Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions

Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions

For questions not addressed in these FAQs, email publichealth@gatech.edu and your question will be routed to the correct person.

  COVID Symptoms & Testing

Covid-19 Symptoms and Exposure

I’ve been exposed to Covid-19 but have no symptoms. What should I do?

Updated June 30, 2022

If you have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19, please follow these steps: Isolation and Quarantine.


 

I’ve developed Covid-19 symptoms. Where can I get tested?

Updated June 30, 2022

On-campus testing for symptomatic students is available at Stamps Health Services. At-home test kits are available for symptomatic students as well on the Covid-19 Testing webpage. Faculty and staff should refer to the Department of Public Health website to find a testing location.


What if I become ill during the semester?

Updated June 30, 2022

Permission from the Office of the Provost to make temporary modifications in course delivery to accommodate instructor absence due to Covid-19 exposure or contraction will be discontinued for the Fall semester. Going forward, any adjustments to class schedules will be handled under normal protocols which allow faculty to cancel a class, in consultation with their school leadership, if they have an illness or emergency situation and cover any missed material at their own discretion. If an instructor needs to cancel a class, they should notify students as early as possible.

What will happen if someone gets sick or shows symptoms? Will you notify their classmates/instructors/colleagues?

Updated June 30, 2022

For fall semester, Georgia Tech will no longer perform contact tracing. Contact tracing will be performed by the Georgia Department of Public Health according to their protocols.

Individuals who test positive for or are diagnosed with Covid-19 should attempt to notify those with whom they have had close contact in the time period starting 2 days before they developed symptoms or 2 days before their positive test if they have no symptoms. Close contact is defined as those with whom you were less than 6 feet away for 15 or more minutes cumulatively in a 24-hour period.

Positive diagnosis of Covid-19 requires you to isolate from others for a period of time.

  • Students should notify their instructors and study group members that they will be out ill so accommodations can be made.
  • Faculty should notify their students and colleagues that they will be out and make arrangements for their absence.
  • Staff should notify their supervisors that they will be out sick or need to work remotely.

What should faculty and staff do if they develop symptoms of Covid-19?

Updated June 30, 2022

If you test positive for Covid-19, begin to have symptoms of Covid-19, or are not up to date with your Covid-19 vaccinations and are exposed to someone with Covid-19, you must take immediate action for your own health and for the safety of others.

If you test positive or have been diagnosed with Covid-19, you must isolate away from others to avoid spreading the illness to anyone else. Follow these steps to get help, stay healthy, and help protect those around you.


What should be done if a laboratory research worker tests positive for Covid-19?

Updated June 30, 2022

If you test positive for Covid-19, begin to have symptoms of Covid-19, or are not up to date with your Covid-19 vaccinations and are exposed to someone with Covid-19, you must take immediate action for your own health and for the safety of others.

To help limit the transmission of the Covid-19 virus, visit Isolation and Quarantine for guidance on isolation and quarantine protocols including duration and masking recommendations.

Covid Testing

How often can I be tested for Covid-19 on campus?

Updated June 30, 2022

Georgia Tech’s asymptomatic surveillance testing site at Price Gilbert Library will continue to offer testing until June 30. After that date, asymptomatic surveillance testing will no longer be offered. Stamps Health Services will continue to offer symptomatic testing to students with Covid-19


 

I have tested positive for Covid-19. What do I do?

Updated June 30, 2022

If you test positive for Covid-19, begin to have symptoms of Covid-19, or are not up to date with your Covid-19 vaccinations and are exposed to someone with Covid-19, you must take immediate action for your own health and for the safety of others.

To help limit the transmission of the Covid-19 virus, visit Isolation-quarantine for guidance on isolation and quarantine protocols including duration and masking recommendations.


 

I recently had Covid and my symptoms are improving. Can I participate in the campus surveillance testing to confirm my testing status?

Updated June 30, 2022

Georgia Tech’s asymptomatic surveillance testing site at Price Gilbert Library will continue to offer testing until June 30. After that date, asymptomatic surveillance testing will no longer be offered. Stamps Health Services will continue to offer symptomatic testing to students with Covid-19


 

I’ve developed Covid-19 symptoms. Where can I get tested?

