UMHB Announces Updates to COVID-19 Protocols

BELTON, Texas – Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Steve Theodore sent the following update to the UMHB community today.

Dear Faculty and Staff:

As you know, we are maintaining our current COVID-19 health and safety protocols through the end of the spring semester, which concludes with commencement on Saturday, May 8. Based on guidance provided by Governor Abbott’s office and the Bell County Public Health District, UMHB will return to normal operations beginning May 10. This means that students, employees, and guests will no longer be required to wear face coverings, practice social distancing, adhere to restricted occupancy limits, or report symptoms or exposure directly to UMHB.

Last week, the Bell County Public Health District lowered the threat level of our county to Level 4, or minimal, controlled COVID-19 transmission. If increases in infection or hospitalization rates cause the District to change its recommendation, UMHB will reevaluate its health and safety protocols.

As we make this transition, you are strongly encouraged to visit with your healthcare provider about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Frequently Asked Questions

• On May 10, I am currently on isolation or quarantine. What should I do?
  • Continue your isolation or quarantine, based on information provided to you by Human Resources.
• If I test positive for COVID-19 or if I have COVID-19 symptoms, what should I do?
  • As of May 10, you no longer need to report symptoms or positive COVID-19 tests to UMHB Human Resources. However, you should consult with your healthcare provider about whether you should self-isolate. Be sure you tell your healthcare provider if/when you received the COVID-19 vaccination. As with any contagious illness, to protect others you should stay home/away from others if you are sick until your healthcare provider advises that you can resume regular activities.
  • Call in to report your absence in advance of your scheduled work time (and sooner if possible), using your department’s regular process. Remember, you do not have to give any medical information to your supervisor when you call in sick, but if you are absent 4 or more days, you must promptly contact Human Resources for further information about your absence.
• I have been exposed to someone who is confirmed positive for COVID-19. What should I do?
  • As of May 10, you no longer need to report to UMHB Human Resources if you’ve been exposed to a lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive person. However, you should consult with your healthcare provider about whether/how long you should self-quarantine and/or whether you should get tested. Be sure you tell your healthcare provider if/when you received the COVID-19 vaccination.
  • If you self-quarantine, your available paid sick leave/vacation will be utilized during your absence. Call in to report your absence at least 1 hour in advance of your scheduled work time, using your department’s regular process. If you don’t have enough paid leave to cover your self-quarantine period, contact Human Resources to discuss your options.
• I am on self-isolation or self-quarantine. Can I work from home?
  • As of May 10, switching to remote work will no longer be an option under these circumstances.
• I’ve been absent from work for self-quarantine or self-isolation. Do I need a doctor’s written clearance to return to work?
  • In most cases, you will only need a doctor’s written clearance to return to work if you’ve been absent 4 or more days because of illness. Contact Human Resources if you have specific questions about returning to work after any illness.
• May I still wear a face mask at work?
  • Yes, face masks are optional at each individual’s discretion. However, please do not ask others to wear face masks at UMHB.
• May I still maintain social distancing at work?
  • UMHB is returning to regular operations. Classes, meetings, campus events, and other job activities will be conducted without social distancing. In situations and venues where individuals have the space to socially distance and would like to do so, each individual can exercise social distancing to whatever extent practicable.
• What if I am at high risk because of a medical condition and my doctor has advised me not to get the vaccine now. In that case, can I ask others to wear face masks and socially distance?
  • No. If you have a high-risk medical condition and want to request workplace accommodations, you must contact Human Resources to request such accommodations. HR will provide you with further instructions, including what supporting medical documentation is required. If approved, HR will implement your accommodations.

For additional questions, please contact Kacee Green, Employee Benefits Manager (extension 4922), in Human Resources.

Steve Theodore
Chief Operating Officer
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor