Updates on Campus COVID-19 Protocols

The following message regarding changes to COVID-19 protocols was shared with the College of Charleston community on Friday, Oct. 29,2021:

Dear Campus Community,

As you know, the College of Charleston and our surrounding community continue to see encouraging signs that the latest COVID-19 surge is trending downward. While we are pleased to announce today the easing of some restrictions on campus, we urge all students, employees and visitors to remain vigilant in the ongoing fight against this deadly virus.

Please be aware of the following updates and information:

New Guidance on Indoor Event Capacity

Effective Monday, Nov. 8, the current limit of 50 people at College-sponsored indoor gatherings (on or off campus) will be lifted and will revert to the fire code capacity of indoor space. All other requirements for indoor gatherings remain in place as indicated:

Face coverings are required, and social distancing is strongly encouraged.
A non-student employee of the College must be present (in person or virtually) to help manage the event.
Eating and drinking should be very limited. Food should be pre-packaged, and we encourage providing food and drink in a “to-go” format as guests leave the event.
When possible and to minimize direct contact, events/gatherings should not include mingling or reception activities.
Maintain a list of attendees in case follow-up is needed for contact-tracing purposes.

New Guidance on Residence Hall Visitation

Effective Monday, Nov. 8, the current restrictions on residence-hall visitation will be amended to allow any currently enrolled CofC student to be signed into a residence hall as a guest. The current restriction on non-CofC student guests will remain in place. Specific information regarding the guest sign-in process can be found on the Residence Life website.

Mask Mandate

The College’s requirement that face masks be worn inside all campus facilities remains in place.

Booster Shot Eligibility

For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are now eligible for a booster shot at six months or more after their initial series:

- 65 years and older
- Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
- Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
- Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings (to include College of Charleston faculty and staff due to their interactions with many students).

For individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.

To find a vaccine provider near you, visit the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control Vaccine Locator. Local availability of the vaccine is strong, and most people can schedule a booster appointment within 24 hours.

The College is also exploring the possibility of holding a booster shot clinic on campus for eligible employees. If interested in attending such a clinic, please indicate your interest by completing this voluntary, anonymous survey.

Questions regarding these updates and other COVID-19 campus protocols can be sent via email to covid19@cofc.edu.

Sincerely,

CofC COVID-19 Leadership Team