Updated June 30, 2022

On-campus testing for symptomatic students is available at Stamps Health Services. At-home test kits are available for symptomatic students as well on the Covid-19 Testing webpage. Faculty and staff should refer to the Department of Public Health website to find a testing location.


 

What kind of Covid-19 testing is available on campus?

Updated June 30, 2022

Georgia Tech’s asymptomatic surveillance testing site at Price Gilbert Library will continue to offer testing until June 30. After that date, asymptomatic surveillance testing will no longer be offered. Stamps Health Services will continue to offer symptomatic testing to students with Covid-19


 

What should be done if a laboratory research worker tests positive for Covid-19?

Updated June 30, 2022

If you test positive for Covid-19, begin to have symptoms of Covid-19, or are not up to date with your Covid-19 vaccinations and are exposed to someone with Covid-19, you must take immediate action for your own health and for the safety of others.

To help limit the transmission of the Covid-19 virus, visit Isolation and Quarantine for guidance on isolation and quarantine protocols including duration and masking recommendations.


 

Where can I get tested after a period of international travel?

Updated June 18, 2021

You can find up-to-date testing information on the Stamps Health Services website here: Covid-19 Testing Locations and Hours.


 

Where do I go to get tested for Covid-19?

Please visit Covid-19 Testing Locations and Hours for the most up-to-date information.


How will I be notified if one of my students is missing class due to diagnosis with or exposure to Covid-19? Should I inform the class if this happens?

Updated June 30, 2022

For fall semester, Georgia Tech will no longer perform contact tracing. Contact tracing will be performed by the Georgia Department of Public Health according to their protocols.

Individuals who test positive for or are diagnosed with Covid-19 should attempt to notify those with whom they have had close contact in the time period starting 2 days before they developed symptoms or 2 days before their positive test if they have no symptoms. Close contact is defined as those with whom you were less than 6 feet away for 15 or more minutes cumulatively in a 24-hour period.

Positive diagnosis of Covid-19 requires you to isolate from others for a period of time. Students should notify their instructors and study group members that they will be out ill so accommodations can be made. Faculty should notify their students and colleagues that they will be out and make arrangements for their absence. Staff should notify their supervisors that they will be out sick or need to work remotely.

 

Testing After International Travel

What are the recommendations for individuals arriving to Georgia Tech after a period of international travel?

Updated January 6, 2022

Georgia Tech requests all individuals traveling to Atlanta from an international location to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

After Arrival in the United States 
You might have been exposed to Covid-19 on your travels, whether you traveled by air, land, or sea. You might feel well and not have any symptoms, but you can still be infected and spread the virus to others. For this reason, CDC recommends the following:


 

Where can I get tested after a period of international travel?

Updated June 18, 2021

You can find up-to-date testing information on the Stamps Health Services website here: Covid-19 Testing Locations and Hours.

   Covid Vaccines

How to Get Vaccinated

Do I need to register to receive the vaccine? If so, how?

Updated June 30, 2022

Yes. Please see: How to Schedule a Covid-19 Vaccine Appointment

 

I’m interested in receiving a vaccination after arriving on the Georgia Tech campus. What is the process I need to follow to request a vaccination?

Updated June 18, 2021

You can find instructions for requesting a vaccination on the Stamps Health Services website linked here: How to Schedule a Covid-19 Vaccine Appointment.

 

Where do I go to get the vaccine?

Updated December 21, 2022

The vaccine clinic is located at Stamps Health Services at 740 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA 30332. 

 

Do I need to do anything before my vaccination appointment?

Updated December 21, 2022

Remember to bring the following items with you to your appointment:

  • Your Covid-19 vaccination card or any other Covid vaccination documentation you may have.
  • Your BuzzCard.

Allow for a 30-minute waiting period after your injection. Most people will need to wait only 15 minutes, but some will need to wait 30 minutes based on past history of allergic reactions. Similar to other vaccines, allergic reactions, although rare, are possible and you will be monitored for any potential reactions.

