Vaqueros, help reduce the spread of COVID-19 this Fourth of July weekend
Dear Vaqueros Family:
On this Fourth of July holiday weekend, when family and friends traditionally get together and celebrate, please remember to protect yourself and others from the COVID-19 pandemic by following health protocols.
The best way to protect yourself and to help reduce the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 is to:
- Limit your interactions with other people as much as possible, including social distancing with family from outside of your immediate household. Governor Greg Abbott recently issued a proclamation giving mayors and county judges the ability to impose restrictions on some outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people.
- Take precautions to help prevent getting or transmitting COVID-19 when you do interact with others.
- Wear cloth face coverings in public settings. The governor recently issued Executive Order 29 requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces, with few exceptions, in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases. This includes the entire Rio Grande Valley.
- Wash hands frequently for a minimum of 20 seconds.
- Cough into the bend of your elbow.
- Practice physical distancing (staying at least 6 feet away from others) even when outside.
- Stay home, especially if you are sick.
Please see Protecting Yourself and Others from COVID-19 (coronavirus) for more information.
IF YOU PLAN TO TRAVEL
- While you are traveling, it is possible a state or local government may put into place travel restrictions, such as stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders, mandated quarantines upon arrival, or even state border closures. Plan to keep checking for updates as you travel.
- Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Before you travel, learn if coronavirus is spreading in your local area or in any of the places you are going. Traveling to visit family may be especially dangerous if you or your loved ones are more likely to get very ill from COVID-19. People at higher risk for severe illness need to take extra precautions.
- And remember, it is important that you answer our Screening Questions every time before visiting campus and following its guidance.
Dr. John H. Krouse, dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine and executive vice president for Health Affairs, spoke with Hidalgo County leaders on June 30 about managing the COVID-19 pandemic over the holiday weekend, as cases continue to increase. Click here to read his remarks.
Have a healthy and safe Fourth of July weekend!
STAY ENGAGED!
STAY SAFE!
V’S UP!