Important COVID-19 Prevention Strategies

For more than a year now, our campus community has worked diligently to protect and keep one another safe as we have navigated this pandemic together. MSU Texas returned to Phase IV (normal operations) on August 9. We are aware of the continued rise in COVID-19 cases in our local community and across the state, and our contact tracing, quarantine, and isolation procedures will continue to follow CDC, state, and Wichita County guidelines. Like everyone, we do hope the worst of the pandemic is behind us, but our shared responsibility and shared approach must be to continue to monitor and adapt to the changing dynamics of the virus just as other Texas cities, corporations, and institutions are doing in recent days. As such, we once again call on members of our campus to remain vigilant and take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Scientific data shows that being fully vaccinated is the most effective way to prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 and has the greatest probability of avoiding serious illness if infected in all age groups. Although MSU Texas is not mandating vaccinations in compliance with Governor Abbott’s executive orders, we highly encourage eligible members of our community to get a vaccination. If you have questions or concerns about the vaccine, please contact your primary care physician or health care professional.

Given the recent rise in cases, we also strongly encourage individuals to wear facial coverings when indoors among groups of people, regardless of vaccination status. Although MSU Texas is not currently requiring facial coverings, they have been an effective strategy in slowing the spread.

In continuing to take these precautions, we can safely offer the full collegiate experience for our campus without significant disruptions in face-to-face instruction and participation in student and campus activities.

Where to get a vaccination

Throughout the summer, MSU Texas in partnership with the Texas Department of Emergency Management and the Texas Military Department has offered a number of vaccine clinics with the next clinic available from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, August 12, at the Sikes Lake Center. We continue to offer vaccinations on campus at the Vinson Health Center, and they are readily available throughout the community. The following are suggested resources.

  • Vinson Health Center by appointment (940-397-4231).
  • Local retail pharmacy location such as CVS, United Supermarkets and Market Street, and Walgreens.
  • Your primary care physician.
  • Find a vaccine location statewide: COVIDvacine.texas.gov or call 833-832-7067 for assistance.

Sincerely,

James Johnston, Provost

Keith Lamb, Vice President for Student Affairs