When you arrive at the vaccine clinic, you do not need to check in for your appointment through the Patient Portal.

After Dose(s)

Will I get a reminder when it is time for my second dose?

Those who received their first dose at Georgia Tech will receive a direct communication from Stamps Health Services with instructions for scheduling your second appointment.

We will reserve slots on mytest.gatech.edu for second dose vaccinations. To ensure you receive your second dose at Georgia Tech, you must act promptly once you receive notification about scheduling the second dose. Unclaimed appointment slots will be opened to all who are eligible.

Individuals who received their first vaccine dose at a location other than Georgia Tech should submit a ticket to c.gatech.edu/vaccine-help to notify the vaccine team that you need a second dose.

 

What should I do if I get ill in between doses?

If you experience a severe allergic reaction, call 911, or go to the nearest hospital.

Call Stamps Health Services (students) or your healthcare provider (faculty/staff) if your illness seems to be more than mild to moderate expected side effects of the vaccination.

As part of this vaccination program, Stamps Health Services is required to report serious adverse events (irrespective of whether they are caused by the vaccination) after vaccination, which include death, a life-threatening event, inpatient hospitalization or prolongation of an existing hospitalization, a persistent or significant incapacity or significant disruption of the ability to conduct normal life functions, a congenital anomaly or birth defect, or an important medical event that based on medical judgment may jeopardize the individual and may require medical or surgical intervention to prevent one of the outcomes above. Any event meeting these criteria should be reported to Stamps Health Services.

You may also be given an option to enroll in v-safe. V-safe is a new voluntary smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to check in with people who have been vaccinated to identify potential side effects after Covid-19 vaccination. V-safe asks questions that help the CDC monitor the safety of Covid-19 vaccines. V-safe also provides second-dose reminders if needed and live telephone follow-up by CDC if participants report a significant health impact following Covid-19 vaccination. For more information on how to sign up, visit: www.cdc.gov/vsafe.

Source: Moderna and Pfizer info sheets

If I receive a Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for my first dose, can I receive a Moderna Covid-19 vaccine for my second dose or vice versa?

Updated December 21, 2022

No. The vaccines are not interchangeable, and both doses of the primary series must match. Your vaccine card will specify the type of vaccine you received and when you received it.

Guidance from the FDA and the CDC does allow you to receive a booster dose that is different from the initial two doses of vaccine. Any vaccine can be given as the booster dose. For instance, if you received two doses of Moderna vaccine initially, you can get a booster dose with the Pfizer vaccine.

Will I receive documentation that I have received the vaccine?

Updated December 8, 2021

Yes. Every person who receives a Covid-19 vaccine in the United States is given a vaccine card at the time of their first dose. The vaccine administration card will list which type of vaccine they received, the lot number, the date, and the signature of the individual who gave the vaccination.

Vaccine recipients should keep this documentation and remember to bring this documentation with them to their second Covid-19 vaccination.

 

Will I still have to wear a mask on campus after receiving the vaccine?

Updated June 30, 2022

The University System of Georgia encourages people to wear masks based on their preference and assessment of personal risk.

 

Will Georgia Tech keep track of those who have received the vaccine?

Updated December 21, 2021

Students who are seeking a Covid-19 vaccine and/or booster during the spring semester will be able to schedule a Covid-19 vaccine appointment at Stamps Health Services starting in January 2023. You can find instructions for requesting a vaccination here: Schedule a Covid-19 Vaccine Appointment.

 

How many doses will I need to receive in order for the vaccine to be fully effective?

Updated Jan. 6, 2022

Two doses of the vaccine are required. For the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine, the doses have to be a minimum of three weeks apart. For the Moderna Covid-19 Vaccine, the doses have to be a minimum of four weeks apart.

When you receive your initial dose, you will be given information about the earliest that you can get your second dose and instructions for scheduling a second dose. At this time, you will be responsible for scheduling your second. Stamps will send out reminders when it is time to get a second dose.

