REMINDER: Spring Break + Vaccine Incentives
Dear Campus Community,
Our third Spring Break of the COVID-19 pandemic approaches as cases and infection rates continue to fall. And though it feels like we may finally be entering a less volatile phase of the pandemic, we all must find ways to adapt and live with this virus long term.
One such way is utilizing data to make informed decisions. Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its masking guidance and released a new tool to check risk levels — and what you should do to protect yourself — wherever you are. For example, the CDC currently lists conditions in Hidalgo County as "High" risk, while the threat level in Cameron County is considered "Low". As a Texas public institution, UTRGV has never enforced mask-wearing but does continue to strongly encourage them, especially in indoor public areas regardless of vaccination status.
Travel Protocols
If you are traveling next week, please continue to follow all protocols and best practices for protecting yourself, including the CDC’s guidelines for domestic travel and international travel. Depending on how you are traveling and where you are going, you may be required to show proof of vaccination, wear a mask, and get tested. Be sure to plan accordingly and stay aware of what you need to do to ensure a safe and stress-free journey.
Get Vaccinated and Stay Up to Date
Speaking of vaccines, if you have not yet taken advantage of the incentives we are offering active students and employees, you now have less than one month to do so!
To qualify for this *incentive, enrolled students and active employees must:
- Receive a COVID-19 booster or third dose by April 8, 2022,
- Declare their booster status in the UTRGV Vaccine Portal, and
- Upload an image of their updated vaccine card to their portal profile.
If this doesn’t motivate you to get the shot, you should know that being vaccinated against COVID-19 dramatically lowers your likelihood of infection, severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
*Qualifying students will receive $100; Qualifying employees may choose between $100 (subject to payroll tax) or a UTRGV Swag Pack ($100 value).
If you haven’t yet done so, please complete and update your profile in the UTRGV Vaccine Portal. All students, faculty, and staff who want the vaccine can get it for free at these UT Health RGV locations.
REMINDER: COVID-19 Testing
While this is a time to relax and enjoy, all UTRGV students and employees should remain vigilant by reviewing these Daily Self-Screening questions before going anywhere and especially before coming to campus. As a reminder, if you answer “Yes” to any of these questions, please stay home and complete the Preliminary COVID-19 Screening Form.
Filling out the form is the first step toward determining if you need to get tested. You should complete the form if you:
- Experience symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, headache, or shortness of breath,
- Tested positive for COVID-19, or
- Were in close contact with someone who tested positive.
While many of us will be out on Spring Break, UTRGV’s COVID Response Team will be here to manage any COVID-19 cases occurring within the campus community. Remember, this group works for you and will expedite your testing process should your screening determine such a need.
Whether you’re taking a trip or planning a staycation, here’s to a safe, successful, and happy Spring Break.