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July 14, 2022 Update
Dear Scorpion Family,
With an increase in COVID-19 cases, I want you to be assured that Texas Southmost College continues to closely monitor COVID-19 trends at the national, state, and local levels. 
The city of Brownsville recently raised the COVID-19 Threat Matrix to a Level 2 which is moderate. Collectively, there is concern about the new variants and the history of increased exposures immediately following summer vacation travel and other large summer holiday celebrations.
We would like to remind you of the health protocols and COVID-19 reporting and assessment procedures in place at TSC to help protect your health and safety.
Actions Taken
TSC continues the following proactive actions to minimize the risk of exposure, including:
- installation of HVAC bipolar ionization filters to disinfect and improve the air quality in our buildings,
- deployment of temperature-screening/hand sanitizer-dispensing kiosks,
- installation of touchless water bottle-filling stations,
- updating software systems to enable more digital services for students and employees, such as making tuition payments and securing signatures,
- installation of touchless toilet fixtures,
- establishment of janitorial schedules for deep cleaning and disinfection,
- posting health protocol signage,
- providing PPE, such as face masks, disinfectant wipes, disinfectant liquid, and disposable gloves,
- implementation of an online COVID-19 survey and tracking system, and
- hosting more than a dozen vaccine/booster clinics.
Health Protocols Highly Recommended
TSC recommends that the Scorpion community continue to follow CDC best practices, including, but not limited to:
- getting vaccinated and boosted,
- wearing a mask,
- washing your hands often and using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not readily available,
- cleaning and disinfecting work areas and shared equipment,
- covering coughs and sneezes, and
- monitoring your health and staying home when you are sick.
TSC COVID-19 Reporting and Assessment Protocols
Employees and students who have tested positive for, or been exposed to, COVID-19 should complete the TSC COVID-19 Screening/Reporting Form or report the case to the Office of Risk Management by calling 956-295-3825. Students who are following quarantine protocols in accordance with the guidance of the TSC Office of Risk Management and have not been cleared to come to campus should also contact their instructors.
The office will assess each reported case and determine whether a student or employee meets the CDC guidance for clearance to return to campus. More information regarding the CDC’s guidelines for COVID-19 contact tracing workflow and recommended quarantine protocols may be found here.
As always, we will continue to closely monitor national, state, and local guidance regarding COVID-19, as well as continue to provide tools and protocols to reduce exposure to and contraction of the virus.
Thank you for helping to keep our communities Scorpion Strong!
Stay safe, healthy, and hopeful,
Dr. Jesús Roberto Rodríguez
TSC President