There is growing evidence that protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from Covid-19 wanes with time in those who have received the primary series of the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This reduction in protection occurs particularly in older individuals. A booster dose of vaccine stimulates the immune system to reestablish protective levels of immunity.

 

What is the difference between the recommended third dose and the booster shot?

Updated June 30, 2022

For more information, please visit the Covid-19 Vaccine Booster Shots on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

 

Why would I need a booster shot?

Updated June 30, 2022

Protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from Covid-19 wanes with time in those who have received the primary series of the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This reduction in protection occurs particularly in older individuals. A booster dose of vaccine stimulates the immune system to reestablish protective levels of immunity.

General Information of Vaccines

How does the Covid-19 vaccine work?

Updated December 21, 2022

Like other vaccines, Covid-19 vaccines aid in the development of immunity to the virus. All vaccines protect the body by creating antibodies that fight future viruses. The Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine and Moderna Covid-19 vaccine both use mRNA to stimulate the production of these antibodies.

Individuals can be infected with Covid-19 shortly before or after vaccination because it usually takes your body a few weeks to produce the protective antibodies.

After vaccination, side effects can occur. However, this usually means that the body is developing immunity.

Learn More

 

Where can I find information about the Covid-19 vaccine?

Learn how the vaccine works, see eligibility requirements, make an appointment, and view frequently asked questions here: Covid-19 Vaccines at Georgia Tech.

Who is eligible to receive the vaccine?

Updated December 21, 2022

With the widespread availability of Covid-19 vaccines and boosters, Stamps Health Services is shifting its operations to resume its student-centered mission and is ending its provision of Covid-19 vaccines to faculty and staff at the end of December.

Students who are seeking a Covid-19 vaccine and/or booster during the spring semester will be able to schedule a Covid-19 vaccine appointment at Stamps Health Services starting in January 2023 using the Stamps Health Services Patient Portal. Instructions for scheduling your appointment are located here: Schedule a Covid-19 Vaccine Appointment.

 

What does it mean to be fully vaccinated?

Updated Sept. 29, 2021

At this time, the definition of “fully vaccinated” has not changed. Individuals who are two weeks past receiving both doses of a two-dose vaccine series, or two weeks past receiving the first dose of a one-dose vaccine series, are considered fully vaccinated.

 

How many doses will I need to receive in order for the vaccine to be fully effective?

Updated December 21, 2022 

Two doses of the vaccine are required. For the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, the doses have to be a minimum of three weeks apart. For the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine, the doses have to be a minimum of four weeks apart.

When you receive your initial dose, you will be given information about the earliest that you can get your second dose and instructions for scheduling a second dose.

 

What is the difference between the recommended third dose and the booster shot?

Updated June 30, 2022

For more information, please visit the Covid-19 Vaccine Booster Shots on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

 

Why would I need a booster shot?

Updated June 30, 2022

Protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from Covid-19 wanes with time in those who have received the primary series of the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This reduction in protection occurs particularly in older individuals. A booster dose of vaccine stimulates the immune system to reestablish protective levels of immunity.

GT Policies

Does Georgia Tech require faculty, staff, or students to receive a Covid-19 vaccine?

Updated December 21, 2022

Georgia Tech and the University System of Georgia are committed to the safety of our community and mitigating the spread and harmful effects of Covid-19. We continue to recognize that Covid-19 vaccines and boosters offer safe, effective protection and urge all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to get vaccinated and/or boosted.

 

Will Georgia Tech’s student health insurance cover Covid-19-related expenses? Where can I get more information about the plan?

Updated May 30, 2021

Please visit the Stamps Health Services Student Health Insurance Page for details about the plan.

 

Are affiliates, Tech Temps, and contract staff eligible to receive the vaccine?

Updated December 21, 2022

With the widespread availability of Covid-19 vaccines and boosters, Stamps Health Services is shifting its operations to resume its student-centered mission and is ending its provision of Covid-19 vaccines to affiliates, Tech Temps, and contract staff at the end of December.

Members of the extended community are encouraged to search for state and local health providers for scheduling a vaccination appointment.

