University System News:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
University System of Georgia to send more than 800,000 face masks to students
By Eric Stirgus
The University System of Georgia said Thursday it is shipping more than 800,000 face masks and other supplies to its students for the upcoming semester to protect them from COVID-19. The system sent 835,400 masks and 1,161 cases of disinfecting wipes to campuses across the state. It has an additional stockpiled reserve of 59,500 masks and 461 cases of wipes. About 333,000 students were enrolled in the system last year. The system earlier this month mandated people wear face coverings in classrooms and other places on its campuses. The rule took effect July 15.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Back to campus but still online?
Get Schooled with Maureen Downey
Students at Georgia public colleges may find their dorm rooms doubling as classrooms
Several professors at public campuses across Georgia warned me weeks ago that students could return to campus only to discover their classes are largely online. As the profs explained it, many of their faculty peers fell into high-risk categories; the average age of a full professor is 55. These older professors and those with underlying health conditions or vulnerable family members would be reluctant to teach face-to-face, they said, and would insist on remote classes. That seems to be the case as Georgia students planning to return to campus check their class schedules and learn they’ll have several virtual courses. While public campuses in Georgia plan to open, parents who hoped their kids would have a “traditional college experience” are discovering students may be spending a lot of time in their dorm room in front of a computer. A Georgia Tech dad whose daughter’s classes are all remote except for a lab asked, “Why are they bringing students back to campus for one in-person class? Why didn’t they just bite the bullet and go 100% online?”
CR880 News
U. of Georgia outlines COVID-19 testing plan for return to campus
By: Andrew Hudson
The fall semester is just around the corner, as is the return to campus for students, faculty and staff. With this in mind, the University of Georgia has outlined its approach to COVID-19 surveillance testing and notification for its campus community that will begin on August 10, with the first day of UGA’s Phase Three reopening plan. According to an official update from the University of Georgia’s COVID-19 Medical Oversight Task Force, the plan calls for 24,000 COVID-19 tests to be conducted by Thanksgiving at a rate of 300 tests per day on samples collected from faculty, staff, and students that volunteer to be tested. UGA will hire five staff members — three medical professionals and two support staff — to carry out the program, with specimen collection to be conducted at an outdoor location.
Patch
UNG Hosting Digital Town Hall Monday For Questions About Fall
University of North Georgia administrators will answer questions about courses, the revised academic calendar and preparations for students.
By Kathleen Sturgeon
After this summer’s announcement that the University of North Georgia will resume face-to-face instruction in August, students and their families want to know how courses, classrooms and campus life will differ. North Georgia administrators plan to address courses, the revised academic calendar, preparations to return to campus, and more in a virtual town hall session from noon to 1 p.m. July 27. Geared toward students, their parents and families, the town hall may be accessed online. …Students, parents and family members may submit their questions in advance or during the town hall to enrollment@ung.edu. Questions will be compiled and asked during the question-and-answer portion, which will conclude the online session.
Northwest Georgia News
As COVID-19 cases surge, concerns rise over PPE, supplies
Andy Miller Georgia Health News
…At Augusta University Health, officials are closely monitoring how quickly clinicians are using up PPE, Dr. Phillip Coule, chief medical officer at Augusta University Health, told the AJC. Duane Kavka of the Georgia Primary Care Association, which represents community health centers across Georgia, told GHN on Friday that due to the surge of COVID-19, “we are being told by PPE suppliers that we may be facing shortages of PPE in the very near future.’’ The health centers are also facing limitations on the number of COVID-19 test kits from the two national labs – Quest and LabCorp, Kavka added. The PPE situation is also on federal officials’ radar.
