Albany lockdown lifted for GSW employees and students

This notice is to announce that as of Friday, March 27, the 7-day campus restriction on employees and students from Albany, Georgia has been lifted.

As we reach the end of the 7 day campus restriction, and as other Georgia communities (including Sumter County) have now implemented public health emergency regulations, I am asking all employees and students to follow the provisions that have been set forth for our community in order to maintain the health and safety of the GSW campus community.

We will continue to adjust working schedules to accommodate teleworking opportunities and to reduce the number of people physically on campus at one time, while still providing the services needed to deliver the remainder of the Spring semester and to prepare for the Maymester, Summer and Fall semesters.

I sincerely appreciate the outstanding effort and the cooperative attitude that has enabled GSW to adjust so quickly to the conditions of this pandemic.

For members of the GSW community, the best prevention measures for any respiratory virus, including COVID-19 are:

• Adhere to social distancing practices and CDC guidance regarding groups and group activity.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

While we understand the concerns and fear around COVID-19, it is extremely important to stay calm and maintain a close eye on your health and any symptoms that may arise. The symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Most cases of COVID-19 are mild with symptoms similar to a cold.

In addition, if you have recently traveled to areas where there are ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 and develop fever with cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or if you have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19 and develop those symptoms, stay home and call your health care provider or local health department right away. Be sure to call before going to a doctor’s office, emergency room, or urgent care center and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.