More information is available at vaccines.gov.

 

Is the vaccine available to members of the extended community, such as family members or Georgia Tech retirees?

Updated December 21, 2022

With the widespread availability of Covid-19 vaccines and boosters, Stamps Health Services is shifting its operations to resume its student-centered mission and is ending its provision of Covid-19 vaccines to faculty and staff at the end of December.

More information is available at vaccines.gov.

 

Do I have to get both doses from Georgia Tech?

Updated December 21, 2022

No, it is not necessary to get both doses from Georgia Tech.

It is important to note that Georgia Tech is administering only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in the vaccination clinic.

 

Will Georgia Tech keep track of those who have received the vaccine?

Updated December 21, 2021

Students who are seeking a Covid-19 vaccine and/or booster during the spring semester will be able to schedule a Covid-19 vaccine appointment at Stamps Health Services starting in January 2023. You can find instructions for requesting a vaccination here: Schedule a Covid-19 Vaccine Appointment.

 

If I have already received a vaccine that is not on the FDA authorized list, but is on the WHO list, do I need to get a vaccination on the FDA authorized list?

Updated November 11, 2021

No. If you have received a vaccine on the WHO-approved list, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend that you receive an additional vaccine from the FDA-authorized list.

 

If I received a vaccination that is not on the FDA or WHO lists, do I need to get another vaccination on the FDA authorized list once I arrive at Georgia Tech?

Updated December 21, 2022

To protect yourself as well as the community, individuals who have not yet received vaccinations on the FDA or WHO lists are encouraged to get an FDA-authorized vaccination once they arrive on the Georgia Tech campus. These individuals should work with a medical professional to understand the best vaccine option for them.

Students may make a vaccination appointment by using these instructions: Schedule a Covid-19 Vaccine Appointment.

 

Am I allowed to ask a faculty member, staff member, or student if they are vaccinated?

Updated June 16, 2021

No, you are not allowed to inquire about someone’s personal healthcare decision.

  Georgia Tech’s COVID Policies

Campus Operation & Policies

Will students be required to wear a face mask or face covering?

Updated June 30, 2022

The University System of Georgia encourages people to wear masks based on their preference and assessment of personal risk.

 

Will employees be required to wear a face mask or face covering?

Updated June 30, 2022

The University System of Georgia encourages people to wear masks based on their preference and assessment of personal risk.

 

Will I still have to wear a mask on campus after receiving the vaccine?

Updated June 30, 2022

The University System of Georgia encourages people to wear masks based on their preference and assessment of personal risk.

 

How are dining locations operating?

Updated June 30, 2022

For more information on dining, visit the Dining Services website.

What course modes will be delivered this semester?

Updated June 30, 2022

For more information, please visit Academic Frequently Asked Questions on the Provost’s website.

 

Where can I find additional guidance on course modes?

Updated June 30, 2022

For more information, please visit Academic Frequently Asked Questions on the Provost’s website.

 

I’m a current international student outside of the U.S. Do I have to return to keep my F-1 visa? What if I cannot return? Can I take online courses?

Updated June 16, 2021

Students who left the U.S. and plan to maintain their F-1 student visa status in the fall should plan to be in residence in Atlanta.

F-1 students unable to return to the U.S. within 30 days of the start of the term need to submit an iStart Intent to Depart e-form to notify OIE of their fall plans to remain outside the U.S. OIE will then review current guidance from SEVP to determine if the student’s SEVIS record can remain Active or will need to be terminated for Authorized Early Withdrawal.

