COVID Guidance – Work, Testing and Booster Shots at UTEP

Thursday, January 6, 2022

I know many of you are watching the news and the rise of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and wondering how this will impact UTEP in the coming weeks. 

As has been the case throughout the pandemic, the levels and patterns of the disease are different in El Paso than they are in East Texas. We monitor data daily and will continue to do so. 

For now, here’s what to expect and how you can help.

Sickness

If you are sick, stay home. 

If you are staying home because of symptoms but feel well enough to work, talk to your supervisor about working remotely if your job will allow it.

If you test positive for COVID-19, let UTEP Environmental Health and Safety know by emailing covidaction@utep.edu so that the COVID Action Team can follow up with you.

Supervisor Discretion on Remote Work

Between now and Tuesday, January 18, campus leaders should use their discretion to allow remote work for their employees. With few students on campus, in some offices, the time between Christmas and the start of the semester is a time to catch up on deep work and planning. Let’s take advantage of that. Not all job functions can be performed remotely, so employees should talk with their supervisors. Use your discretion to let your team work remotely if you can and still get the job done. 

If you have questions or want more guidance on what that means for you and the people you supervise, talk to your dean or vice president.

Spring Semester

We are planning for the spring semester to start as planned. There will be no delayed start or shift to online teaching at this time.

COVID-19 Testing

In the wake of holiday gatherings and before returning to work and school, a lot of El Pasoans are getting tested. That’s great, but it has created long lines, including at the on-campus site run by the city.

UTEP students may be tested for COVID-19 at the Student Health and Wellness Center located on the first floor of Union Building East. Click here for more information.

The City of El Paso’s COVID-19 Mega-Testing Site will continue to operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Sunday on UTEP property at 3333 N. Mesa at Kern Drive. The drive-up site offers nasal or saliva PCR tests. Motorists can access the site from Sun Bowl Drive at Kern Drive.

The site includes two dedicated drive-up lanes for UTEP students, employees and their household members who are in the same vehicle. Please bring your Miner Gold Card to access the line. No appointment is necessary but participants are encouraged to pre-register online to save time.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

We are working with the city to host more vaccination clinics on campus early in the semester. We will provide more details soon.

Best,

Heather Wilson