News brief 2/26

The university is seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases following a week of unexpected exposures due to inclement weather. At current, 33 students have tested positive and are in isolation, 46 are in quarantine due to exposure and nine are awaiting results.

Of the 33 confirmed positive cases, 18 are on-campus students; four are in City Vista and 11 are off-campus.

All students, faculty and staff that are regularly on campus will be subjected to another round of mass testing beginning March 2 and 3.

The spike in cases is suspected to be from increased social interactions in response to the inclement weather that shut down campus and much of Texas last week.

“Transmission of the virus does not appear to happen in classes, small group meetings and events, or athletic practice or competition. This is because these activities consistently employ ProtecTU practices and/or comprehensive safety protocols,” wrote Tess Coody-Anders, vice president for Strategic Communications and Marketing, in an email to students, faculty and staff.

Students are encouraged to answer phone calls from the contact tracing team and to participate to the best of their abilities to help stop the spread of the virus. University buildings and facilities will continue to implement all ProtecTU Health Pledge protocols, including social distancing, mask wearing, and green badge requirements.

“Our campus community has demonstrated an exceptional willingness to do what it takes to protect each other and keep campus open. We are weary from the pandemic and exhausted by the storms, but I know we can and will rally once again,” wrote Coody-Anders.