  • The student may still elect to enroll in online or remote courses as no visa or Active SEVIS record is required for the purpose of online enrollment while outside the U.S. The opportunity for remote course options will depend on the availability of courses from a particular academic program and restrictions on Office of Foreign Assets Control-sanctioned countries. Students who plan to engage in online learning physically from any of the following countries need to first gain approval from the Office of General Counsel (asklegal@gatech.edu): Cuba, Crimea Region of Ukraine, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria.
  • If the student is not maintaining an Active SEVIS record, the student will not be automatically enrolled in health insurance coverage or assessed the international student fee for the semester. Nor will the student be required to enroll in a minimum number of credits to maintain their visa status.
  • If not approved by SEVP for the SEVIS record reactivation, the student will receive a new SEVIS record, a new I-20 form, and will be required to re-pay the I-901 fee. If the student still holds a valid F-1 visa, the student will not need to apply for a new visa. If the student’s F-1 visa is expired, they will need to apply for a new F-1 visa with the new SEVIS record before attempting to re-enter the U.S.
  • Additionally, in the scenario where a SEVIS record cannot be reactivated, the F-1 student visa holder’s academic time toward the one-year practical training clock will begin again upon re-entry to the U.S. The student will become eligible for practical training after 30 weeks of full-time instruction inside the U.S.
Covid Accommodation

Is Covid-19-specific leave for isolation and quarantine still available?

Updated June 30, 2022

Employees
Employees who must isolate or quarantine due to Covid-19 illness or exposure may telework during this time with the approval of their supervisor. The nature of their position influences whether an employee is able to telework, since some positions are not able to be performed remotely.

When telework is not possible, employees who must isolate or quarantine due to Covid-19 must use their accumulated sick and vacation accruals (if applicable) to be paid while away from work.

Faculty
Permission from the Office of the Provost to make temporary modifications in course delivery to accommodate instructor absence due to Covid-19 exposure or contraction will be discontinued for the fall semester.

Going forward, any adjustments to class schedules will be handled under normal protocols which allow faculty to cancel a class, in consultation with their school leadership, if they have an illness or emergency situation and cover any missed material at their own discretion. If an instructor needs to cancel a class, they should notify students as early as possible.

 

How should students who are ill, have tested positive, or need to quarantine be accommodated?

Updated June 30, 2022

Instructors should demonstrate appropriate flexibility with students who need to isolate or quarantine due to Covid-19 in the same way they would have accommodated ill students before the pandemic.

Faculty are not required to record lectures or class meetings but may choose to do so.

The method or approach to providing content and makeup work for the students is at the instructor’s discretion.

 

What process should a student follow to request an academic accommodation?

Updated June 30, 2022

Students who have a recognized disability or qualified medical condition as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may request any needed accommodations by registering with the Office of Disability Services (ODS). Registering with ODS is a three-step process that includes

  1. completing an online application,
  2. uploading documentation related to the accommodation request, and
  3. scheduling an appointment for an intake meeting (either in person or via phone or video conference) with a disability services coordinator.

 

A student with an approved accommodation from the Office of Disability Services (ODS) has contacted me to discuss the request. How do I handle this?

Updated June 30, 2022

For more information, please visit Academic Frequently Asked Questions on the Provost’s website.

 

Will faculty accommodate students who must be out because of Covid-19?

Updated June 30, 2022

For more information, please visit Academic Frequently Asked Questions on the Provost’s website.

Do I need to record lectures for students who are absent?

Updated June 30, 2022

For more information, please visit Academic Frequently Asked Questions on the Provost’s website.

What if I become ill during the semester?

Updated June 30, 2022

Permission from the Office of the Provost to make temporary modifications in course delivery to accommodate instructor absence due to Covid-19 exposure or contraction will be discontinued for the Fall semester. Going forward, any adjustments to class schedules will be handled under normal protocols which allow faculty to cancel a class, in consultation with their school leadership, if they have an illness or emergency situation and cover any missed material at their own discretion. If an instructor needs to cancel a class, they should notify students as early as possible.

 

If I didn’t have a formal telework arrangement pre-Covid-19, do I need to request one now?

Updated August 2, 2021

Approval of all Covid-19 related accommodations and flexible work arrangements (including telework) expired June 30, 2021.

Flexible Work Arrangements

Existing flexible work agreements — including those newly developed that are not related to Covid-19 — remain valid and should be reviewed annually. For questions regarding flexible work arrangements, visit the Working@Tech website or speak with your direct supervisor, HR Business Partner, or college representative.

