The Daily Texan will regularly update this page with information about COVID-19 cases and clusters in University residence halls and housing near campus.
The Texan has reported 11 cases of COVID-19 in student residences since classes started. Seven cases are in on-campus housing, and four are in off-campus housing. If you’d like to share information with the Texan about coronavirus, you can fill out the questionnaire at the bottom of this article, or email [email protected] and [email protected].
What happens to residents who test positive?
Students living on campus who test positive are required to isolate off campus, according to previous Texan reporting. The University has partnered with the city of Austin to provide free isolation housing for infected students, faculty and staff.
How is UT notifying residents?
Only primary and secondary contacts of confirmed cases in University residence halls are notified, said Susan Hochman, associate director of assessment for University Health Services. The entire residence hall is not notified, she said.
Residents who live on the infected resident’s wing or floor, depending on the residence hall size, are considered secondary contacts, according to a Sept. 10 email UHD sent to residents. These residents will only be notified every five days of cases, the email said. If another resident tests positive within five days, UHD will not send another email.
Contact tracers notify primary contacts of potential exposure with a phone call, recommending self-quarantine and clinical nasal testing. University Housing and Dining sends one email on behalf of UHS to notify secondary contacts, recommending recipients to self-monitor symptoms and participate in proactive community testing.
September 14
One case in Kinsolving Residence Hall
An additional resident of Kinsolving Residence Hall tested positive, according to a Sept. 14 email from UHD that was provided to the Texan by a recipient. The Texan has now reported two cases in Kinsolving.
September 12
One case in Jester West Residence Hall
A Jester West Residence Hall resident tested positive, according to a Sept. 12 email from UHD that was provided to the Texan by a recipient.
September 11
One case in Duren Residence Hall
A Duren Residence Hall resident tested positive, according to a Sept. 11 email from UHD that was provided to the Texan by a recipient.
September 6
One case in Carothers Residence Hall
A Carothers Residence Hall resident tested positive, according to a Sept. 6 email from UHD that was provided to the Texan by a recipient.
August 31
One case in Kinsolving Residence Hall
A Kinsolving Residence Hall resident tested positive, according to an Aug. 31 email from UHD, provided to the Texan by a recipient.
One case in Jester Residence Hall
A resident of Jester Residence Hall tested positive, University spokesperson J.B. Bird said Aug. 31. Bird declined to comment on whether the case was in Jester East Residence Hall or Jester West Residence Hall, citing privacy concerns. The Texan has not obtained an email notifying students of the case.
Three cases in Scottish Rite Dormitory
Three residents of SRD, in addition to the one reported Aug. 30, tested positive, according to an Aug. 31 letter from dorm director Mary Mazurek provided to the Texan by a recipient.
August 30
One case in Scottish Rite Dormitory
A SRD resident tested positive, according to an Aug. 30 email from dorm director Mary Mazurek, provided to the Texan by a recipient.
August 28
One case in San Jacinto Residence Hall
A San Jacinto Residence Hall resident tested positive, according to a Aug. 28 email from UHD provided to the Texan by a recipient.
