Where Compassion Inspires Progress
For more information about COVID-19, visit the DHEC website or the CDC website.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act – Employee Rights Poster
GGC is seeing an increase in COVID exposures and positive tests.
If you have been around someone with COVID or COVID-like symptoms, you may find this CDC link helpful in assessing your risk – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/risks-exposure.html.
Below is a reminder of GGC policies related to COVID isolation, masking, and testing.
Please be respectful of your coworkers and DO NOT come to work if you are ill. If you do, you will be sent home.
COVID
GGC continues to triage COVID situations when they are brought to our attention and are following current CDC guidance. All employees should continue to report to HR any positive COVID test or any close exposures.
OTHER ILLNESSES (flu, RSV, colds, etc…)
Thank you for your consideration!
COVID-19 testing is still available to GGC employees and household members at no cost. Currently testing is by request only; employees should contact Ben Hilton or Tim Fee to arrange. Sample collection tubes can be obtained at either the Cyto or Array Lab on the Greenwood campus. Supplies are being sent to satellite offices this week.
A test request form must be completed for each sample submitted. Saliva COVID test request form can be found at this link, https://controller.ggc.org/Forms/Admin/COVID/COVIDTestForm, and also on the Employee Portal.
COVID-19 testing centers are also located in our community should that prove more convenient for your situation, SC COVID testing centers: https://scdhec.gov/covid19/covid-19-testing-locations. Regular cost sharing may apply.
At least three GGC employees have tested positive for COVID in recent days and others have been exposed.
Please be respectful of your coworkers and DO NOT come to work if you are ill. If you do, you will be sent home.
COVID
GGC continues to triage COVID situations when they are brought to our attention and are following current CDC guidance. All employees should continue to report to HR any positive COVID test or any close exposures.
OTHER ILLNESSES (flu, RSV, colds, etc…)
Thank you for your consideration!
On May 11, 2023, the US COVID Public Health Emergency expired. Because of this expiration, there are some changes with SCMA’s medical coverage. Below you will find the changes in regards to coverage of services related to COVID-19.
All COVID-19 impacts are referenced throughout the Summary Plan Description (SPD).
If you have specific questions, please let HR know.
With COVID community transmission numbers remaining low across South Carolina, GGC is removing the requirement to wear face masks in clinic.
Employees in contact with patients will be expected to wear a mask if it is requested by a patient or patient family member, and any employee may certainly continue to wear masks anytime they choose.
We have been made aware that an individual who attended the retirement party on Wednesday, February 15, has tested positive for COVID. This individual was asymptomatic on Wednesday, but began experiencing symptoms on Thursday.
While we are not certain that this individual was infectious or contagious during the event, we do want to inform everyone at the event that you may have been exposed to COVID.
If you attended the party and have access to a home test, we encourage you test as a precaution. You are also welcome to test at work tomorrow, February 21. If you become symptomatic, please reach out to your supervisor and HR and refrain from reporting to work until you are provided a directive.
Individuals who have been identified as close contacts will be contacted directly by HR. If you have questions, please reach out to Janet Still in HR.
While the use of face masks at GGC continues to be required only for in-person patient encounters, employees in other areas and situations may choose to wear a mask at any time.
GGC will continue to provide disposable masks for any employees who wish to wear one at work. If you are in need of face masks, please reach out to the contact person below for your division/office.
Admin building – Anna Crockett
Diagnostic Labs – Jamie Butler/Angela Young
Education – Ashley LaVerdure
Greenwood clinic – Kathy Scott
Research – Kathleen Crowder
Greenville – Melea Jefferson
Columbia – Alexis Bishop
Charleston – LaToya Hughes
GGC Administration reminds all employees of current guidance regarding illness, especially this time of year as flu and other respiratory illnesses continue to be common.
Please be respectful of your coworkers and DO NOT come to work if you are ill. If you do, you will be sent home.
COVID
GGC continues to triage COVID situations when they are brought to our attention and are following current CDC guidance. All employees should continue to report to HR any positive COVID test or any close exposures.
OTHER ILLNESSES (flu, RSV, colds, etc…)
Thank you and have a great (and healthy) weekend!
In our latest review of COVID transmission data, there is an increase in the transmission rates across SC. GGC will now require face masks be worn for all face-to-face patient encounters.
Wearing face masks continues to be optional for all employees in non-patient areas.
Any employee who wishes to continue wearing a face mask may do so. Bullying or coercion regarding mask wearing will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
As always, please remain vigilant. If you are experiencing symptoms of illness, stay home, contact your supervisor, and get tested.
If you have any questions about these new guidelines, please reach out to Janet Still ([email protected]) or Paul Pridmore ([email protected]).
As COVID requirements are relaxing most everywhere, we wanted to take this opportunity to remind all employees of current guidance regarding illness, especially this time of year as flu and other respiratory illnesses are becoming more prevalent.
Please be respectful of your coworkers and DO NOT come to work if you are ill. If you do, you will be sent home.
COVID
GGC continues to triage COVID situations when they are brought to our attention and are following current CDC guidance. All employees should continue to report to HR any positive COVID test or any close exposures.
OTHER ILLNESSES
Wishing a safe and healthy Thanksgiving holiday for all!
With continuing low levels of COVID transmission in SC, GGC is relaxing the face mask mandate for clinics. Face masks will no longer be required in clinic settings. Employees should comply with any patient/family requests to wear a face mask during their visit. Please continue to ask the health screening questions for all in-person visits.
As always, if you are feeling ill or showing any symptoms of COVID, the flu, or other illness, please stay home. Employees should continue to report positive COVID test results to HR so any additional safety precautions can be implemented where indicated.
We also suggest that employees continue to follow guidelines regarding booster shots. If it has been 2 months or longer since your primary series or your last booster, then you should get the new bivalent booster. You do not have to get the previous booster before getting the new bivalent booster. All adults are eligible for the bivalent booster. Once you have received your booster shot, please report that on our vaccination status form here.
As COVID cases have declined significantly, we are continuing to relax COVID restrictions.
We do suggest that employees continue to follow guidelines regarding booster shots. If it has been 2 months or longer since your primary series or your last booster, then you should get the new bivalent booster. You do not have to get the previous booster before getting the new bivalent booster. All adults are eligible for the bivalent booster.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions…
Visitors at GGC are not required to wear a mask unless they are a patient or family member/caregiver accompanying a patient to the clinic. Individuals who are immunocompromised are encouraged to wear masks in all areas. GGC employees, students, and support staff who work in a clinic should be masked during all in-person patient encounters.
All clinic patients and their family members/caregivers should be screened with questions regarding current COVID symptoms and exposure. Temperature screening is not necessary. Other visitors do not need to be screened.
Yes. In person meetings are permitted for groups of any size with or without social distancing. Masks can be worn on a voluntary basis. Virtual attendance should remain an option, especially for persons who are immunocompromised.
Yes. We will no longer limit seating to one person per table.
Yes. Internal and external events are allowed and prepackaged food is no longer required. Please use pre-COVID processes for planning events. Approval by the COVID team is no longer necessary.
Yes. This is still a requirement per our current COVID-19 vaccination mandate policy.
Yes. At this time, testing is being offered as needed. Please reach out to Ben Hilton or Tim Fee regarding any need for testing.
If you have additional questions regarding COVID restrictions, please reach out to Janet Still or Paul Pridmore.
GGC continues to monitor COVID transmission, and we have seen a decline across most of SC. In accordance with current CDC guidelines, we are relaxing face mask rules as follows…
Wearing face masks is now optional for all employees, except when in direct contact with patients. Face masks will still be required for all face-to-face patient encounters.
Any employee who wishes to continue wearing a face mask may do so. Bullying or coercion regarding mask wearing will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
All other COVID-19 safety guidelines are under review, but remain in place at this time.
As always, please remain vigilant. If you are experiencing symptoms of illness, stay home, contact your supervisor, and get tested.
If you have any questions about these new guidelines, please reach out to Janet Still ([email protected]) or Paul Pridmore ([email protected]).
GGC will continue to require all employees and visitors to wear face masks while indoors around others on all GGC campuses while the CDC community levels map shows that most SC counties are reporting high levels of COVID-19.
The CDC continues to use these community levels to recommend safety measures for preventing the spread of illness. When levels are high, individuals should wear a high quality mask or respirator, and if you are at high risk of getting very sick, consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities in public where you could be exposed.
The Center will continue to follow CDC guidelines regarding quarantines and exposures. These guidelines were recently updated to reflect the following changes:
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions…
If you have additional questions regarding COVID restrictions, please reach out to Janet Still or Paul Pridmore.
U.S households can place a third order for free, at-home COVID-19 rapid tests (8 tests per order). The tests will come in 2 separate packages of 4 tests each. Each package will have its own order number and tracking number. To learn more or to order tests for your household, please visit At-Home COVID-19 Tests (usps.com).
GGC is still offering in-house COVID tests to our employees and members of their household, but it is beneficial to have an at-home COVID-19 test in the event you cannot leave your house, it is the weekend or you are traveling.
Due to unforeseen circumstances with our COVID testing materials, GGC will not be running in-house COVID tests until early next week. If you are experiencing symptoms, we ask that you remain off campus and reach out to your primary care provider for testing or use an at home COVID test.
We will update employees once we are able to run COVID tests again.
As COVID cases have increased significantly both within GGC and across our state, the following changes are being made to promote a safe working environment.
We continue to suggest that employees follow guidelines regarding booster shots. All adults are eligible for a booster shot, and a 2nd booster dose is suggested for those with a weakened immune system and people age 50 or older.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions…
If you have additional questions regarding COVID restrictions, please reach out to Janet Still or Paul Pridmore.
Mandatory Mask Update
The latest update from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) community levels map shows most SC counties reporting high levels (highlighted in orange) of COVID-19. Until further notice, all GGC employees are required to wear face masks while indoors around others on all GGC campuses.
The Center’s safety guidelines, including self-monitoring for symptoms, social distancing, frequent and thorough handwashing, and virtual meetings whenever possible, remain in place. Additional precautions are being considered and will be communicated once decisions have been made. Employee who experience symptoms should notify their supervisor and HR, remain off campus and test. GGC testing continues to be available for employees and immediate family members.
