Students planning to attend the University of Texas at Austin this fall are asked to self-quarantine for 14 days prior to their arrival at the Austin campus.
Interim UT President Jay Hartzell announced the request Wednesday in a letter sent to the UT Community.
Hartzell said the quarantine is needed in order the help prevent COVID-19 infections not only on the UT campus but in the Austin community as well.
“To effectively self-quarantine, please stay in your home and limit in-person interactions as much as possible throughout the two week period…If quarantining at home is not possible, then please quarantine up to 14 days before your first on-campus activity once you arrive in Austin.”
Classes begin Aug. 26.
The letter states if students are already in Austin, they should self-quarantine in their Austin residence 14 days prior to the start of classes or their first on-campus activity.
“We are relying on all students to take very seriously the responsibility of preventing the spread of COVID-19, and self-quarantining is a critical first step,” Hartzell states in the letter.
Students and staff will be required to wear face masks at all times when inside the university owned and controlled buildings.
The only exceptions include if a person is alone in a private office, students when alone or with a roommate in an assigned residence hall, eating and drinking while practicing social distancing or when an alternative has been approved as part of the American with Disabilities Act or religious observance accommodation practice.
It is also recommended the campus community wear protective masks when outdoors.
The letter states students who refuse to wear facial masks and force classes to be canceled with this refusal will be referred to Student Conduct and Academic Integrity in the Office of the Dean of Students for disciplinary action. Repeat violations will lead to sanctions including suspension from campus.
