University of Houston-Victoria

COVID-19

Campus Prevention

In addition to general coronavirus prevention guidance, employees and students are expected to practice the following COVID-19 prevention practices:

Daily Self-Assessment Before Coming to Campus Each Day

  • Take your temperature.
  • Conduct a self-assessment of your health/infection exposure.
  • Assess whether you are exhibiting any coronavirus symptoms.

Your presence on campus each day means that you have completed a daily assessment of your health/exposure and you:

  • Are NOT exhibiting any coronavirus symptoms.
  • Have NOT tested positive for COVID-19.
  • Have NOT knowingly been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or suspected/presumed COVID-19.

See Diagnosis/Symptoms Protocols for what to do if you experience symptoms and are an employee, and Potential Exposure if you are an employee or a student for what to do if you have potentially been exposed to COVID-19.

Social Distancing

  • Use best efforts to keep at least 6 feet of separation from other individuals. If such distancing is not feasible, other measures such as a face covering, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, cleanliness and sanitation should be practiced rigorously.
  • The CDC recommends limiting events and meetings that require close contact.
  • The university encourages the use of virtual meetings instead of physical meetings. When physical meetings are necessary, consider holding meetings in well-ventilated spaces and space chairs at least 6 feet apart.
  • Minimize the use of other workers’ phones, devices, tools and equipment.
  • Respect others in communal or enclosed spaces, including elevators, by limiting entry.

Use of Face Coverings

  • UHV requires the use of face coverings while on campus in the following areas:
    • Indoor public areas on campus even if you are alone. This includes all nonprivate office or residential spaces, such as lobbies, restrooms, classrooms, teaching and research laboratories, common spaces in residence halls, conference rooms and break rooms; and
    • Outdoor spaces where 6 feet or more of physical distancing is difficult to reliably maintain.
  • This requirement applies to staff, faculty and students, as well as to anyone visiting campus, including students, contractors and visitors (ages 10 or older).
  • Face coverings are not required in the following circumstances:
    • When working alone in a single office
    • When engaging in physical activity outside
    • When doing so poses a greater mental or physical health, safety or security risk
    • While operating outdoor equipment if not appropriate from a safety standpoint
    • When consuming food or drink but only in the following public areas: Jaguar Hall Dining; University Commons Food Court and Multi-Purpose Room; and University West, The Spot
    • When engaging in personal hygiene activities
  • Individuals are asked to wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth. The use of surgical masks, surgical N-95 respirators or other medical masks is discouraged to maintain resources for health care providers and first responders.
  • The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing and regular handwashing.
  • Continue to keep a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others.
  • You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
  • The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
  • Cloth face coverings should:
    • fit the sides of the face snugly but comfortably
    • be secured with ties or ear loops
    • include multiple layers of fabric
    • allow for breathing without restriction
    • be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
  • The CDC recommends routinely washing face coverings depending on the frequency of use.

Respiratory and Cough Etiquette

  • If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

Awareness

  • Be generally aware of who you are in close contact with, especially for extended periods of time, so that contact tracing can be performed if you become symptomatic.
  • Provide information, as needed, to help with contact tracing.