We encourage all employees to keep their COVID-19 vaccinations up-to-date. For most individuals, being up-to-date means getting two initial doses and a booster. For those who are over age 50 and/or immunocompromised, two boosters are recommended. The CDC has updated their guidance for fully vaccinated people. Keeping up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations prevents severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Individuals who are 65 and older who received both doses of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccines showed a 94% reduced risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization.
GGC also continues to follow CDC guidelines regarding quarantines and exposures. If you have not already done so, we ask all employees to report booster shots here. This helps us when assessing quarantine requirements for employees who may have been exposed.
Mandatory Mask Update
The latest update from the Centers for Disease Control(CDC) community levels map shows 9 SC counties reporting high levels (highlighted in orange) of COVID-19 and 27 counties reporting medium levels (highlighted in yellow.) Click here to visit the CDC Community Levels page.
In accordance with CDC and SC DHEC recommendations, GGC advises employees working in these counties: Chesterfield, Marlboro, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, Horry, Williamsburg, and Georgetown to wear masks around all persons while indoors.
Employees in counties with medium levels of COVID-19 infection, Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Beaufort, Berkley, Calhoun, Charleston, Cherokee, Chester, Clarendon, Colleton, Dorchester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Hampton, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lee, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Spartanburg , Sumter, Union, and York are advised to wear masks if immunocompromised or are regularly around persons who are immunocompromised.
As has been the requirement, all employees with direct patient contact should continue to wear masks when seeing patients or with any patient contact in all counties.
Mandatory Mask Update
The latest update from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) community levels map shows 8 SC counties reporting high levels (highlighted in orange) of COVID-19 and 13 counties reporting medium levels (highlighted in yellow.) Click here to visit the CDC Community Levels page.
In accordance with CDC and SC DHEC recommendations, GGC advises employees working in these counties: Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Lexington, Marion, Marlboro, Newberry and Richland, to wear masks around all persons while indoors.
Employees in counties with medium levels of COVID-19 infection, Bamberg, Berkley, Charleston, Cherokee, Chesterfield, Dorchester, Fairfield, Georgetown, Horry, Kershaw, Orangeburg, Williamsburg and York, are advised to wear masks if immunocompromised or are regularly around persons who are immunocompromised.
As has been the requirement, all employees with direct patient contact should continue to wear masks when seeing patients or with any patient contact in all counties.
We have been made aware that someone who might have been symptomatic at the Lip Sync event has tested positive for COVID. While we are not certain that this individual was infectious or contagious during the Lip Sync event, we do want to inform everyone at the event that you may have been exposed to someone who was contagious with COVID. If you have access to a home test, we encourage you test before the holiday weekend as a precaution. You are also welcome to test when you return to work on Tuesday, July 5th, if you do not have access to a home test or develop symptoms.
If you become symptomatic, please reach out to your supervisor and HR and refrain from reporting to work until you are provided a directive.
If you have questions, please reach out to Human Resources.
We are aware of 3 GGC employees who have developed symptoms and tested positive for COVID after attending Fun Day last Wednesday. While we are not certain that these individuals were infectious or contagious during Fun Day, we do want to inform everyone at Fun Day that you may have been exposed to someone who was contagious with COVID. We are hopeful that the outdoor setting of Fun Day will decrease any risk of exposure; however, we are making the following recommendations for those that attended Fun Day:
The CDC has updated their guidance for fully vaccinated people.
Basically, in summary, everyone should monitor for symptoms of COVID and everyone who was at Fun Day should test for COVID this week.
As you may know, there has been a recent increase in COVID cases. We encourage all employees to keep their COVID-19 vaccinations up-to-date.
For most individuals, being up-to-date means getting two initial doses and a booster. For those who are over age 50 and/or immunocompromised, two boosters are recommended. The CDC has updated their guidance for fully vaccinated people. Keeping up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations prevents severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Individuals who are 65 and older who received both doses of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccines showed a 94% reduced risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization.
GGC also continues to follow CDC guidelines regarding quarantines and exposures. If you have not already done so, we ask all employees to report booster shots here. This helps us when assessing quarantine requirements for employees who may have been exposed.
Please note that GGC’s COVID paid time remains in effect through 6/30/22.
While transmission of COVID remains low across SC, cases are starting to rise in some parts of the country. We encourage all employees to remain vigilant.
Below is additional information regarding the relaxing of COVID restrictions…
Tour groups – GGC has resumed group tours on the Greenwood campus. Masks and screening of visitors is not required; however, hosts of tour groups should ask any guests who are experiencing any signs of illness not to attend.
Student Shadows – GGC will again start allowing one-day student shadows. Students on campus for a single day will not be subject to the vaccine mandate. Masks and screening are not required unless the shadow is in a patient setting. If a student shows signs of illness, they should be asked to reschedule their shadow experience.
GGC employees can now report their 2nd booster shot via the GGC COVID Vaccination Status Form.
As COVID cases have declined significantly and all GGC offices are in areas of low transmission, we have continued to relax COVID restrictions.
We do suggest that employees continue to follow guidelines regarding booster shots. A 2nd booster dose has now been approved for those with a weakened immune system and people age 50 or older.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions…
If you have additional questions regarding COVID restrictions, please reach out to Janet Still or Paul Pridmore.
Message from Dr. DuPont: We are now planning on having COVID testing on Tuesdays and Fridays (and other special circumstances if necessary).
COVID cases have declined significantly in recent weeks, and all GGC locations are now in counties with low or medium transmission. In accordance with current CDC guidelines, we are relaxing face mask rules as follows…
Wearing face masks is now optional for all employees, except when in direct contact with patients. Face masks will still be required for all face-to-face patient encounters.
Any employee who wishes to continue wearing a face mask may do so. Bullying or coercion regarding mask wearing will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
All other COVID-19 safety guidelines are under review, but remain in place at this time
If you have any questions about these new guidelines, please reach out to Janet Still ([email protected]) or Paul Pridmore ([email protected]).
A change in testing requirements, twice weekly to weekly, has been made under the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. Please see update below.
Prior to this change
All newly hired employees and individuals in similar roles will be informed of the GGC COVID-19 vaccination policy before employment or assignment begins. New employees must have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before their start date and be scheduled to receive a second dose, where applicable, within thirty days of their start date. New employees will be subject to twice weekly (Monday & Friday) COVID-19 testing until their vaccination series is complete.
Employees submitting requests for exemptions to this policy or who are partially vaccinated will be subject to twice weekly (Monday and Friday) COVID-19 testing until an exemption request determination is issued by the Center or the vaccination series is complete.
After this change
All newly hired employees and individuals in similar roles will be informed of the GGC COVID-19 vaccination policy before employment or assignment begins. New employees must have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before their start date and be scheduled to receive a second dose, where applicable, within thirty days of their start date. New employees will be subject to weekly (Monday or first day of week reporting to work) COVID-19 testing until their vaccination series is complete.
Employees submitting requests for exemptions to this policy or who are partially vaccinated will be subject to weekly (Monday or first day of week reporting to work) COVID-19 testing until an exemption request determination is issued by the Center or the vaccination series is complete.
If you have any questions about this, please feel free to contact Paul Pridmore, [email protected] or Janet Still, [email protected].
We appreciate the efforts of all employees who are doing everything they can to reduce the spread of COVID as cases have increased over the past weeks. With more employees testing positive, there are also more employees being identified as close contacts.
GGC’s COVID team confidentially uses an employee’s reported vaccination status to guide quarantine requirements when they are exposed. By getting and reporting your booster, you could avoid quarantine if exposed.
While GGC has not mandated booster shots for those previously vaccinated, they are part of being ‘up-to-date’ on your vaccination. Boosters are recommended for all adults (18+) and for those 12 and older for the Pfizer booster.
You can find more details here.
Once you have received your booster shot, please report that on our vaccination status form here.
In the past two days GGC has had four employees test positive for COVID – one in the Treatment Center, one in the Admin building, one in the Research building, and one in the Education building. The employees in research and education have not been in the office for several days. Fogging has taken place in the Treatment Center and Admin building. Coworkers identified as close contacts have been notified.
As cases continue to hit record levels, please take all appropriate precautions to protect yourself and those around you by wearing masks, socially distancing, and washing your hands often.
Remember that GGC offers in-house COVID testing for all employees and members of your household with results back the same day if the samples are submitted by 11am.
As COVID numbers remain high, there are numerous GGC employees who have been impacted in recent weeks. We do ask all employees to keep in mind that the COVID status of your colleagues is confidential medical information. It should not be discussed with or disclosed to anyone else without the permission of the impacted individual.
Thanks to you all and stay well!
The CDC has updated guidance on recommended isolation and quarantine periods for individuals with COVID-19, shortening periods if symptoms are absent or resolving. COVID vaccination series and vaccine booster status is a consideration as well. GGC will be utilizing this guidance when working through COVID-19 scenarios with employees. If you have any COVID-related questions or concerns, please reach out to HR.
Employees who have not already recorded their vaccination and booster status, should do so: GGC COVID Vaccination Status Form.
We are seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases. Please continue to observe all COVID precautions including social distancing, frequent hand-washing and wearing masks. All meetings should be held virtually until further notice. If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, do not come in to work. If you start feeling ill at work, notify your supervisor and leave immediately.
As Dr. Skinner mentioned at the employee meeting on Friday (12/10), the COVID pay mentioned in the message dated September 17, 2021 (scroll down to see it) has been extended through June 30, 2022. All requests for COVID-related pay must be approved by GGC HR. If you have any questions, please reach out to Human Resources.
Announcement from GGC COVID-19 Testing Team:
We are happy to continue offering saliva-based COVID-19 PCR testing to the GGC employees, families, and other household members at no charge. In an effort to help streamline the testing workflow, we have begun distributing tube labels that have small 2D barcodes printed on them. Please dispose of any remaining unused non-barcoded tube labels you may have. If your location needs additional tubes, labels, or other testing supplies, please contact the Cyto directors or the microarray lab and we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Some helpful reminders:
A GGC employee in the array lab on the Greenwood campus tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday after being exposed to a positive family member. Employees in this area have been notified, and the area will be fogged today. This employee was last on campus on Friday.
Although cases in South Carolina have been on the decline, they are rising in other areas of the country, and it is important to continue to be diligent and observe all precautions including social distancing and wearing masks. If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, do not come in to work. If you start feeling ill at work, notify your supervisor and leave immediately.
