Hopeful Trends – Changing Mitigation Strategies

Dear UTS Community,

First, let me thank you on behalf of the University for your cooperation with our efforts over the past two-years to mitigate the impact of the COVID Pandemic.

Thankfully, we have not had a death attributed to the Pandemic at our University and few reports of serious illness among the cases of COVID 19 on our campus.

This is due in large part to the care we have all taken in response to this health crisis.

Week to week COVID case numbers in Giles County have dropped by more than 75% from a month ago.

Healthcare professionals now believe that we are nearing the end of the pandemic and predict that COVID 19 may soon enter an endemic phase.

Given these trends, the University will begin to take steps to relax its efforts and guidance around mitigation. Masking will now become the exception across campus rather than the general expectation.

More information will follow from Student Life regarding the changing of expectations in the residence spaces, etc.

Hygienic practices are always recommended to avoid illness. Vaccines are still strongly encouraged and available in the UTS Clinic.

Individuals who are feeling ill are still encouraged to get tested, wear a mask, and physically distance, and/or quarantine according to CDC guidelines.

Those who test positive for COVID are asked to isolate according to CDC guidance.

I am excited that very soon we will be able to gather unimpeded by a pandemic threat. Again, thank you for your care and cooperation through this very difficult season.

Mark