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Released June 3, 2021
Throughout the pandemic, we have consistently followed guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), our consulting medical experts, and the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Over the past several weeks, we have seen a number of developments related to COVID-19 guidance, recommendations, and policy changes. In response, the COVID-19 Response Team has been discussing updates to our campus guidelines and policies. You can find the recent CDC guidance for vaccinated individuals here.
The latest CDC findings show that vaccines are incredibly effective against COVID-19 and its emerging variants. The percentage of positive tests in Tarrant County dropped to 5% and is expected to continue to decline. Data from Tarrant County Public Health shows the spread is decreasing here at home. Lastly, the New York Times recently reported that the U.S. is projected to hit a 70% vaccination rate among the total population by mid-August.
Considering these developments, we have decided to update our guidelines to the following, effective immediately:
Face coverings are optional for those who are fully vaccinated.
This change aligns with the CDC statement that fully vaccinated individuals no longer require face coverings to be protected from COVID-19. If you have received the vaccine, please confirm your status here. If you are vaccinated but would still prefer to wear a face covering, you are free to do so.
Social distancing is no longer required outside of the classroom if you are vaccinated.
This change also aligns with the CDC statement that fully vaccinated individuals no longer require 6 feet of physical distancing to be protected from COVID-19. Classrooms will remain socially-distanced to allow for unvaccinated individuals to have physical space, but the distancing in classrooms will be reduced to 3 feet, per CDC classroom recommendations.
TXWES expects that any member of our campus community who is not fully vaccinated to continue to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.
Outside the classroom, social distancing will continue to be defined as 6 feet of physical separation. Inside the classroom, social distancing is defined as 3 feet of physical separation. Additionally, individuals who are not fully vaccinated are expected to continue to follow the TXWES guidelines for close contact to COVID-19 and resulting quarantines, which aligns with CDC guidance. Each member of our campus community has personal responsibility for their health and are encouraged to get the vaccine, if able.
Outdoor gatherings, events, or activities will no longer have limits on capacity.
Gatherings, events, activities, and meetings will be permitted to have food and drinks available for participants.
Indoor gatherings (except for classes) will not have specific capacity limitations.
We encourage the use of spaces that allow for social distancing for those who are unvaccinated.
Daily screenings are no longer required for students, staff, and faculty.
However, if you feel ill, have a fever, or could be contagious (with any communicable illness), you are expected to stay home. If you need to stay home, please communicate with all appropriate parties depending on your situation (supervisor, faculty, etc.).
Confirming your vaccination status to TXWES
If you have received the COVID-19 vaccination, please provide confirmation here. That way, you will not be required to quarantine even if you are exposed to COVID-19.
Additionally, knowing how many of our campus community members have received the vaccine will assist the university in making decisions about returning to our normal events, activities, and gatherings.
Physical barriers
The physical barriers that have been installed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic will remain in place. If an employee chooses to, they may request additional barriers through Human Resources.
Directional, entry, and elevator signage
Along with this update, our Campus Facilities team will begin taking down all COVID-19-related signage for directional traffic flow, entry-way usage, and elevator limitations across campus.