MESSAGE FROM ADMINISTRATION:
In an effort to clarify one section of GGC’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, the following changes have been made:
Prior to this change
Employees who do not fulfill one of these two requirements (establish that they have been fully vaccinated or obtain an approved exemption as an accommodation) will be placed on unpaid leave and their employment will be subject to termination.
After this change
Employees who do not fulfill one of these two requirements (establish that they have been fully vaccinated or obtain an approved exemption as an accommodation) will be placed on unpaid leave for a maximum of 45 days, at which time their employment will be terminated if they are not fully vaccinated.
If you have any questions about this, please feel free to contact Paul Pridmore, [email protected] or Janet Still, [email protected].
To protect the health and safety of GGC employees, patients, visitors, and our families and communities, GGC is mandating that all employees be vaccinated against COVID-19. This policy is in accordance with guidance from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
By November 30, 2021, the Center will require all employees to either establish that they have been fully vaccinated or obtain an approved exemption as an accommodation. Details regarding this policy, including instructions on requesting an exemption, are in the full policy document here.
In order to document receipt and understanding of this policy, each employee is required to review the policy and complete a policy acknowledgement by October 15. This acknowledgement can be found at this link: COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Acknowledgement form
We understand that the pandemic and vaccines are popular topics of conversation in the workplace, but we remind employees to keep all such conversations respectful. Harassment or discourteous treatment of unvaccinated employees will not be tolerated.
If you have any questions regarding this new policy, please contact Janet Still ([email protected]) or Paul Pridmore ([email protected]).
This policy has been posted to the GGC Employee Portal.
As you know, GGC has provided paid time off for COVID-related absences during most of the pandemic. We were able to do this because the federal government offered a tax credit to businesses to offset the cost. Unfortunately, this tax credit ends on September 30, 2021.
Because GGC cares about you and your loved ones, we will continue to provide up to 40 hours of paid time off for COVID-related absences through December 31, 2021. All requests for COVID-related pay must be approved by GGC HR.
An employee that is unable to work (or unable to telework) will likely be approved for COVID paid time off if the employee:
REMINDER
While GGC’s breakrooms are open for eating with tables spaced for social distancing, employees must continue to take appropriate precautions as COVID cases remain high in our communities.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Three GGC employees tested positive for COVID-19 last week. All three are diagnostic lab employees located in the Treatment Center. The coworkers who are close contacts of these employees have been notified, and appropriate CDC guidelines are being followed.
Please continue to observe all COVID precautions including social distancing and wearing masks. If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, do not come in to work. If you start feeling ill at work, notify your supervisor and leave immediately.
Two GGC employees tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday – one in the Greenwood clinic and one in the administration building. Employees in these areas have been notified, and those areas have been fogged.
One additional employee from the diagnostic lab tested positive today. This employee has not been on campus for several days.
To our knowledge all of these exposures occurred outside of GGC.
As we continue to see rising cases in our communities, please continue to observe all precautions including social distancing and wearing masks. If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID 19, do not come in to work. If you start feeling ill at work, notify your supervisor and leave immediately.
FDA Approval
This morning, the FDA granted approval for Pfizer’s two-dose mRNA COVID vaccine for individuals age 16 and older.
The vaccine remains under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for those 12-15 years of age.
You can learn more about this announcement here.
Vaccine Safety Info
Self Regional Healthcare has also recently released this document to address COVID vaccine safety concerns.
Vaccination at GGC
GGC is requiring that all employees report their vaccination status. If you have not already done so, please click here to complete the form. If vaccinated, you will need to upload a copy of your vaccine card. If you do not respond, you will be contacted directly.
To date:
GGC has another employee who has tested positive for COVID today. This Diagnostic Laboratory employee was onsite this week with limited contact with coworkers. Those considered close contacts have been notified, and the area is being fogged.
As cases continue to climb, please stay vigilant with precautions including social distancing and wearing masks. If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID 19, do not come in to work. If you begin feeling ill at work, please notify your supervisor and leave immediately.
GGC COVID testing is available to all employees and household members.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to HR or Dr. Mike Friez.
GGC had two Greenwood campus employees test positive for COVID-19 this week. Both individuals were exposed outside of work, and both have reported only mild symptoms at this time. Both have been away from campus since at least Thursday, July 29th with no close contact with coworkers in the 48 hours prior to their positive test.
As a reminder, the CDC defines close contact as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the individual is isolated.
As COVID-19 continues to be transmitted at high levels in our communities, it is important that we all continue to be diligent about wearing masks, washing our hands, socially distancing, and staying home if ill. These are requirements at work and apply to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Our testing has also identified several children with COVID, so please be cautious to help protect those who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated.
GGC is offering free COVID testing in-house for employees and those in their households. Request testing here.
Vaccines are safe, effective, and free. If not already vaccinated, please consider doing so. You can find a SC vaccine location here.
If you have any COVID-related questions or concerns, please reach out to HR. All Centerwide employee messages regarding COVID have been archived here for your convenience.
We have been following the increase in COVID cases in recent days fueled by the delta variant. All SC counties are currently in the CDC’s high or substantial category for COVID transmission which means that masks should be worn indoors, even if you are vaccinated. In response, GGC’s facemask policy has been revised.
Facemasks are now required in all GGC facilities unless you are working alone in a private office. This means that even small groups of vaccinated employees must remain masked when they cannot socially distance.
