Vaccinated individuals no longer required to wear masks on campus

Effective immediately, fully vaccinated individuals can resume University of North Georgia (UNG) campus classes, work and other activities without physically distancing or wearing a mask. Unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to continue socially distancing from others when possible and wearing a face covering while inside campus facilities.

"Please note that the COVID-19 pandemic is still active, and we strongly encourage you to be vaccinated," UNG President Bonita Jacobs said. "The vaccine is widely available, including through the clinic operated by Hall County Government and District 2 Public Health Department at our Gainesville Campus. You do not have to live in Hall County to get a vaccine through that clinic."

The University System of Georgia (USG) has indicated that summer courses may continue to observe appropriate levels of social distancing. UNG will continue to follow social distancing in classrooms as planned this summer to honor the schedules and classroom assignments that have already been set. Classrooms will not have any physical distancing limitations in the fall.

Those who test positive for COVID-19 at any time are still required to report it through the UNG Self-Reporting Form. Students, faculty and staff should stay home if they become ill or until they have excluded COVID-19 as the cause of their symptoms. UNG adheres to and requires students, faculty and staff to follow current CDC quarantine and isolation guidance. Those who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 are not required to quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated against the disease and show no symptoms.

UNG will transition in the coming weeks to pre-COVID operations. COVID-19 alternative work arrangements or accommodations granted to employees due to increased risk for severe illness will end no later than June 30, and all employees are expected to return to their previous work arrangement by that time. Likewise, alternate educational arrangements granted to students for fall 2020 or spring 2021 due to COVID-19 will end no later than June 30. All students are expected to return to their traditional educational arrangement this fall. 

As UNG plans to resume a full campus experience this fall, UNG's COVID-19 Task Force will work through detailed plans that address fall campus operations and health and safety guidelines. Guidance is subject to change based on recommendations from the Georgia Department of Public Health, CDC, governor’s office or USG.

"We will monitor conditions associated with the COVID-19 virus throughout the summer, and our plans will remain flexible so that we can change course, if necessary," Jacobs said. "Thank you for your collective efforts to help keep the UNG community safe, healthy and strong."

For more detailed information visit the Nighthawks Together website.