The Augusta Chronicle
Masks blamed for acne flareup and skin rash increase
By Jozsef Papp
Reports of acne flare-ups have been increasing as more people wear masks to protect themselves and others during the coronavirus pandemic. The flare-ups have been dubbed “maskne,” as it appears masks are causing acne increases for people of all ages. Dr. Kathryn Potter, a dermatologist at AU Health, said that while they’ve seen a lot of patients with acne and other rashes related to wearing a mask, these conditions are easily treatable and people should still wear masks to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
The Augusta Chronicle
Georgia’s school reopening plans can break along political lines
By Fletcher Page, Joe Hotchkiss, Will Peebles
Some neighboring counties in Georgia couldn’t be further apart. Distinct political lines can mark communities’ different approaches to restarting public schools as Georgia struggles with COVID-19. Many of the state’s larger communities that lean Democrat are waiting to open schools, while their conservative next-door neighbors are heeding calls to not only open earlier but also teach classes in-person. That distinction can be seen most prominently among Georgia’s five largest cities that lie outside metro Atlanta — Augusta, Macon, Columbus, Savannah and Athens. Conservative leaders on the state and federal level have been encouraging school systems to begin their academic years as early as possible, to restore a sense of normalcy to a nation currently experiencing upticks in reported COVID-19 cases. …Lara Wessel, an associate professor of political science at Georgia Southern University, said it’s tough to directly attribute a back-to-school plan with the political leaning of a county. But, at least in the Savannah area, that’s the pattern. Wessel said when it comes to things without a lot of public understanding — such as the uncertainty during a pandemic — people tend to look to leadership that shares their ideals.
The Brunswick News
Southeast Georgia Health System presents scholarships
Laura Young
The Southeast Georgia Health System Volunteer Services recently presented $1,000 scholarship awards to six graduating high school seniors who served as volunteers at the health system and plan to pursue degrees in the healthcare field. The recipients are as follows: Megan Amick plans to pursue a nursing or physical therapy career and has enrolled in the College of Coastal Georgia. Lauren Buie aspires to enter medical school and will study biological sciences at the University of Georgia. Adi Parker, plans to pursue a bachelor of science in nursing at Georgia Southern University…. Kamiyah Robinson …has enrolled in the College of Coastal Georgia nursing program. Briana Gadson, has enrolled in College of Coastal Georgia and plans to study radiologic science. Tanayja White, aspires to be a neonatal nurse and is enrolled at Augusta University.
Albany Herald
UGA faculty members, student honored for work with poultry
By Maria M. Lameiras
Three University of Georgia faculty members and one doctoral candidate from the Department of Poultry Science in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences have been honored by the Poultry Science Association. Professor and Department Head Todd Applegate and Professor Jeanna L. Wilson have been elected Fellows of the Poultry Science Association, a professional organization of approximately 1,800 educators, scientists, extension specialists, industry researchers, administrators, producers and college students who are committed to advancing the poultry industry. The status of Fellow is one of the highest distinctions a Poultry Science Association member can achieve. The designation recognizes members for professional distinction and contributions to the field of poultry science and service to the association.
Deacaturish
Decatur First United Methodist creating scholarship fund in honor of John Lewis
Dan Whisenhunt
Decatur First United Methodist Church is creating a scholarship fund in honor of the late Rep. John Lewis. “We are all indebted to the leadership, decades of public service, and good trouble of Congressman John Lewis,” Rev. Dalton T. Rushing said in an email to Decaturish. “Honoring his legacy, Decatur First UMC plans to endow a scholarship to support the participants of the African American Male Initiative at Georgia State University. Decatur First invites others to join in honoring the life and work of John Lewis by supporting the development of tomorrow’s civic leaders. Donors can give online at this link by selecting the John Lewis Memorial Scholarship Endowment’ fund or
Albany Herald
UGA, USDA poultry team will use grant to increase profitability
By Maria M. Lameiras
Over time, the U.S. poultry industry has bred strains of birds that grow rapidly to meet consumer demand for chicken products — especially breast meat — but that rapid growth has led to a higher incidence of muscle tissue defects that could lead to revenue loss. Now a team of University of Georgia and U.S. Department of Agriculture poultry scientists has received a Critical Agricultural Research and Extension (CARE) grant from the USDA to help develop ways to use the meat that increase sustainability and profitability. Led by Harshavardhan Thippareddi, the John Bekkers Professor of Poultry Science in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the team has received a $300,000 grant from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to support their work.