Here are some other COVID-related reminders…
Concerns have been raised regarding employees who are not wearing masks when walking through GGC facilities. You are still required to wear your mask while walking through GGC buildings, and visitors are required to check-in and to wear a mask while in GGC facilities.
Please review the current policies below related to COVID and mask-wearing…
All employees should remain diligent in best practices for COVID prevention:
Meeting Policy:
As more individuals are being vaccinated for COVID, we are seeing an increase of visitors to our campus and in our offices.
In line with current recommendations, we are no longer requiring temperature screening for visitors to GGC.
We do continue to require that all visitors be screened with the symptom/exposure questions below, and that they be asked to wear a mask while in our buildings. For those of you who are hosting or signing in visitors, please have disposable masks available to offer. Contact Kathy Scott in the Greenwood clinic ([email protected]) if you need masks.
This change does not apply to patients or those accompanying patients to appointments. Please continue to temperature screen and ask symptom/exposure questions of all patients and family members. Mask also continue to be required during in-person patient encounters for GGC employees, patients (if possible), and those accompanying them.
COVID symptom/screening questions
Thank you!
As a significant number of GGC employees are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we are relaxing face mask rules as follows…
If you are meeting with a small group (10 or fewer people) in a space that allows for appropriate social distancing, you may remove face masks IF all in attendance are fully vaccinated* against COVID-19 AND all agree to removing masks.
*Fully vaccinated means that it has been at least two weeks since the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two weeks since the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
If anyone in the meeting is uncomfortable with removing their mask, they should keep their mask on and all others must also keep their masks on – without question.
For any employees who wish to remove their masks in a small group setting, they must wear a ‘COVID-19 Vaccinated’ badge ribbon on their employee ID badge. In Greenwood, ribbons can be picked up in Lori Bassett’s office (TC first floor) by showing your vaccination card. In satellite offices, you may pick up a ribbon by showing your vaccination card to Sharon Pryor (Charleston), Christine Hart (Columbia), or Melea Jefferson (Greenville). Ribbons will be available in satellite offices on Tuesday.
Employees are under no requirements to get the vaccine, report their vaccination status to GGC, or wear a ribbon unless they choose to do so. If any employee in your meeting does not have a ribbon or chooses to keep their mask on, all must keep their masks on.
Face masks must continue to be worn:
Bullying or coercion regarding vaccination or mask wearing will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
If you have any questions or concerns about these new guidelines, please reach out to Janet Still in HR ([email protected]) or myself ([email protected]).
Thanks to you all,
Steve Skinner
We remain interested in knowing how many of our employees have received the vaccine. We are interested in knowing if employees have received their 1st or 2nd vaccine dose. This information will be used as an informational resource to help us better understand the vaccine’s effectiveness and length of immunity protection. It will also inform GGC Administration in managing decisions due to exposures within our facilities.
Providing this information is entirely voluntary. If you do not feel comfortable sharing information on your vaccination status, there is absolutely no requirement that you do so.
If you are willing to share this information, complete the steps below:
If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to GGC HR.
Also, as a reminder, Gov. McMaster has opened up vaccines to anyone in SC 16yrs of age or over. If interested in receiving the vaccine at Self Regional Healthcare, please see the following:
At this time, vaccines are only being administered at the central Greenwood vaccine site, 104 Wells Avenue
MESSAGE FROM SELF REGIONAL:
Dear Valued Employer,
Governor McMaster recently announced that beginning Monday March 8th, South Carolina will open access to the COVID-19 vaccine to those in Phase 1B. Self Regional Healthcare is excited to expand our operation and offer increased vaccine access.
This phase includes individuals 55 and older, people with high-risk medical conditions, educators, and those whose occupation puts them at increased risk. The complete list of those who qualify for the vaccine in phase 1A and 1B can be found here: COVID-19 Vaccine | SCDHEC
If your business/organization qualifies for the vaccine in phase 1A or 1B, we have the following methods available for requesting a vaccination appointment:
Eligibility for the vaccine will be demonstrated by the individual attesting that they meet the criteria. A photo ID is required at check-in.
At this time, vaccines are only being administered at the central Greenwood vaccine site, 104 Wells Avenue. Additional details will be provided when appointments are confirmed.
For employees who are interested in receiving the COVID vaccine, but have not scheduled their first dose…
Self Regional Healthcare has developed an online vaccine appointment request form here – https://www.selfregional.org/covid-vaccine-request-form/. This will replace the telephone hotline.
Requests will be accepted for individuals who are in category 1A (healthcare workers and first responders) and those 70 years old and older. Priority will be given for individuals who reside in Self Regional’s seven county service area (Greenwood, Laurens, Saluda, Abbeville, Edgefield, McCormick or Newberry).
If you have already received your first dose and are registered in the online VAMS system, you do not need to fill out this form. You may walk in for your second dose. Second doses will not be administered until at least 17 days have passed since the first dose, but it is recommended that you wait at least 21 days between doses.
Vaccines are being administered at the Self Regional Support Services building (104 Wells Ave) between 7am-5pm M-F. They will also be open this Saturday from 9am-Noon.
