UGA will no longer require masks for fully-vaccinated on campus

ATHENS, Ga. — The University of Georgia will no longer require people who are fully vaccinated to wear masks or socially distance on campus, effective immediately.

The university system updated its guidance on face coverings and social distancing in response to the latest guidance from the CDC on May 13.

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“Unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to continue socially distancing from others when possible an wearing a face covering while inside campus facilities,” officials said.

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UGA officials said they plan on a full return to normal operations for the Fall 2021 semester.

“We are excited to envision the vibrancy of campus life as we resume traditional student activities and interaction in classrooms, labs, concert halls and athletic venues,” officials wrote.

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The university is also planning to try to have all employees back on campus in their pre-pandemic work arrangements by June 14, although they are asking supervisors to be flexible for workers dealing with finding childcare or other issue related to transitioning back to campus.

The university is strongly encouraging everyone on campus to get vaccinated.

UGA researchers looking into how long vaccines will last against COVID-19 and its variants So far, the variant showing up the most in the U.S., including here in Georgia, is the variant initially found in the United Kingdom.