August 8, 2022
While COVID mitigation rules were helpful during the long crisis period, our long-term approach must focus on personal responsibility, for our own health and for the health of our community.
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Guiding Principles
In previous years, colleges and universities implemented policies and procedures (“rules”) designed to restrict the spread of COVID. Some even chose to close their residential operations. At Berry, we emphasized two priorities — the health and well-being of our residential community and making the most of an in-person educational experience — and sought to maintain a balance between the two.
While COVID mitigation rules were helpful during the long crisis period, our long-term approach must focus on personal responsibility, for our own health and for the health of our community.
In practical terms, what does this mean? Be attentive to your own symptoms and to moments of potential exposure, and then be proactive in testing for COVID (and other viruses) and protecting others when you are infected.
Protocols & FAQs for fall semester:
What if I develop COVID symptoms?
If you develop symptoms, take a test. Students can be tested at the Health Center on campus. Faculty and staff take at-home test kits or access tests at local health providers.
What about contact tracing?
If you are ill, please let your close contacts know. We will not be doing contact tracing on campus. Students considered to be a close contact need to follow the guidelines set by the CDC.
Will the case numbers be published?
Berry will continue to monitor campus and community indicators (e.g. number of COVID patients in the hospital, students being treated in our Health Center, etc.) but we will not be reporting case numbers.
What about vaccinations?
We strongly encourage vaccination and boosters. When the updated booster is available, we will again sponsor a clinic on campus.
What are the mask guidelines?
Masking will be optional in all settings on campus for all individuals. During the first couple of weeks on campus, you may be asked to mask in certain settings so please bring a few masks (KN94 or 95 are recommended) with you as you return to campus. Masks will also be made available at the Health Center.
Do positive students stay on campus?
Students who test positive will have the option to remain in their rooms or return home. Students who test positive should:
- Isolate for 5 days (regardless of vaccination status)
- Wear a mask for an additional 5 days, as long as you remain without symptoms, OR
- You will need to remain in isolation until your symptoms have been resolved and you are cleared by the Berry College Health Center
What other Health and Wellness Resources are available?
The Berry College Health Center and the College’s Counseling Center are available to students who may need help with feelings of stress or anxiety during this unprecedented time.
Likewise, Berry employees who may need help are encouraged to utilize our Employee Assistance Program through Unum or the Georgia Crisis and Access line.
If you have any COVID-related questions, send an email to covid19questions@berry.edu. Our staff will get back to you in a timely manner.