While we understand that there is concern about the consistency of decisions related to COVID-19 quarantine, we want to reassure you that GGC is following CDC and DHEC guidelines and considering the safety of all when allowing employees to report to work.
A specific concern has been raised regarding contacts of a contact. Per DHEC, this is defined as an individual who lives with someone who has been in close contact with someone who either displays symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or tests positive for COVID-19.
The guidelines for a contact of a contact are below:
Vaccines are being administered at the Self Regional Support Services building at 104 Wells Ave. Monday-Friday from 7am-5pm. They will also be administering them this Saturday, January 23 between 8am-Noon.
COVID testing contacts
Due to planned PTO, the contacts for in-house COVID testing have been changed. To access a collection tube, please contact Barb DuPont between 8am and 5pm (call or text 864-344-8272 or email [email protected]) to determine the safest method by which your sample can be collected and submitted. If you do not get a response within one hour please contact Ben Hilton (call or text 423-534-0562 or email [email protected]).
We will continue to require temperature/health screening for all visitors and patients coming to our offices.
Vaccine Update
For any employee who wishes to receive the COVID vaccine, but has not yet scheduled their first dose, the priority window for healthcare workers has closed. If you wish to make an appointment in Greenwood, you will need to follow Self Regional Healthcare’s process for vaccine distribution, which also includes those 70 years and older.
The GGC has learned that we have an employee who has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is currently asymptomatic and is at home for the required quarantine period. The individual was on the Greenwood campus and reports being in several areas of the Treatment Center. The individual was last on campus Monday, January 11.
This employee reported no close contact with anyone on campus. We have chemically fogged all areas in the Treatment Center where the individual reported being. We continue to offer in-house saliva testing to employees and their households. If you desire testing, please see the instructions in the December 30th message below.
As a reminder, the CDC defines close contact as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the individual is isolated.
This is our twentieth known COVID positive GGC employee. With the continued presence of COVID in our state and the beginning of the fall and winter flu and cold season, it is even more important that we all continue to be diligent about wearing masks, washing our hands, disinfecting surfaces, socially distancing and staying home if you are ill.
As a reminder, if you are ill do not come to work without talking with your supervisor and HR. If you are tested for COVID due to symptoms or exposure, do not work on campus while waiting on your results. If tested because of symptoms or exposure, you should quarantine and follow directions of health care providers and HR. If you have any COVID related questions or concerns, please reach out to HR.
MESSAGE FROM JIM KELLY:
Recently there have been some health concerns expressed regarding exposure to the disinfectant fogging being conducted after a known employee has tested positive with the Coronavirus.
Given below is information related to the products:
These products are being used in hospitals, schools, jails, restaurants, and many other public venues.
If you would like a copy of the SDS documents, you may contact Jim Kelly; [email protected]
Please continue to: Wear your mask. Social distance. Wash your hands.
As the COVID vaccine becomes available, we are interested in knowing how many of our employees have received the vaccine. This information will be used an informational resource to help us better understand the vaccine’s effectiveness and length of immunity protection. It will also inform GGC Administration in managing decisions due to exposures within our facilities.
Providing this information is entirely voluntary. If you do not feel comfortable sharing information on your vaccination status, there is absolutely no requirement that you do so.
If you are willing to share this information, complete the steps below:
We will be asking employees who are willing to participate to fill out the form again when they receive their 2nd dose of the vaccine. If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to GGC HR.
There have been several questions about the timing of the second dose of the Pfizer COVID vaccine. Pfizer recommends 21 days between the first and second dose. The VAMS system by the CDC is sending out appointment invitations/reminders for second doses starting at 17 days after the first dose. According to the CDC website, receiving the second dose 17 days or greater from the first dose is acceptable and does not require a third dose. In the clinical trial, the second dose was given as great as 40 days after the first.
I checked with SRH and they recommend 21 days or greater, but are administering the second dose 17 days or greater after the first dose. I would recommend trying to schedule the second dose 21-28 days from the first dose.
There are no specific days for GGC employees. You may schedule for any day and time that is available in the VAMS system. The hospital has been very accommodating and is usually able to administer the vaccine without an appointment on days that they are administering the vaccine.
I hope this is helpful,
Steve
GGC is offering COVID testing to all GGC employees and their household members. If you wish to request testing for someone who is not a household member, contact Mike Friez. Exceptions will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Please note:
Step 1: Getting a sample tube
If experiencing symptoms or had an exposure
Step 2: Complete Test Request Form
Step 3: Submit your sample
Step 4: Results
I hope that everyone had a very merry and safe Christmas. As we enter into the final week of this year, please be aware that the number of positive COVID cases continue to rise in S.C. and especially in the Upstate. Many of our hospitals are at a critical stage as far as ICU beds and staffing. We all need to continue to be diligent regarding the use of masks, socially distancing, washing our hands and staying home if ill.
We are receiving more reports of GGC employees either testing positive, having symptoms or being exposed over the Christmas holiday. We had 2 additional GGC employees report a positive test result over the holidays (we have now had 12 known GGC positive employees.) We are monitoring, testing and/or quarantining 8 additional employees based on possible exposures at work. We also have 7 additional employees potentially exposed from family members over the holidays. I suspect more reports will be coming in.
We continue to try to keep everyone safe through appropriate contact tracing, quarantining, testing, fogging, cleaning, and screening. You can do your part by wearing your mask, socially distancing, washing your hands, and staying home if ill.
