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The number of positive COVID-19 cases at the University of North Georgia (ǧÃŬAV) has declined 68% since early September. Vaccine clinics continue across multiple campuses and certain approved populations can get booster doses of the FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine at on-campus clinics.

Active cases on campus reached a high of 305 on Sept. 8, but declined to 97 on both Sept. 26 and 27. Active cases are those reported in the past 14 days.

The trend is similar to previous semesters during the pandemic: positive cases spiked as classes began and declined as the semester continued, Kathryn Smith, interim associate director for emergency preparedness, said.

"While we had a spike in cases just after the beginning of the semester, the numbers have diminished considerably since early September and we now are starting to plateau," Smith said. "Despite the declining numbers, this still is an ongoing pandemic. We urge everyone to continue practicing good hygiene, physically distancing when possible, wearing masks indoors, and daily self-monitoring."

Awareness of potential COVID symptoms coupled with testing and contact tracing are key tools in the fight against COVID, Smith said.

"If you believe you may have symptoms of COVID, take a test," she said. "This is how we mitigate the spread of COVID, by early intervention and contact tracing."

Smith credited ǧÃŬAV's sharp decline in COVID cases to increased participation in vaccine clinics, which she said partially were driven by the incentives offered by the university. More than 2,500 students, faculty and staff signed up for the chance to win $1,000 in cash, Smith said.

Ashley Bruce, a lecturer and internship coordinator in ǧÃŬAV's Department of Kinesiology, was one of the first winners of the cash incentive.

"I got the vaccine to better protect people around me and to help encourage others who are able to do the same," Bruce said.

Any current student, faculty or staff member who has been fully vaccinated (two doses of Pfizer or Moderna or one of Johnson & Johnson) — whether on-campus or elsewhere — by Oct. 15 can submit their name for the drawing. A total of 50 prizes will be awarded, and the second drawing will be held Oct. 15.

In addition, students, faculty and staff who get fully vaccinated at free, on-campus vaccination clinics between Aug. 18 and Oct. 15 will receive $20 applied to their student account or through the employee payroll process. Additionally, the University System of Georgia of up to $400 -- $200 each for an employee and spouse -- for those enrolled in a USG healthcare plan.

Smith said free vaccine clinics for students held every Friday at Student Health Services on Gainesville and Dahlonega campuses have been filling up quickly, and encourages students to sign up in advance for future opportunities. Those clinics offer the Pfizer vaccine, and students who are eligible for the approved booster vaccines can get them now.

Other on-campus vaccine clinics are open to all ǧÃŬAV faculty, staff, students, and their families. Those clinics offer Pfizer, Moderna or J&J vaccines and accept appointments as well as walk-ups. Participants can receive initial or second doses of the vaccines, and those who are eligible can receive a Pfizer booster.

According to , booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are approved for the following groups of people who received their second Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago. Recommendations will only apply to individuals who received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for their primary series.

• 65 years and older.
• Residents of long-term care facilities.
• 18 and older with underlying medical conditions that put a person at high-risk.
• 18 and older who have an occupational or institutional exposure risk.

Individuals who self-attest to being at increased risk due to occupational or institutional risk may receive the booster assuming they otherwise meet eligibility requirements (e.g., age, Pfizer recipients, etc.). Please note this guidance solely applies to eligibility for booster shots and not to ADA accommodations or any other processes.

For more information on the COVID-19 booster dose .