The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly altered how millions of people go about their day. It’s no exception for the thousands of University of Georgia faculty and staff. But while things have changed, the university remains committed to helping Georgians. Like others across the nation, UGA faculty and staff are adapting to find ways to help out.
Here are four ways UGA faculty and staff are fighting back against the virus or offering resources to people in Georgia and beyond during this crisis.
Joining efforts to stop the virus
Researchers at UGA are working to combat COVID-19 from multiple angles.
A team of UGA researchers is developing and testing new vaccines and immunotherapies to combat the novel coronavirus that has infected hundreds of thousands across the world. The team is led by Ted M. Ross, Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar and director of UGA’s Center for Vaccines and Immunology. Ross is partnering with other laboratories and biotechnology companies to create new vaccines that could one day protect against the virus that causes COVID-19.
The University of Georgia Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases has launched a new Coronavirus Tracker. The tracker is the work of CEID’s Coronavirus Working Group, convened to provide timely, data-driven situation awareness about the COVID-19 outbreak.
Supporting small businesses
UGA’s Small Business Development Center offices continue to provide virtual consulting and online resources for Georgia’s small businesses, which are being heavily impacted by the current circumstances.
In Floyd County, the local SBDC officials are working closely with the local chamber and Downtown Development Authority to provide information and resources for businesses.
The statewide SBDC is updating its website regularly to help entrepreneurs and businesses find information and resources as they become available, including the Conquering a Business Crisis Guide.
Learn how to connect with a local office here.
Supporting farmers
For the agricultural industry, spring is a vital time for maintaining the food supply. And UGA continues to support Georgia farmers and agribusinesses through Cooperative Extension.
Extension has canceled some events, and some offices have had to close their doors to the public. Some programs have moved to online platforms. But while Extension agents are heeding Gov. Brian Kemp’s executive order to limit travel and group gatherings, they continue to provide necessary services, soil diagnoses and advice during this emergency.
Visit their website for contact information or call 1-800-ASK-UGA1.
Supporting K-12 students and families
As teachers and administrators across Georgia are working hard to keep their students on track with school closures, several UGA units are working to provide resources to families and teachers.
Faculty experts have provided tips for working at home with kids, Georgia 4-H has posted educational resources to their website, and Kelly Edenfield, a mathematics and sciences education professor, has organized a free online math tutoring resource for Georgia students. Other units are offering free educational programs as well, such as the Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant and the Georgia Museum of Art.
