COVID-19 Checkup 03-04-2021
March 11, 2020
Bearkat Community,
It has been one year today since the World Health Organization officially declared the coronavirus pandemic, but today, we are beginning to see signs of hope. A third vaccine has been approved and is being distributed, more vaccination sites are opening on a daily basis and the rate of infections are declining. Here at Sam Houston State, Bearkat Athletics is back, face covering restrictions outside have been loosened and a well-deserved Spring Break begins next week. After Spring Break concludes, there are only seven weeks left until the end of the semester. The COVID-19 Work Group urges individuals to remain committed to safe practices, such as wearing face coverings and maintaining proper social distancing. As things continually improve, let’s not forget the past year, but learn from it.
Face Coverings Update on Campus
As of March 10, the university has modified its face covering protocols to the following:
- Continue to require all individuals in ALL buildings on the Sam Houston State University campus to wear face coverings.
- Modify the face covering requirement outside. Face coverings will only be required in outside campus areas where:
- Physical distancing (6 feet or more) is NOT possible
- When in groups (2 people or more)
- Where congestion is likely and,
- At prescribed events, including all Athletic events
Don’t Forget to Get Tested!
Taking a staycation or vacation over Spring Break? Make sure you are COVID-free before and after the break. Get tested NOW and when you return to campus. The SHC offers free testing for students, faculty and staff. You just need to provide your insurance or driver’s license information. Testing is recommended twice per week for effective screening.
New Vaccine Eligibility
The Student Health Center continues to pre-schedule appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty, staff and students. Currently, the Moderna vaccine is being offered to:
- Beginning MARCH 15 – Phase 1C includes Texans age 50 and older
- Teachers, child care workers and school staff including those who work in pre-primary, primary and secondary schools (K-12), as well as Head Start and Early Head Start programs (including K-12 teachers, staff and bus drivers) and those who work as or for licensed child care providers, including center-based and family care providers.
- Currently, the state’s definition does not include those educators at post-secondary institutions.
- Phase 1A focuses on front-line health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities.
- Phase 1B focuses on people 65 and older, those 18 years and older with medical conditions that put them at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and those with a Body Mass Index greater than 30.
If you are a faculty, staff or student who qualifies, you may request to be placed on the SHC waiting list by emailing shc@shsu.edu or calling 936-294-1805. To claim teaching eligibility, you will be asked to provide the name of the school or daycare you are associated with.
The SHC will schedule your appointment time as soon as a dose is available. Prior to your appointment, you will have to log into your patient portal to complete a required vaccination registration form
COVID-19 Updates
Weekly updates of confirmed cases of COVID-19 will continue to be added to the university’s dashboard every Monday through Friday, at approximately 4:30 p.m. To see the current number of cases, visit Dashboard Updates.
REMINDER: If you received a positive COVID-19 test, please self-report your results immediately so we may ensure our dashboard is as accurate as possible.
COVID-19 Work Group
| Name | Department |
|---|---|
| Drew Miller | Student Affairs |
| Brian Loft | Academic Affairs |
| Robert Williams | Health Center |
| Joellen Tipton | Residence Life |
| Ann Theodori | SAM Center |
| Stephanie Knific | Marketing & Communications |
| Rachel Shorter | Tech/Desktop Services |
| Dustin LeNorman | Athletics |
| Matt Roberts | Facilities Services |
| Rhonda Beassie | Human Resources |
| Candace Walkley | College of Osteopathic Medicine |
| Erica Bumpurs | Health Center |
| Mary-Katherine Breen | Academic Success Center |
| Wayne Barrett | College of Arts & Media |
| Anne Gaillard | Biology/College of Science & Engineering Technology |
| Steve Jeter | Public Safety |
| Name | Department |
|---|---|
| Jerrell Sherman | Dean of Students Office |
| Jessica Smith | Human Resources |
| Rachel Valle | Student Activities |
| Clint Lockwood | Enrollment Management |
| Terry Blaylock | Client Services |
| Kristy Vienne | Auxiliary Services |
| Bill Angrove | SHSU Online |
| Julie Schwab | Provost's Office |