Personal Prevention
Follow all health and safety recommendations to protect yourself and others. We'll continue to update this information as changes occur.
The best prevention is to avoid being exposed to the virus.

Symptom Monitoring
Monitor yourself for the symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle
aches, headache, chills/shaking, lost sense of smell/taste, and fever greater than
100°F.
If you are sick, stay home. If you test positive for COVID-19, call 803-576-8511 to
report your positive status to the university and for medical guidance.

Personal Hygiene
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Additional hand washing stations [map] have been set up around campus. Hand sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol
is also effective.
Avoid touching your face and always perform hand hygiene before eating or touching
your nose, mouth or eyes.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow. Dispose of used tissue properly.
Do not share food, drink, hookahs, vape pens and other products that can easily transmit
the virus.

Face Coverings
Because face coverings have been proven effective in mitigating the spread of COVID-19,
masks are required in instructional and research spaces and in medical facilities.
Voluntary masking in all remaining areas of campus is supported, and KN95 masks are
available from University Health Services or through your department procurement official.
Students, faculty and staff should carry a face covering of their choice to use on
campus.

Diagnostic Testing
COVID-19 (PCR) diagnostic testing for the virus allows for early identification, intervention
and effective contact tracing of COVID-19 cases. Testing results may also help the
university better understand and mitigate the spread of the virus.
The University of South Carolina has free testing available for students, faculty and staff members.