Dear Residents, 
 

Positive COVID-19 Case Information

The University of Houston has a dedicated website that includes information on total positive cases of UH community members vs. the number of cases on campus during the infectious period reported within the last 30 days. The University does not disclose personal or identifiable information about individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. The University of Houston COVID Response plan uses public health guidance and best practices aimed at fostering a culture of care for our community while taking steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. You can find updated information at the COVID-19 website.

Student Housing COVID-19 Related Information Including Quarantine and Isolation Spaces in the Residential Buildings

As communicated in email, on our website, and in the Student Housing COVID-19  Acknowledgment, you can find detailed COVID-19 Student Housing information on the following web pages:
 

• Housing COVID-19 Updates
• Housing COVID-19 FAQs
• Housing COVID-19 Resources
   

There are quarantine and isolation spaces identified for residents who have been exposed to COVID-19, are experiencing symptoms, or have tested positive for COVID-19. Residents impacted by COVID-19 will be advised on options to include returning home/living off-campus or relocating to a private self-contained designated quarantine or isolation space. Student Housing and Residential Life staff will help coordinate services for residents in quarantine or isolation such as dining delivery, mail/package delivery, and safe garbage disposal.  A resident located in an isolation or quarantine space on campus must remain in their designated isolation/quarantine space and will receive authorization from the university to leave their space, once it is safe to do so.

If you have tested positive, been diagnosed with COVID-19, or exhibit any Corona Virus Symptoms you should notify the Desk Assistant, Resident Advisor, or Residence Life Coordinator in your residence hall via phone call or text regarding options available for self-quarantine or self-isolation.  Additionally, you will need to complete the appropriate campus notification form:
 

• If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 diagnosis or receive a positive test result, complete the  Reporting COVID-19 Diagnosis form.
• Per the UH website, residents who are symptomatic but have not been tested positive or diagnosed for COVID-19 must contact their health provider or go to the Student Health Center for diagnosis, treatment and/or COVID-19 testing. If you receive a positive diagnosis, complete the Reporting COVID-19 Diagnosis form.
• For residents who have potential exposure/confirmed exposure (ie. someone close to you has tested positive, or a contact tracer notifies you), complete the Reporting Potential Exposure form.

On-Campus Testing Resources

The Student Health Center will provide COVID-19 testing for students, faculty and staff who become symptomatic or who, through contact tracing, have been identified as exposed to COVID-19 on the UH campus. Learn more about COVID-19 testing on campus.

We All Have to Do Our Part

We all have a shared responsibility to take the necessary steps to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. Each of us must protect ourselves and those around us. You can reduce your risk by taking these measures:
 

• Wear a face mask anytime you are outside the confines of your room, suite, or apartment.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer, with 60 - 95% alcohol, if soap/water is not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Stay or return home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
   

In Student Housing & Residential Life, we talk often about navigating our work with an ethic of care and care for others as a foundational value. We all have been coping with the challenges brought on by COVID-19 for well over 7 months now. “Prevention fatigue," the stress of school, and everything else in your life can be very challenging or overwhelming. As we head further into October and the rest of the semester, I encourage you to invest in your care and the care of others by committing to personal wellness and COVID-19 prevention practices.

If you need assistance or support, Student Housing & Residential Life staff are here and ready to support you and if helpful, connect you to campus resources to support your wellness and student success.

 

Sincerely,
 

Don Yackley

Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs