Campus Updates

Dear Emory community,

Emory remains committed to having everyone safely back on campus this fall. To achieve our collective goal, we will begin incorporating expanded levels of activity and programming in measured stages.

While we remain in the ‘orange’ operating condition, current COVID-19 indicators have been assessed to support policy expansion within this operating status. Based on our campus community continuing to comply with public health practices and testing protocols, the following outlines initial expanded gathering and activity levels this spring.

Beginning today, March 10, the following changes will be implemented: 

• The indoor and outdoor gathering policy limit will be raised from 10 to 25. The inclusion of a faculty/staff member present at the gathering or event is at the discretion of the event sponsor. Gatherings are still subject to our other safety protocols, including wearing face coverings, physical distancing, and registering events and activities.
• The visitor policy will be updated to allow for visitors to come to campus to perform in a small, organized social activity in an outdoor setting — i.e. an outdoor performance — with size limits as outlined above.

• Emory Athletics at Atlanta will progress to their next recovery phase and resume some intercollegiate competition, beginning with away games and matches for spring sports. A comprehensive safety plan, that includes enhanced testing, cleaning, and compliance protocols, was developed in collaboration between athletics and public health groups to help guide and direct a safe return to competition for athletics. 

Beginning March 15:

• Access to recreation facilities currently open on both campuses will be expanded to include all Emory students, both those living on and off campus, who are subject to and in compliance with mandatory screening testing protocols.  Reservations for recreational use at the Woodruff PE Center can be found at this link.

As a reminder, off campus students who access campus for any reason are required to onboard, test weekly, and complete a screening test within 7 days of visiting campus. Students living on campus need to continue testing twice weekly.

Events are still required to follow their respective approval processes.  Please carefully consider the need to host an in-person event based on its function and if all attendees can uphold the compliance measures necessary to execute a safe gathering.

All policy changes undergo a formal review process within our COVID governance model and will continue to be evaluated regularly. As changes are made, each may be supported in new and enhanced ways with differing protocols — all with the purpose of supporting the safest and healthiest environment possible as we move forward towards our collective goal for a full return.

Sincerely, 

Amir St. Clair
Associate Vice President and Executive Director for COVID-19 Response and Recovery