Spring 2022 COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
This page will be updated as information changes or becomes available.
Once an individual tests positive, they must complete the entire 10-day isolation period. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, positive individuals can stop self-isolating when they meet all of the following criteria:
- It has been at least 10 days since the date of your positive test; and
- You are fever-free for one full day (24 hours) without the use of fever-reducing medications; and
- Your symptoms are improving.
This depends on the vaccination status of the faculty member and students. We are following the guidelines of the CDC:
- Fully vaccinated persons who have had close exposure with a positive case should self-monitor for symptoms and be tested 3-5 days after exposure. If they experience COVID-19 symptoms, they should isolate and get tested. They should also consider wearing face coverings in public indoor spaces for 10 days or until they receive a negative test. If fully vaccinated people test positive, they must follow quarantine protocol.
- Unvaccinated persons who experience COVID-19 symptoms or who have been exposed to a positive person should isolate, contact their supervisor (for employees) or the Dean of Students, Kirsten Compary at kirsten.compary@tamuk.edu (for students), and get tested. If they test positive, they must follow quarantine protocol.
If you are experiencing any of the following, you should consider getting tested:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Headache
- New loss of smell or taste
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Individuals are considered fully vaccinated:
- 14-days after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines
Both the Texas Department of State Health Services and the CDC recommend that all those who are considered fully vaccinated and are eligible to receive the booster of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine should get one.
According to CDC guidance, most fully vaccinated individuals will not automatically need to quarantine or miss work/class upon exposure to a positive case. They should, however, monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days. Fully vaccinated individuals are encouraged to get tested 3-5 days after exposure, even if they are not experiencing COVID symptoms. These individuals should wear a face covering in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result. Recent CDC guidance indicates that fully vaccinated individuals may shed the virus to others if infected.
If they test positive, faculty and staff must report it to Employee Services (henry.burgos@tamuk.edu or derek.gonzales@tamuk.edu), and students who test positive must contact the Dean of Students (kirsten.compary@tamuk.edu). Additionally, they must quarantine for 10 days.
You can request a new room assignment. Depending on room availability, we will try to accommodate your request. Please get in touch with the Office of Housing and Residence Life at 361-593-3419 to make the request.
A small percentage of vaccinated individuals may contract COVID-19, but experience mild symptoms. Studies indicate vaccines are effective in preventing severe COVID-19 illness and hospitalization. As such, if you begin to feel COVID-19 symptoms, stay home and get tested! Employees who test positive must contact Employee Services (henry.burgos@tamuk.edu or derek.gonzalez@tamuk.edu) and students who test positive must contact the Dean of Students (kirsten.compary@tamuk.edu).