Current Situation
Reported Cases

If you have questions or concerns about health on campus, we encourage you to email us.

Student who have questions regarding COVID-19 reporting, quarantine, or isolation procedures, meal delivery, COVID-19 testing, or other related questions, may call the 24-hour hotline at 940-397-3019.

For information on cases in Wichita County and Texas, please see the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) for case counts by county.

 


Updated CDC Guidance

Dear Mustangs Family,

Throughout the past two years living with the COVID-19 pandemic, our campus community has continuously demonstrated resiliency, practicality, and a commitment to one another. As you have heard many times, we are grateful for your work and can-do spirit.

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased public health recommendations. The new recommendations consider all the lessons we have learned to date, and they suggest community strategies based on local COVID activity. COVID activity is categorized as low, medium, or high using measures such as new cases and COVID patients in the hospital. MSU Texas intends to follow this guidance.

Wichita County is presently in the medium category. This means:

  • If you are at high risk for severe illness or live with someone at high risk, talk to your health-care provider about the need to wear a mask and take other precautions.
  • Stay up to date (primary series plus one booster shot) with COVID vaccines.
  • Get tested if you have symptoms.

Masks to prevent respiratory infections are never a bad idea, but this guidance means it is OK not to wear a mask in well-ventilated spaces even if it is indoors. We do encourage individuals who are not vaccinated or had a previous COVID-19 infection, and those who are at high risk of severe illness, to continue wearing masks.

In the big picture, we are entering a phase of the pandemic where the disease is less severe. Furthermore, we seem to be past the latest surge. We can have a time of nearly normal life again, and we can hope that it lasts through the spring and summer. In the near future, you will notice less signage and visible reminders of what we have been through the last two years. If there is a need to again adhere to the campus mask and distancing recommendations of the last two years, we will let you know. 

Please continue to be vigilant with your health and the health of others. 

 

Keith Lamb, Ph.D.                                                    Keith Williamson, M.D., FAAFP

Vice President for Student Affairs                              Medical Director


Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

COVID Testing

The Vinson Health Center provides PCR COVID-19 testing appointments for students upon request. The cost of the COVID-19 test in the VHC is entirely covered by your health insurance. If uninsured, the cost is $100.

Unless there is unusual demand, test results usually take one or two business days from the time the test was collected. Students are required to quarantine while waiting for their test results.

Vaccination Program

COVID-19 vaccinations are available at a number of locations across Wichita County. Visit the Live Well Wichita County website to find a provider.

The CDC offers guidelines for people of have been fully vaccinated.

What are the side effects of the vaccine?

Most people who get the vaccine will have minor side effects. Local pain and soreness is standard, and most people will feel achy and a little feverish. These side effects are signs that your body is taking the task of a good immune response seriously – they are good news. The side effects are nothing compared to the full blown disease. The most prominent side effect that isn't mentioned in the literature is the feeling of relief when you finally know you have done something that will protect you, your family, your friends, your faculty, and your country... it is finally a real step toward return to normal.

Will the vaccine be required?

In short, no. As the vaccine was released under an emergency use authorization – not full FDA approval – it cannot be made mandatory.

Do individuals who have been vaccinated need to quarantine?

Guidance from the CDC indicates that people are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 two (2) weeks after they have received the second dose in a two-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or two (2) weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson/Janssen).

  • Those testing positive for COVID-19 will be required to quarantine unless previously diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 30 days..
  • Those who are fully vaccinated (at least 14 days from date of last vaccine) will not need to quarantine after an exposure to an infected individual.
  • Students/employees exposed to an infected individual must provide evidence of completing a vaccine series to the health district contact tracer to prevent quarantine. The vaccination site provides a Vaccination Record Card at the time of immunization. Students who develop symptoms of COVID-19 at any time after vaccinations, should contact Student Health at 940-397-4231. Employees should contact the Department of Human Resources at 940-397-4221.
Information for Students

How will courses be delivered?

MSU Texas intends to resume mostly normal teaching and learning for the fall 2021 semester.

What's the status of housing?

The on-campus living experience is a transformative part of the Mustang experience. As the University transitions to Phase IV operations, physical safety and well-being remains a priority for on-campus residents. In accordance with guidance from the CDC, Residence Life & Housing will continue to:

  • Assign students living in residence halls (Pierce, Killingsworth, Legacy or McCullough-Trigg) a specific restroom to utilize within the community;
  • Place signage throughout residential areas to serve as reminders for appropriate social distancing and hand washing;
  • Employ an evening and weekend cleaning crew to provide additional support to disinfecting efforts in high-touch areas within residential facilities; and
  • Maintain a self-isolation area for students who have tested positive for COVID-19. Students will have a private bedroom, access to a restroom, full kitchen, and laundry machines with the self-isolation unit.

What precautions are being taken in dining areas?

