South Georgia Technical College closes through March 31st in response to Governor Brian Kemp’s executive order

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   Governor Brian P. Kemp signed an executive order declaring a Public Health State of Emergency in Georgia closing all elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools through March 31st to keep students, teachers, and administrators safe and mitigate the spread of the coronavirus or COVID-19.

   “In compliance with that executive order, South Georgia Technical College and its adult education sites will be closed to all activities now through March 31st,” said SGTC President Dr. John Watford.  “Additional information as it becomes available will be shared on the South Georgia Technical College website, email, and social media accounts.”

   South Georgia Technical College had suspended all classes and activities through March 27th earlier this month and given employees the option of teleworking.  The Governor’s executive order extends the class suspension through March 31st and all but essential operational employees will be encouraged to telework.

    Governor Kemp believed further action was necessary to protect the health and safety of the population of Georgia, slow the spread of COVID-19, reduce the number of people who will become infected, and avoid unnecessary strain on Georgia’s healthcare system.  Georgia law vests the Governor with powers and duties as may be deemed necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of the civilian population.

    “In consultation with the Governor’s Coronavirus Task Force and local, state, and federal education, health, and emergency preparedness officials, I have determined that closing all elementary, secondary, and post-secondary public schools in Georgia is a necessary and appropriate action to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Georgia’s residents and visitors to help control the spread of COVID-19 throughout this state,” said Governor Kemp.  The Governor also ordered that the Georgia Department of Public Health and the Georgia Department of Education implement measures providing for the health, nutrition, safety, educational needs and well-being of students during this mandated school closure period.

    As of Monday, there were still no confirmed reported cases of COVID-19 in South Georgia Technical College’s immediate service area.  SGTC President Watford and his emergency management team will continue to communicate during the campus closure to keep faculty, staff, students and the community abreast of any changes.

   In this situation, as with any other virus such as influenza, prevention is a key strategy.  Take precautions or measures to protect yourself and prevent the spread to others. The best prevention measures for any respiratory virus are:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water

are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

    Members of the South Georgia Technical College COVID-19 leadership team include: President Watford, Vice President of Student Affairs Eulish Kinchens, Vice President of Academic Affairs David Kuipers, Vice President of Operations Karen Werling, Vice President of Institutional Advancement Su Ann Bird, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Vanessa Wall, Dean of Enrollment Management on the Crisp County Center campus Julie Partain, Director of Campus Safety Sammy Stone, and Director of Maintenance Jeff Wiseman.

   Individuals who would like Community Real Time information can call 1-855-962-0955.


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