Other News:
Fox5
Final day of mediation for Atlanta mayor, Georgia governor
Monday, July 27, is the final day of mediation for Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Governor Brian Kemp who are set to meet in court on Tuesday. Atlanta is among at least 15 local jurisdictions statewide that have ordered people to wear masks in many public places to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. In a lawsuit against Mayor Bottoms and the members of the City Council, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp argues that local leaders do not have the authority to impose measures that are more or less restrictive than those in his executive orders. A Fulton County superior judge ordered both parties to enter mediation before Tuesday’s hearing.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia police departments report zero citations for face mask violations
By Alexis Stevens, Greg Bluestein
More than a dozen cities and counties have defied Gov. Brian Kemp to adopt a mask mandate to contain the spread of the coronavirus, but an Atlanta Journal-Constitution review shows that the requirements are rarely, if ever, enforced. The legal requirement to wear face coverings is a key part of Kemp’s lawsuit against Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms that contends the mask mandate and other coronavirus restrictions are unenforceable and too restrictive, and the case could determine whether other cities are allowed to keep the requirements on their books. But the AJC analysis shows that the requirements to wear a mask, which top public health experts agree is a leading way to stem the disease outbreak, is largely symbolic. The AJC contacted 15 police departments and law enforcement agencies in the cities, suburbs and small towns that enacted the restrictions. Not a single citation was reported.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
World’s biggest COVID-19 vaccine study begins Monday
By The Associated Press
30,000 volunteers helping to test shots created by US government
The world’s biggest COVID-19 vaccine study got underway Monday with the first of 30,000 planned volunteers helping to test shots created by the U.S. government, one of several candidates in the final stretch of the global vaccine race. There’s still no guarantee that the experimental vaccine, developed by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc., will really protect. The needed proof: Volunteers won’t know if they’re getting the real shot or a dummy version. After two doses, scientists will closely track which group experiences more infections as they go about their daily routines, especially in areas where the virus still is spreading unchecked.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Map: Coronavirus deaths and cases in Georgia (updated July 26, 3 p.m.)
An updated count of coronavirus deaths and cases reported across the state
DEATHS: 3,498 | Deaths have been confirmed in 148 counties. County is determined by the patient’s residence, when known, not by where they were treated.
CONFIRMED CASES: 167,953 | Cases have been confirmed in every county.
Higher Education News:
Inside Higher Ed
Students considering sitting out the fall semester because of the pandemic risk losing guaranteed on-campus housing when they return to colleges with strict leave-of-absence policies.
By Greta Anderson
As colleges unveil plans for a fall semester during the coronavirus pandemic, some students have decided to put their education on pause and take a voluntary leave of absence for the semester or the entire academic year while they wait for college life to return to normal. Partially open, reduced-capacity campuses and operating models that place some or all courses online do not meet these students’ expectations; some worry they will get a lower standard of education that could leave them ill prepared for future employment. But taking an official leave at some colleges, even for students in “good academic standing,” can be complicated — for the students and the institutions. Students can lose certain privileges upon return from leave, and college officials worry residence halls and other on-campus facilities could be overwhelmed if too many students on leave are allowed to return at the same time, especially if the pandemic continues to require colleges to operate lower-capacity dorms.
Inside Higher Ed
New International Students Barred From All-Online Classes
New U.S. immigration guidance clarifies that new international students — unlike continuing international students — cannot come to American colleges to take a “100 percent” online course load this fall.
By Elizabeth Redden
U.S. immigration officials have issued new guidance saying new international students — unlike current international students — cannot come to the U.S. to take an entirely online course of study. However, while one expert noted a lack of clarity on this point, the guidance issued Friday by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program seems to affirm that new international students may enroll in hybrid programs consisting of a mix of in-person and online courses, as long as their coursework is not “100 percent online.” It also says that students will not be at risk of deportation if their institutions switch from an in-person or hybrid mode to an online-only mode in the middle of the term due to the pandemic.
The Chronicle of Higher Education
Students Are Spreading Covid-19 Off Campus. Here’s How Colleges Can Stop It.
By Sarah Brown and Katherine Mangan
… In recent weeks, Covid-19 cases have exploded among people in their 20s and 30s. Public-health officials say that’s partly because of so-called superspreader events, including gatherings of college students in off-campus houses, fraternities, and bars. Confronted with social-media posts showing crowds of students dancing and drinking together in defiance of local orders, colleges have been forced to zero in on what’s happening just outside their borders. But there are limits to what colleges can do. Administrators can, in theory, punish students for hosting large gatherings if such events cross their radar. They can’t, however, show up at private fraternity houses and enforce mask-wearing and physical distancing in common areas. …Colleges could threaten to revoke recognition of groups that ignore public-health rules, said W. Scott Lewis, a lawyer and partner with TNG Consulting. Being in good standing with the college gives student groups privileges like the ability to sponsor events on campus and to use the university’s name in recruiting and advertising.