In February, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released research that found that wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask is more effective at reducing transmission of the coronavirus than either a surgical or cloth mask alone. Layering the two substantially improves the fit of the surgical mask, which can reduce aerosols by about 95%. Another way to improve a surgical mask’s fit is to knot the ear loops and then tuck in and flatten the extra material close to the face.

Additionally, the CDC issued new guidance for those who have been fully vaccinated, meaning it’s been more than two weeks since they received both doses of a two-dose vaccine or one shot of a one-dose vaccine. Fully vaccinated people:

• Do not have to quarantine after being exposed to Covid-19, as long as they continue not to show any coronavirus symptoms.
• Can visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without masks and physical distancing.
• Can visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at a low risk for severe Covid-19 disease indoors without masks and physical distancing.

Fully vaccinated people should still continue to take precautions when in public or around people who are at increased risk for severe illness with Covid-19, including wearing a well-fitting mask, physical distancing, and avoiding medium- to large-sized gatherings.

While this new guidance does not constitute any changes to campus protocols at this time, all students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to continue to wear a mask, get tested at least once a week, and physically distance themselves from others. Masks are still required inside all campus buildings, except for one’s own dorm room or suite, as stated in the University System of Georgia’s Covid-19 policies. Even when walking around outside, the CDC still encourages wearing masks when others are around. Read more about their guidance for wearing masks.

Georgia Tech is currently rolling out vaccine distribution in accordance with the Georgia Department of Public Health. Those who are eligible have been notified via email and can make appointments at health.gatech.edu/coronavirus/vaccine.

Learn more about Georgia Tech’s policies for dealing with Covid-19 here.