South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster yesterday issued Executive Order 2020-21, which includes a mandatory “home or work” order which goes into effect at 5 p.m. today. As indicated in the order, permitted travel includes commuting for work, visiting family, and obtaining essential goods or services. The order will not impact any individual’s ability to exercise outdoors or go for a walk as a family, but everyone should act responsibly and practice social distancing and proper personal hygiene.
Clemson University has been conducting all classes online since March 23, with the University in a closed and modified operational mode allowing mission essential personnel on campus. While the Governor’s most recent executive order does not change the operational status of the University, it reinforces the need for only essential faculty and staff to report to work. Employees previously identified as needing to access campus for mission critical operations will continue to have access to University facilities.
SOCIAL GATHERINGS
On March 23, Governor Henry McMaster issued an executive order stating, “law enforcement has the ability to disperse groups of people who pose a risk to the public’s safety and to the safety of others.”
Clemson University officials were notified of student gatherings in the City of Clemson and Oconee County over the weekend, contributing to unsafe situations with groups gathering in excess of the numbers permissible under the current state regulations. Students found responsible for gatherings on or off campus are subject to the University’s student code of conduct, as well as possible sanctions under local laws.
CDC RECOMMENDATION ON FACE COVERINGS
CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.
CURRENT STATUS AND ONGOING UPDATES
Clemson University officials continue to closely monitor COVID-19 and are actively engaged in daily planning in an effort to inform and reduce the risk to faculty, staff, students and visitors from the virus. As of today, April 7, at 3 p.m., the University can confirm the following:
- Community spread is occurring within the state of South Carolina, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). READ MORE.
- Online instruction has been implemented through the remainder of the semester. In addition, no programs, events or activities will be held through May 8. READ MORE
- The Board of Trustees authorized University officials on April 1 to offer refunds for a range of student fees, including housing, meals and parking/transportation. READ MORE
- Provost Bob Jones announced a new special grading policy for the spring semester, a flexible approach that preserves the integrity of the University grading system. READ MORE
Additional information and updates on Clemson University’s response and policy can be found at Clemson.edu/coronavirus.