Protocols: Protect Yourself and Respect Others
Campus Protocols
We are continuing to put the health and safety of our campus community front and center. Below you will find the protocols and guidelines that — when practiced — will not only protect you but will also ensure our campuses and facilities are habitable for everyone going forward.
COVID-19 Screening & Testing
- Self-Screening: Before visiting any UTRGV campus/off-campus facilities, university students and employees must review and answer the current version of the UT Health RGV screening questions regarding COVID-19-related symptoms. Do not access the campus/off-campus facilities if:
- You answered yes to any of the screening questions
- You have been exposed (within 6 ft. for more than 15 minutes) to someone who tested positive or who is currently being tested for COVID-19 in the prior 14 days.
- You tested positive for COVID-19 and have not been officially released by a member of the COVID-19 Response Team.
Social Distancing
- Social distancing is optional for fully vaccinated individuals, and highly recommended for individuals who are not fully vaccinated or who have weakened immune systems. All space types will transition to 100% occupancy using a phased approach for the Fall semester.
Personal Hygiene and Responsibilities
- Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
- Stay home if you are sick or experiencing respiratory symptoms
- Clean and disinfect your personal space and belongings
Face Coverings
- Regardless of vaccination status, the use of face coverings in university buildings are strongly encouraged but cannot be required.
- View UTRGV's Face Covering Guidance
Stay Safe: Get Vaccinated
The best way to protect yourself and to help reduce the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 is to get vaccinated.
Travel Protocols
The CDC recommends, that because travel increases your chance of getting and spreading Covid-19 , that you delay travel until you are fully vaccinated.
Please follow CDC’s travel recommendations for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people:
- Fully Vaccinated: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html
- Unvaccinated: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html#unvaccinated-people
Business Travel
Domestic Travel:
UTRGV, following CDC guidelines, business related travel within the state of Texas is allowable for those vaccinated or unvaccinated and outside the state of Texas for those fully vaccinated (14 calendar days since your last vaccine dose).
International Travel:
UTRGV is still not allowing international business travel.
For UTRGV passenger vehicles and trucks:
- No more than two travelers are allowed per vehicle for local travel of a duration of 15 minutes or less. Trips of more than 15 minutes should only have one traveler per vehicle.
- If all passengers in the vehicle are fully vaccinated (14 calendar days since your last vaccine dose), two or more travelers may now carpool no matter the duration of the trip.
Failure to follow the CDC guidelines when engaging in domestic business travel may lead to disciplinary action. Proof of vaccination is currently not required.
Personal Travel
Domestic Travel
Personal travel inside and outside Texas does not require the completion of the travel form. Travel to the United States’ five permanently inhabited territories (Puerto Rico, U.S., Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa) is considered Domestic Travel. Prior to traveling, please check to see if there are any State travel restrictions.
International Travel
Individuals conducting personal travel outside the United States are no longer required to complete and submit the travel self-reporting form.
Please follow CDC’s travel recommendations for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people:
- Fully Vaccinated: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html
- Unvaccinated: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html#unvaccinated-people
If an employee chooses to travel internationally and is required to self-isolate upon return to the US, per CDC guidelines, the employee will need to utilize Vacation Leave during this isolation period, if not approved to work remotely.
Prior to returning to campus, please complete the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form, which is managed by the UTRGV COVID-19 Response Team (CRT) for case management, testing, and scheduling.
The CRT will then formally release you to campus after the quarantine period has elapsed and the testing has been completed and the results reviewed per the CDC guidelines.
Living in or commuting from border cities?
Members of the UTRGV community who reside or must make frequent trips to Mexico border cities abutting the Rio Grande Valley Counties are not required to complete the travel form. Personal International Travel guidance should be followed for travel beyond the border cities.
Questions?
For any questions regarding University related travel, please contact Travel Services Office at travel@utrgv.edu, (956) 665-2161, 665-2612, 882-3822.
Our main concern continues to be the health, safety, and security of our UTRGV community. We appreciate your patience and cooperation while we work through this unprecedented situation.