South Carolina State University News August 21, 2021 Frequently Asked Questions | Bulldogs Fighting COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions Bulldogs Fighting COVID-19 Q: Why do I have to wear a mask? A: Wearing a face covering reduces the risk of passing COVID-19 to others. Consistent and correct mask use is especially important indoors and in crowded settings when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Masks are most effective when everyone is wearing them. Click here for more about masks.<https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html> Q: Can I remove my mask while eating? A: Yes, students may remove their masks while eating at the Dining Hall or The Pitt. If you get up for any reason during a meal, wear your mask. If you continue to chat after eating, wear your mask. Q: Why should I get vaccinated? A: The COVID-19 vaccination helps protect you from getting sick or severely ill with COVID-19. The vaccine helps your body recognize and fight the virus if you come in contact with it. It might also help you protect the people around you. If you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic. Click here to learn more.<https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html> Q: Are the vaccines safe? A. Millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 vaccines under the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history. COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated in tens of thousands of participants in clinical trials. The vaccines met the Food and Drug Administration's rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality needed to support emergency use authorization. Click here for information about where to get vaccinated.<file:///C:/Users/swatson2/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/5JOK0AKF/vaxlocator.dhec.sc.gov> Q: If I'm fully vaccinated, why do I have to wear a mask? A: To maximize protection from variants and prevent possibly spreading the virus to others, you should wear a mask in public settings even if you are fully vaccinated. Q: Why is SC State mandating masks and encouraging vaccinations? A: SC State is doing everything it can to slow the spread of COVID-19 on campus. This will not only help protect students, faculty and staff members from getting sick, it will also allow SC State to have in-person classes, on-campus student housing and group activities. Q: Why do I have to be tested weekly? A: Because residential students live in tight quarters and there are thousands of people on campus, weekly testing is the best way to isolate those who might spread the virus to others. Q: What happens if I get sick or test positive for COVID-19? A: If you are experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19 while on campus, do not attend classes and contact Brooks Health Center immediately. Students who test positive while on campus will be directed to the isolation hall for 10 days. Q: What do I do if my roommate, suitemate or classmate gets sick or tests positive for COVID-19? A: The Brooks Health Center will notify you if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive. If your roommate or suitemate informs you of a positive test, contact the Brooks Health Center for instructions. Wear your mask around anyone who displays symptoms of COVID-19. Q: What is the difference between quarantine and isolation? A: Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick. Quarantine means students are asked to stay in their rooms awhile if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Isolation means students who have tested positive will stay alone in an isolation room or leave campus. Q: How can I help? A: It's important for all students to model good behavior, especially when it comes to COVID-19 precautions. Wear your mask in buildings and group settings. Practice social distancing. Follow good hygiene habits. Encourage others to follow the same guidelines. Get vaccinated and urge your peers to do the same. Important telephone numbers Brooks Health Center: 803-536-7055 Residence Life & Housing: 803-533-3675 Sandra M. Phoenix HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> Honor the ancestors, honor the children and those yet to come. 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