COVID-19 testing program update

Dear Texas Woman’s Community,

I hope this message finds you well as we wind down September.

In the first two weeks of our COVID-19 surveillance testing program at Texas Woman’s, we detected ten positive cases (0.65% of total tests administered). The program has allowed our contact tracing team to intervene earlier, further reducing viral spread.

Our positive COVID cases with a campus impact are now down about 75%, and the number of exposures requiring quarantine is down about 60%—since September 9th.

Case numbers in the communities around our campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston also are falling.

I know this testing program has been the source of angst for some of you. It is an inconvenience, and, with anything new, there is often a feeling of uncertainty about how it could impact you. Still, you showed up. This added layer of mitigation is accelerating the decline in cases in our Texas Woman’s community.

I appreciate your support of this testing program, which will continue for now. Due to our contractual agreement with the testing company, we have an expected minimum threshold of weekly testing. If our numbers continue to decrease, that will be a good sign. We are not there yet, but I have rekindled hope.

I also have other good news to share. Students just achieved a 70.7% vaccination rate, unlocking the next level of prizes in our Community of Immunity Challenge. Continue to upload your proof of vaccination to release additional prizes at the 80% and 90% levels.

I am, as ever, grateful to be part of a community of individuals who are determined to make the world a better place for all. Thank you for making a difference.

With a pioneering spirit,

Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D.
Chancellor and President

Page last updated 12:16 PM, February 16, 2022