ADA Requests

Accommodation may be available if you have a qualifying disability. Please review the information found here to determine if you may be eligible for a reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and submit the form found here if you would like to make a request. Please note that reasonable accommodation requests will require an interactive process and medical certification by an appropriately qualified healthcare provider.

For questions regarding ADA accommodations, email employee-relations@ohr.gatech.edu or call 404.894.4847.

 

I’m a current international student outside of the U.S. Do I have to return to keep my F-1 visa? What if I cannot return? Can I take online courses?

Updated June 16, 2021

Students who left the U.S. and plan to maintain their F-1 student visa status in the fall should plan to be in residence in Atlanta.

F-1 students unable to return to the U.S. within 30 days of the start of the term need to submit an iStart Intent to Depart e-form to notify OIE of their fall plans to remain outside the U.S. OIE will then review current guidance from SEVP to determine if the student’s SEVIS record can remain Active or will need to be terminated for Authorized Early Withdrawal.

  • The student may still elect to enroll in online or remote courses as no visa or Active SEVIS record is required for the purpose of online enrollment while outside the U.S. The opportunity for remote course options will depend on the availability of courses from a particular academic program and restrictions on Office of Foreign Assets Control-sanctioned countries. Students who plan to engage in online learning physically from any of the following countries need to first gain approval from the Office of General Counsel (asklegal@gatech.edu): Cuba, Crimea Region of Ukraine, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria.
  • If the student is not maintaining an Active SEVIS record, the student will not be automatically enrolled in health insurance coverage or assessed the international student fee for the semester. Nor will the student be required to enroll in a minimum number of credits to maintain their visa status.
  • If not approved by SEVP for the SEVIS record reactivation, the student will receive a new SEVIS record, a new I-20 form, and will be required to re-pay the I-901 fee. If the student still holds a valid F-1 visa, the student will not need to apply for a new visa. If the student’s F-1 visa is expired, they will need to apply for a new F-1 visa with the new SEVIS record before attempting to re-enter the U.S.
  • Additionally, in the scenario where a SEVIS record cannot be reactivated, the F-1 student visa holder’s academic time toward the one-year practical training clock will begin again upon re-entry to the U.S. The student will become eligible for practical training after 30 weeks of full-time instruction inside the U.S.
Wastewater Testing

Is testing sewage effective for surveilling Covid-19?

Yes, sewage surveillance has proven to be highly effective in detecting outbreaks of Covid-19 within communities. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has started a National Wastewater Surveillance System to collect and centralize data regarding the detection of pathogens in sewage or wastewater from around the country. This proven approach is also being used internationally to successfully monitor the health of communities.

 

What unit of measurement is used for detecting Covid-19?

Wastewater testing detects and quantifies short fragments of the virus’s (SARS-CoV-2) genome. It measures the number of copies of these fragments per liter of sewage, normalizing for dilution by stormwater and other variables.

 

Where is Georgia Tech sampling wastewater?

Georgia Tech is sampling eight locations that provide access to wastewater from buildings in west, east, and north campus.

 

Why did Georgia Tech select these sites?

The sites were selected to provide a view of the overall health of the greater campus community.

 

When are samples collected?

Samples are collected on Monday and Thursday mornings. The frequency and sites of sampling may increase in the future if the pandemic intensifies or if new Covid-19 variants emerge that require special attention.

 

How are samples collected?

Samples are collected using a piece of equipment called an “autosampler.” These autosamplers are programmed to pump small volumes of sewage from a given site at regular time intervals throughout the day, yielding a “composite” sample of sewage that represents a sample collected over multiple days.

 

What do the different ratings mean for the Georgia Tech community?

In general, higher SARS-CoV-2 genome counts reflect higher rates of Covid-19 infections, and, hence, an increased risk to public health. In addition, because severely infected individuals may shed more genetic material of SARS-CoV-2 in their stool, higher counts may indicate the presence of more severe infections.

 

Can you tell who has Covid-19 from the sewage samples?

No. Sewage sampling cannot reveal who is shedding viral RNA. The results will be used to understand trends and hotspots in infections across campus.