings

Georgia Tech has ordered more than 106,000 face coverings so far. All students, faculty, and staff members will be provided with two reusable face masks when they return to campus. Employees should speak with their building manager to receive masks. Students living on campus will receive their masks as part of a welcome kit through Housing, and more information about distribution for students living off campus will come soon. Face coverings will also be available in classrooms for those who have forgotten theirs.

Cloth face coverings will be required in campus facilities and buildings where 6 feet of social distancing may not be possible. Human Resources offers more information about where masks are required and how to wear them correctly.

Learn how to make your own face covering or shield here

Environmental Health and Safety has developed a central ordering form for personal protective equipment (PPE) and training for researchers and building personnel.

Signage

Expect to see new signage around campus to mark spacing for physical distancing and limiting occupancy in conference rooms and study spaces. Look out for this new signage at room entrances designating how many people it can hold, and on the ground to mark waiting areas in places where you may queue up.

For restrooms and elevators, signs will indicate that occupancy is limited to one person at a time.

Ventilation Systems 

All of Georgia Tech’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems have been evaluated and serviced over the summer to ensure they’re operating at peak efficiency. Campus standards require MERV 13 filters and ultraviolet lights for disinfection in all air handling units.

Classrooms

All classrooms are being reviewed and possibly reconfigured to ensure social distancing is maintained. The goal is to clean classrooms twice a day, depending on usage and the time available to effectively clean and disinfect, and each classroom will have a supply of face coverings. Plastic lectern barriers or face shields will be available for faculty to use. Look for details soon about how to request these items.

Health and Testing

All members of the campus community should review the Covid-19 Daily Self-Checklist each day. Students who have symptoms of Covid-19 can be tested at Stamps Health Services, and options are being explored for asymptomatic testing for the entire campus community. Positive cases within the campus community continue to be reported on the Stamps Health Services website.

Operational Updates

In the event of major operational updates, that information will continue to be posted here. An overview of campus guidelines related to the coronavirus pandemic is available at https://health.gatech.edu/coronavirus/campus-guidelines.