If you have not been able to receive the COVID vaccine yet, I would encourage you to consider getting vaccinated. As a reminder, it is a 2 dose series and we do not expect 1 dose to fully protect you. We also do not know if the vaccine prevents someone from transmitting the virus to someone else. So, even if you receive the vaccine, you will still need to wear your mask, socially distance, and wash your hands.
Please stay safe as you celebrate the new year,
Steve
Update on Vaccine Adminitsration:
12/28/20-Per Self Regional, COVID-19 vaccines are being administered today,12/28/20, and tomorrow, 12/29/20, from 7:30am to 4:00pm at the Nesbit Education Center on Edgefield Street-SRH campus. The vaccine is available to GGC employees; please reference your email for a notice from the CDC [email protected]and the messages below. Next week vaccines will be offered every day at the Self Regional Support Services Building on Wells Avenue near McDonalds on South Main Street. You may not yet see these dates on the CDC schedule.
For employees outside of the Greenwood area: If you select an administration site outside of Self Regional in Greenwood and have not received an invitation from the area hospital, you should call the site before you go to verify your eligibility to receive the vaccine.
From Dawn Puderbaugh Hodges
Self Regional Hospital has extended availability of the COVID-19 vaccine to all GGC employees.
This is being administered at the Nesbit Center (corner of Edgefield St. and Academy St.) on the campus of Self Regional Tuesday, 12/22, and Wednesday, 12/23, between 7:00am and 4:30pm. (There may be other dates available, this is what was told to us today.) You will receive an email from the CDC with details about registering for the vaccine. Please watch your email for a notice from the CDC [email protected]. IT has whitelisted the address so it should not go to your barracuda account, but do check.
If you work in one of the clinics, you will still be able to receive the vaccine through Self if you are willing to drive to the hospital in Greenwood.
The GGC has learned that we have an employee who has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is at home on symptomatic treatment. The individual was on the Greenwood campus and reports being in only a few areas of the Treatment Center. The individual was last on campus Monday, December 14.
We have identified 1 GGC employees who may have a significant exposure to this individual. This employee has been sent home to quarantine and will undergo testing. We have chemically fogged all areas in the Treatment Center where the individual reports being. We have offered in-house saliva testing to employees that may have been exposed.
As a reminder, the CDC defines close contact as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the individual is isolated.
This is our nineth known COVID positive GGC employee. With the continued presence of COVID in our state and the beginning of the fall and winter flu and cold season, it iseven more important that we all continue to be diligent about wearing masks, washing our hands, disinfecting surfaces, socially distancing and staying home if you are ill.
As a reminder, if you are ill do not come to work without talking with your supervisor and HR. If you are tested for COVID due to symptoms or exposure, do not work on campus while waiting on your results. If tested because of symptoms or exposure, you should quarantine and follow directions of health care providers and HR. If you have any COVID related questions or concerns, please reach out to HR.
As a reminder, virtual meetings are still preferred and advised, but if you do have any in-person meetings, please wear masks, socially distance and disinfect the area after the meeting.
Stay safe,
Steve Skinner
As you are likely aware, the FDA has granted emergency approval of the first COVID vaccine from Pfizer. The second vaccine from Moderna is likely to be approved later this week. GGC has assisted Self Regional Healthcare in Greenwood by providing two -80 degree freezers for vaccine storage, and they received the first shipment of vaccine at Self yesterday. It is likely that GGC employees will be further down the list to receive the vaccine, but there are many questions about the development process and safety of the vaccines.
Dr. Rich Steet developed a presentation that has been shared with Self Regional employees and Greenwood Rotary, as well as this morning at GGC’s Case Review meeting.
His presentation has been recorded and can be viewed at the link below.
You may share the direct link with any family members or friends who are interested in this topic.
The GGC has learned that we have an employee who has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is at home on symptomatic treatment. The individual was on the Greenwood campus and reports being in almost all areas of the Treatment Center and Administration buildings. The individual was last on campus Wednesday, December 9th.
We have identified 3 GGC employees who may have a significant exposure to this individual. The 3 employees have been sent home to quarantine and will undergo testing. We have chemically fogged all areas in the 2 buildings where the individual reports being. We have offered in-house saliva testing to employees that may have been exposed.
As a reminder, the CDC defines close contact as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the individual is isolated.
This is our eighth known COVID positive GGC employee. With the continued presence of COVID in our state and the beginning of the fall and winter flu and cold season, it is even more important that we all continue to be diligent about wearing masks, washing our hands, disinfecting surfaces, socially distancing and staying home if you are ill.
As a reminder, if you are ill do not come to work without talking with your supervisor and HR. If you are tested for COVID due to symptoms or exposure, do not work on campus while waiting on your results. If tested because of symptoms or exposure, you should quarantine and follow directions of health care providers and HR. If you have any COVID related questions or concerns, please reach out to HR.
As a reminder, virtual meetings are still preferred and advised, but if you do have any in-person meetings, please wear masks, socially distance and disinfect the area after the meeting.
Stay safe,
Steve Skinner
Future changes to operations will be communicated via email and will be shared on this page of the GGC employee portal.
Previous employee messages (listed below) are archived here.
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