COVID-19

The University of Houston-Victoria continues to closely monitor the global outbreak of the new coronavirus, known as COVID-19, and will keep the UHV community informed as developments occur. Information about positive cases in UHV community members is available and is updated every Monday.

Communications

The university remains in regular contact with local, state and federal health officials for the latest information and will continue to provide updates when warranted. Read the communications that have been shared with the UHV community.

Phased Reopening

At this time, UHV is in Phase 3 of a Phased Reopening Plan for the Victoria campus and UHV Katy. Classes currently are being offered three different ways: hybrid (online/hybrid – traditional), real-time online (online – virtual) and traditional online. On March 22, 2021, UHV administrators announced that they expect the university to be in Phase 4 by the start of the fall 2021 semester with more face-to-face classes and a greater number of students, faculty and staff on campus. Announcements will be made as new information becomes available.

Operations Center

The UHV COVID-19 Operations Center support university students, staff and faculty by advising, referring, monitoring, communicating, documenting, tracking and educating the campus community about COVID-19. The center conducts contact tracing on both the UHV campus in Victoria and at UHV Katy. It is headed up by Jessica Helms, a UHV alumna and a nurse practitioner at DeTar Medical Group.

Read more about the center, or contact the center at covidops@uhv.edu.

General COVID-19 Information

Prevention continues to be the best protection from COVID-19 since there currently is no vaccine to prevent the virus. This includes staying home when you are sick, which cannot be emphasized enough.

Q: What do I do if I feel sick?
A: If you are experiencing any coronavirus symptoms, do not come to UHV or UHV Katy. Follow the guidance in What to Do If I’m Sick.

Q: When can I return to campus if I have tested positive for COVID-19 and have been instructed to self-quarantine?
A: Written approval is required before any UHV community member may return to campus after self-quarantine. The timing of your return depends on whether you have exhibited coronavirus symptoms. See Completion of Self-Quarantine/Isolation for the process and considerations for determining when a return to campus is allowed.

Q: What precautions should members of the UHV community take?
A: All UHV community members should follow the preventive measures detailed in Prevention and What to Do if I’m Sick. Employees also should follow the preventive measures detailed in Workplace Prevention and the protocols detailed in Return to Work on Campus.

Q: What do I do if I’m diagnosed with COVID-19?
A:If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, do not come to UHV or UHV Katy (even if you are symptom-free). Follow the guidance in What to Do If I’m Sick.

Q: The COVID-19 situation has left me feeling anxious and worried. Where can I turn for help?
A: UHV recognizes that this is a stressful situation for many members of our community. For faculty and staff who are eligible for employee benefits, please contact UHV Human Resources or the Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-346-3549. For students, please contact the UHV Counseling Center.

Q: I’ve received emails related to COVID-19, and I am not sure if they are legitimate. What should I do?
A: The Department of Homeland Security has issued an advisory warning of scams involving COVID-19, and the UH System Information Security Office is aware of phishing messages being received by faculty, staff and students. If you receive a suspicious phishing email to your UHV email account, notify security@uhv.edu, and be aware of the following:

Cyber actors may send emails to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes.
Exercise caution in handling such emails – avoid clicking on links and downloading attachments.
Be wary of social media pleas, texts or calls related to COVID-19.
Do not reveal personal or financial information in email, and do not respond to email solicitations for this information.

Q: What should I do if I have had close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 or is suspected/presumed to have COVID-19?
A: Follow the protocol described in Potential Exposure to Coronavirus.

Q: What is the university doing regarding bacterial and viral threats on campus?
A: To ensure the health and safety of students remaining in campus residential facilities, and essential support staff on campus, facilities are maintained using aggressive sanitization and hygiene protocols as recommended by authorities. This includes the availability of hand sanitizer dispensers in key areas of campus.

Custodial staff is required to wipe highly touched surfaces, including handrails, push/pull door handles, drinking fountains, tables and other furniture, continually touched during the day. The university has increased the frequency that restrooms and common areas are cleaned and disinfected.

Q: What can I do if I am experiencing suspected bias or discrimination?
A: UHV is committed to creating an inclusive climate for all our community members. The CDC offers guidance on countering stigma related to this virus. If you think you are experiencing discrimination or bias related to your national origin, race or other protected characteristic, please contact UHV Equal Opportunity at laker@uhv.edu or (361) 570-4835.

Resources

For additional information about COVID-19, including signs and symptoms, transmission and risk of exposure, and what to do if you are exhibiting symptoms, please refer to the links below.