Alerts and Updates

• Sep 12, 2023 - Update on COVID-19

  Update on COVID-19

  Sep 12, 2023

  South Texas College continues to monitor COVID-19 developments and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local health authorities. Recent reports issued from the Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department indicate that positive cases increased in the month of August 2023.

  The College is currently operating at normal operations; however, due to the recent increase in the number of positive cases, employees and students are encouraged to monitor symptoms and follow the College’s COVID-19 protocols, which are located on the Campus Safety webpage which is accessible via the College’s main webpage. Also located on the webpage is the link to the CDC’s guidance.

  Face masks and tests are not required but continue to be optional and are available while supplies last. Please contact the College’s Department of Public Safety at 872-2362 to request masks and/or tests.

  The College will continue to stay abreast of information related to COVID-19 and issue notices as necessary.

  Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

  Sincerely,

  Dr. Ricardo J. Solis
  President

• Sep 6, 2022 - Monitoring of Monkeypox

  Monitoring of Monkeypox

  Sep 6, 2022

  As you are likely aware, the monkeypox virus is currently spreading in Texas. As it has been throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, South Texas College is committed to providing the members of our community with the most reliable and up-to-date guidance so they can best protect themselves and their families. The College is closely monitoring the situation and is working with local and state health officials.

  Per the CDC, following are symptoms, prevention tips, and guidance on what do to if you believe you have been exposed or are infected:

  Symptoms

  • Rash that may be located on or near the genitals or anus and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing and can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Exhaustion
  • Muscle aches and backache
  • Headache
  • Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)

  Monkeypox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later. Monkeypox can be spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. If you have a new or unexplained rash or other symptoms, avoid close contact with anyone until you have consulted with a healthcare provider.

  Prevention

  • Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
  • Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used.
  • Wash your hands often.

  What to do if exposed or infected

  If you develop a rash or have flu-like symptoms, or you believe you have been exposed or are infected, isolate yourself at home and contact your health provider immediately.

  Employees should contact Human Resources at HR_Benefits@southtexascollege.edu for reporting.

  Students should contact Counseling and Student Accessibility Services at santaep@southtexascollege.edu.

  For course-related questions you should contact your instructors.

  The health, safety, and well-being of our employees, students, and community remains the highest priority for STC. The College will continue providing updated information on this latest health concern. For further information please visit the CDC website.

  Dr. Ricardo J. Solis,
  President