Campus Update November 11, 2021

Dear Students & Employees, 

I know you join me in being happy to see that the COVID-19 statistics for McLennan County have improved, with data revealing lower numbers of hospitalizations and positive cases, and a rolling 7-day average of less than 5% positivity rate.  Other indicators also show we are on a downward trajectory of transmission and reproduction rates.  This data tells us we are in a much different position than at the end of July when we began to “strongly encourage” face coverings again. 

The Emergency Operations Team believes we have reached a point that modifications to our guidance is appropriate.  Therefore, effective Monday, November 15, 2021, our face covering guidance will be that fully vaccinated individuals are no longer “strongly encouraged” to wear a mask while indoors or outdoors, but face coverings are always an option for those who feel it is important for them.  Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are still “strongly encouraged” to wear a mask while in common spaces indoors, but in general, all may choose not to wear a mask in outdoor settings except in crowded settings and during activities with close contact.

Most importantly, the Emergency Operations Team still strongly encourages the best defense against COVID-19 as being the vaccines.  We continue to hold vaccine clinics on campus.  For information about local vaccination sites, click on the following link:  https://covidwaco.com/.  You can also search for all vaccination sites at the following link:  https://www.vaccines.gov/search/.

The Leadership Team and the Emergency Operations Team continue to use the guidance of local, state, and federal health professionals.  The benefit of the vaccines and readily available testing now has us positioned to take this step back toward normalcy.  We encourage individuals to make decisions based upon what they feel is appropriate.  Anyone is welcome to continue wearing a face covering.  We appreciate and expect that everyone will show courtesy and kindness to those who may or may not be wearing a face covering.   We continue McLennan Together.

Sincerely,

Dr. Johnette McKown