23
July
2021
|
17:17 PM
America/Chicago

Update Regarding COVID-19 and Delta Variant

Dear UHD Community,

Our region continues to feel the effects of the global pandemic. The last few days are a testament to how quickly local conditions can change and the need to adapt to our changing threat environment. The University of Houston-Downtown recognizes the need to remain vigilant in curbing the pandemic, especially as faculty, staff, and students return to campus with more face-to-face classes this fall. Conversations are actively taking place as we assess the effectiveness of our current safety practices.

We continue to monitor local and regional COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalization rates carefully, including those attributed to the Delta variant.

Currently, UHD’s campus infection rates have been flat since April 2021. We have averaged one to two reported cases per week. To date, our case numbers have remained relatively low due to everyone’s adherence to safety protocols implemented by the University. In view of the recent breakthrough cases and local spikes of new infections, we ask that you continue practicing the following health and safety procedures that are available to us:

  • Vaccination is the leading prevention strategy to protect individuals from the COVID-19 disease. Current COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States are safe and effective, widely accessible, and available at no cost. You are encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities available and get vaccinated. Please refer to the vaccine resource finder to confirm an appointment near you.

    As an extra convenience, UHD and H-E-B will offer free COVID-19 vaccinations in the UHD Welcome Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 26 (first dose) and Sept. 17 (second dose). Registration information will be announced soon.
  • The University continues to encourage those who are not fully vaccinated to wear a mask as this provides an extra level of protection from contracting and spreading the virus. Although masks are not required on campus, the Centers for Disease Control recommends them for people who are not vaccinated, and UHD is a “mask friendly environment” for any of our community members who choose to wear one.

    In situations where social distancing may be challenging, UHD recommends community members can wear masks to protect not just themselves but also the community outside our campus.
  • Free COVID-19 testing is available on campus at the Curative walk-up kiosk located beside the Jesse H. Jones Student Life Center, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The testing service is available to faculty, staff, students and the Houston community by appointment. The University Community is strongly urged to take advantage of this opportunity.
  • Our contact tracing team is still actively monitoring UHD COVID cases and exposures. We ask that you continue reporting via the UHD reporting forms and working with our contact tracers if they reach out to you.

The University has worked hard to keep our campus community as safe as possible, but we realize some of you may still have questions. Please refer to our COVID-19 website for additional information. We will continue to update the University Community on any developments related to the pandemic and will work to maintain a safe campus environment for all here at UHD.

Sincerely,

Cynthia Vargas

Director, Emergency Management and Fire Safety