Our state seems to be in limbo, as the number of COVID-19 cases in counties seems to seesaw from week to week based on the weekly SCDHEC county-level data, which we share on our Extension Operating Status webpage. On behalf of the Extension Leadership Team, I would like to share an important “Return to Office” message. We are fortunate that our Clemson University administrators have allowed staff to work remotely for the last year without loss of positions or employment. However, per the governor’s directive, state employees should make plans to return to the workplace. For now, (at least 90 days from March 1, 2021), Extension will continue to follow our Return to Work Framework Plan, which outlines office scheduling according to the yellow or green stage. After the 90 days, the COVID-19 activity rates will be evaluated to determine if these schedules will remain in place. I’d like to remind you of our Modified Operations Guidance: 90 Day document, which outlines the logistics of public interaction during the green stage of “modified operations.”
The safety of employees has and will continue to be our main priority. Contact your County Coordinator on or before April 26 to be placed on the office rotation schedule. If you have a situation that prevents you from being placed in your county office’s schedule, explain the situation to your County Coordinator and contact your District Extension Director. These circumstances will require completing paperwork with Human Resources and the Office of Access and Equity for approval. Currently, there is no plan to allow staff members to remain working remotely on a full-time basis unless approved by Human Resources. To return to the office, staff members must have a negative COVID-19 test result since January 1, 2021. You must upload your results to the University COVID-19 Test Result Upload Tool and send a screenshot or email of your clearance to your direct supervisor. After uploading and submitting your test results, you will need to return to the office within 7 days.
Clemson University administration encourages staff to get vaccinations for COVID-19; however, this is not a requirement. If you choose not to get vaccinated, you are still expected to return to work unless you have the appropriate paperwork approved by Human Resources and the Office of Access and Equity. Currently, there is no reporting tool for employee vaccination numbers, but this may become available in the future. All University employees are expected to follow safety protocols, even after being vaccinated. Masks in common areas in buildings and offices where social distancing is not possible and cleaning procedures are still required.
All main campus employees must be tested weekly, and the University’s diligence to keep everyone safe is commendable. It’s exciting to see more people returning to campus and walking in the halls. I have missed seeing our Extension team members in person. It’s also exciting to hear people tell me they have vaccine appointments or have already been fully vaccinated. I am happy to say I have had both of my Pfizer shots, and I am comforted by that. If you are having any trouble finding vaccination appointments, please visit the South Carolina DHEC vax locator website. If you are looking for more feedback about receiving the vaccine, I encourage you to read the Expert Insight articles on the Clemson News site, one of which features our Rural Health and Nutrition Director, Dr. Michelle Parisi. I am grateful for her expertise and caring attitude towards her colleagues and stakeholders.
Last week, I shared vital information about the new organizational structure, Extension will transition into this new structure by July 1. I ask that you carefully read that information, understand it fully, and reach out to your DED if you have any questions. This restructuring affects everyone in some way, and I assure you that it will create positive change. Extension has shown a powerful resiliency, and we not only survived 2020; we thrived. I cannot emphasize that silver lining that developed from the past year’s struggles enough. What we have learned about program delivery has allowed us to serve a significantly larger number of our state’s citizens, more than we had ever thought. That trend is not going to slow down anytime soon. We have created a value-added approach we didn’t fully understand was there for the taking. The Agronomic Crops team members can confirm that statement. The participation in their virtual grower meetings exceeded their expectations, and their stakeholders indicated an ongoing interest in a hybrid model for programming.
Extension has shined through recent recognition of our year-round impact. Our HGIC features on Clemson News aren’t the only outcomes blooming. Women-centric programming and leadership are on the rise, health provider partnerships are continuously expanding, and the Water Resources team’s Carolina Clear is effectively driving water quality efforts. However, that brief list of highlights only scrapes the surface of what we have accomplished in the first three months of 2021. Imagine what lies ahead. Additionally, the Health and Safety Directives for Extension/Outdoor Lab Meetings and Events plan is carefully guiding our planning for in-person activities strategically. Please be sure to follow the instructions to request permission for event planning and work closely with your PTD.
Remember, we are not out of the woods yet with this pandemic. Do not take any progress for granted and lazily assume it will simply continue. I implore you not to fall into the trap of ‘COVID fatigue’ as our situation has not suddenly and magically turned into a sprint. It has always been a marathon that must be continued with discipline. Otherwise, the pace will slow frustratingly, and we will realize the consequences as we lose ground. If you think that sounds dramatic, then clearly, you aren’t paying attention. This scenario is playing out in other states, regions, and countries, and more people are suffering when they were so close to a kind of redemption. There is certainly more at stake than most of us have ever known. I have high hopes for a steady pace of improvement across our state over the coming months, and I look forward to watching your diligent efforts continue and expand for the good of our state’s citizens.
As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Extension.
