The University of Houston-Downtown is monitoring updates from community partners in accordance with the COVID-19 Response Matrix as well as making adjustments to daily operations as Gators return to campus. To that end, several changes will have an effect on faculty, staff and students.

Check this list to stay up to date regarding news that will impact the UHD Community as well as to find a consolidated directory of community resources that will help the UHD Community acclimate to these changes. This list will be updated weekly during this transition period.

Latest News

The Curative COVID-19 testing kiosk near the University of Houston-Downtown's Student Life Center is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  See more details in this UHD News article.

In a continued effort to provide a safe environment at the University of Houston-Downtown, mask dispensers have been set up at all buildings on campus. Read more about it in this article

University of Houston-Downtown students, faculty and staff who participated in the Vaccination Incentive Program can now verify the addition of $30 GatorCash to their balance on their Gator Card. To find out how you can check for your funds, see our UHD News article.

The Vice Chair of UHD's COVID-19 Taskforce offered an update on the University's Coronavirus website.

Vaccination Updates

• The COVID-19 Vaccine is available to UHD students, faculty and staff through the University’s partner, UTHealth. More details.
   
• UHD Community members are encouraged to get vaccinated by their primary healthcare providers or sign up for an appointment at one of the Houston area's vaccine hubs.
   
• All adults in Texas now qualify to receive any available coronavirus vaccines.
   
• Texans age 16 and older are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccines.
   
• Veterans of all ages can now receive a COVID-19 vaccine through the Houston Veterans Affairs office. Appointments are available by calling 713-794-8985.

Events & Information

• The President’s Lecture Series on Justice, Equity and Inclusion was held  Sept. 28 addressing the topic of Inclusive Excellence: COVID-19 and Health Equity in Communities of Color. UHD President Loren J. Blanchard’s special guests included four noted medical experts including: Dr. Bettina M. Beech, Clinical Professor, Population Health, University of Houston; Dr. Brian Reed, Chair, Clinical Sciences, University of Houston; Dr. Stephen Spann, Founding Dean, College of Medicine & Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Houston; and Dr. LeChauncy Woodard, Founding Director of the Humana Integrated Health System Sciences Institute, University of Houston
• UHD's Curative COVID-19 Testing Kiosk is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The kiosk is located near the Student Life Center at the Girard Street entrance. The testing is free of charge and available to the university community and the public. UHD students, faculty, staff and alumni may sign up for appointments through the Curative portal and must then check-in online before their visit. Learn more about this service and how to register here 
• For more information regarding COVID-19 safety precautions, instructions for what to do if you feel ill or have been exposed to coronavirus, and instructions for traveling abroad during the pandemic, visit the Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

University Updates

UHD President Loren J. Blanchard and Interim Provost Dr. Akif Uzman shared information with faculty and staff regarding updates dealing with COVID-19 and changes to the University's approach to Fall Semester.

UHD Director of Emergency Management Cynthia Vargas offered an update on UHD's response to COVID-19 and the Delta Variant.

New forms are available for UHD employees and students to report COVID-19 exposure and positive diagnoses, as well as to request to return to campus.

• Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued Executive Order 36 prohibiting governmental entities from requiring the wearing of face coverings. Based on this Executive Order, and with guidance from the UH System Office, the University of Houston-Downtown will no longer requires individuals to wear masks or other face coverings while on campus. Read more in President Blanchard's message.

For additional news, visit UHD News or Gator Update and check weekly emails from the University.