Latest Update

December 21, 2021: As we prepare to celebrate the holidays, we encourage you to remain vigilant in mitigating the spread of COVID-19. While COVID-19 cases in our region remain low at this time, the highly-transmissible Omicron variant is spreading across nearly all 50 states.

In an effort to continue to protect our community, we will be implementing a required COVID-19 testing program beginning Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, for all students, faculty, and staff who will be returning to campus during the Spring 2022 semester regardless of vaccination status. The deadline to test is Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. All are strongly encouraged to test within a few days of their return to campus.

Beginning Monday, Jan. 3, you may schedule your test on the Curative website. Additional testing slots will be made available as needed. Testing will be similar to the testing at the start of the fall semester. The testing will, again, take place in the Founders Room located in Lewis Hall.

Individuals will be required to isolate if they have any of the following:

• Test positive for COVID-19. Individuals who have tested positive in the previous 90 days might not be required to isolate for the same amount of time unless they develop symptoms.
• Are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
• Have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19 within the previous ten days. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that fully vaccinated people do not need to quarantine after contact with a positive COVID-19 individual unless they experience symptoms. However, they should test within 5-7 days of exposure and are encouraged to wear a mask indoors for up to 14 days following exposure or until they receive negative test result.

What we know about Omicron:

• Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) continues to recommend vaccination (Pfizer, Moderna), as research indicates they remain effective in reducing severe illness or death.
• TDSHS also encourages the use of face coverings, as they help reduce transmission from those who may be infected with COVID-19, whether asymptomatic or symptomatic
• According to the Centers for Disease Control, breakthrough cases are possible with this variant in fully vaccinated persons, but the risk of becoming severely ill is still low due to the mRNA vaccine's protection.

If you have questions about the required testing program, please email JavelinaHelp@tamuk.edu. We wish you and your families a safe and restful holiday season!

At a Glance

Please email questions to JavelinaHelp@tamuk.ed

• COVID-19 testing for all students, staff and faculty will be required during the start of the Fall 2021 semester. Register on the Curative website.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have updated their recommendations for fully vaccinated people to maximize protection from the Delta variant.
• The Vaccine Clinic in Kleberg County will now be vaccinating anyone over the age of 12. Register on the Kleberg County Clinic website.
• The updated Campus Dashboard may be found on our website. The dashboard is updated weekly.
• For information on Texas, please read the latest on Governor Greg Abbot's website.
• For information on Kleberg County and the City of Kingsville, please visit their website or Facebook Page.
• For information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about Coronavirus, please visit the CDC website.