  • Patrons are encouraged to wash hands when possible; hand sanitizer is available for those unable to do so before dining.
  • To alleviate congestion in the Food Court, Grill Nation will remain closed for the upcoming academic year.
  • Grab-and-go options are available at Einstein’s, the Legacy Market, and Mesquite Dining Hall. Additional options will be available in the Bridwell Activity Center when opened this fall. 
  • Work stations, service areas, and seating areas are disinfected and sanitized on a regular schedule.
  • Staff is trained in food safety regulations, and is following the COVID-19 recommendations and guidelines from the CDC and National Restaurant Association.

Will Mustangs Route and MESA still provide service?

The Mustangs Shuttle and MESA continue to operate as an important transportation option for residential and commuting students at MSU Texas. Hours are as follows:

Mustangs Shuttle

  • Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • Friday: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

MESA

  • Friday-Saturday: 5 p.m.-12 a.m.

Buses are operating at 100% capacity. Face coverings are required at all times on the bus because the buses fall under the jurisdiction of federal transportation requirements. The current federal mask mandate runs through January 18,2022.

Buses are disinfected daily by the City transportation staff.

Information for the MSU Texas Community

What preventative actions can the campus community take at this time?

We encourage anyone who has not been vaccinated to continue to wear a face covering per guidance from the CDC. Please be mindful that some members of our campus community may not be able to get vaccinated for medical or religious reasons, or may be vaccinated and choose to continue wearing a mask. Thank you for honoring the values of MSU Texas by respecting all persons and their decision whether or not to wear a mask.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid sharing food, beverages, and utensils. Avoid close contact with those who may be ill; stay at least six feet away. Stay home when you are sick or have flu symptoms. Cover cough/sneeze with a tissue or cough/sneeze into your elbow. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces. Get your annual flu shot.

What should I do if I feel ill?

  • If you are feeling ill and need to be seen, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Students can make an appointment at Vinson Health Center by calling (940) 397-4231.
  • Please do not show up at a clinic, urgent care or other healthcare facility without calling first. Your provider may need to take special measures to protect other people in the clinic.
  • Telemedicine may also be available through your insurance, enabling you to consult a provider from home. Check with your health insurance provider. If you are a student enrolled in the MSU Academic Healthplans Student Health Insurance, HealthiestYou telemedicine is available for you.
  • Do not go to an emergency room. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.
  • Practice social distancing. Stay indoors and avoid contact with others, just as you would with the flu. Those with contagious diseases should stay home from work or school until they are well. People with fever, cough and respiratory issues should seek medical attention.
  • Any students who experience symptoms of COVID-19 should immediately quarantine, notify their physician, and complete the COVID-19 Reporting Form for Students. Alternatively, students may call the Office of Student Affairs at 940-397-4500. A campus contact tracer will follow up with all reporting students.

What happens if there is a confirmed case on campus?

If a COVID-19 virus infection is confirmed on campus, then the Wichita Falls-Wichita County Health District protocols will be followed. The patient will be placed in isolation and a case manager will be assigned by the Health Department. Those who have had close contact with the patient will be quarantined for observation. MSU Texas will fully support all isolation and quarantine efforts.

If I have tested positive for COVID-19 or had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, do I need a negative test result to return to campus?

No, a negative test result is not required to return to campus. The University follow the quarantine procedures provided by the Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District.

How do I report behavior that is not in compliance with MSU Texas requirements?

All concerning behavior, including violations of MSU Texas COVID-19 safety requirements, should be reported using the MSU Texas Incident Reporting Form.
University Response

What is MSU Texas doing?

MSU Texas has activated its Incident Management Team made up of individuals in leadership positions from across campus. The IM Team meets regularly to discuss and review the rapidly evolving situation regarding the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). The team is coordinating preparedness and response activities as outlined in the University’s emergency operations plan. Members of team are closely monitoring the situation, utilizing information from local and state health officials as well as the Centers for Disease and Preparedness and the World Health Organization.

The University is also participating on a community-wide COVID-19 task force, coordinated by the Health Department, which consists of key physicians and staff who meet regularly to coordinate communications and ensure proper training and protocols are in place.

A return-to-campus task force has been established to prepare for our intended return to in-person operations this fall.

The University will continue to address questions and concerns through regular communication and additions to this page.

What is the campus doing for infection control?

The University is working diligently to ensure the safety of the campus community, including additional distribution and placement of hand sanitizer stations, enhanced cleaning procedures in common areas, and an awareness campaign of the importance of hand washing and staying home when ill.

What is being done in the residence halls to prevent any spread of COVID-19?

Residence Life is taking enhanced steps to reduce exposure within each of the MSU Texas residential facilities. These efforts include:

  • Increasing frequency of surface cleaning; specifically, handrails, elevator buttons and door handles are being disinfected regularly.
  • Providing additional hand sanitizer stations in public spaces, as long with supplemental education information.
  • Ensuring that Residence Life staff knows where to direct students with concerns about coronavirus.