Jan. 21, 2021

Free COVID-19 Testing

The University of Houston is partnering with the well-known testing company Curative to provide a free testing on campus where faculty, students and staff can be tested regardless of whether they have symptoms. By appointment only, the testing service is available at the kiosk in front of the UH Student Center South from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

We strongly encourage our campus community to get tested, especially if they have recently traveled, are attending in-person classes, are living or working on campus, or have been potentially exposed to COVID-19. More information about testing options and appointments can be found on the “On-Campus Testing” page.

Positive Case Reporting Dashboard Update

The dashboard has been recently updated to include the average new cases reported daily over the past seven days. The change was made to provide better context of the current trend of cases within the UH community.

Plan for Spring Semester

UH is currently operating under Plan B — mostly remote in our instruction and operations during the spring semester, similar to the fall semester. Spring course delivery options provide a variety of options to meet students’ needs and will include traditional face-to-face courses, as well as HyFlex, hybrid, online synchronous, and online asynchronous courses.

Employees who can continue to effectively perform their duties remotely are asked to continue to do so (with supervisor approval). The spring calendar will remain the same, including Spring Break (March 15-20).

Read more in President Khator’s Jan. 13 update “Spring Semester Update- COVID-19.”

Updates to UH Travel Guidance

UH travel guidance has been updated and all spring and summer 2021 Learning Abroad programs have been cancelled. You are strongly encouraged to postpone travel.

Change in International Travel

Be aware that the CDC has issued an order, effective Jan. 26, requiring all air passengers arriving in the United States from a foreign country to get tested no more than three days before their flight departs and to provide proof of the negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight.

UH protocols reflect December 2020 changes to CDC guidance for quarantine following international travel. Upon return from international travel, you will be required to self-quarantine for 10 days, OR get tested 3-5 days after the trip AND stay home for 7 days from the date of your return travel, even if you test negative. More information and the updated recommendations are available on UH’s COVID-19 Travel Guidelines page.

Cleaning After a Positive Case

The University’s COVID-19 website now has more detailed information on the cleaning and disinfection protocols when a person diagnosed or tested positive for COVID-19 has been on campus.

Winter Surge & Safety

Another surge in COVID-19 infections is underway throughout United States. We urge you to stay vigilant in your efforts to prevent the spread. Wash your hands. Wear your masks. Keep your distance. Don’t go out if you’re ill. Get tested, if you have symptoms or have been exposed. Dr. Stephen Spann, UH Vice President for Medical Affairs, shared more tips about safety in his Jan. 8 communication to the campus community.

UH Reporting Requirements

The University has Reporting Requirements should you receive a COVID-19 diagnosis, positive test result, are exposed to someone with COVID-19, or return from international travel. For more information, visit the University Reporting Protocols for COVID-19 Diagnosis and Potential Exposure sites:

• COVID-19 Diagnosis/Symptoms Protocols
• Reporting Potential Exposure to COVID-19

Case Support Help Desk

A COVID-19 Case Support Help Desk is available to members of the UH campus community Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., by calling 832-84C-OVID or 832-842-6843. Case support is also offered by emailing covid19coordinator@uh.edu.