Dear Riverbats,
I want to share with you that I have tested positive for COVID-19. I am following our college’s health protocols and isolating myself at home to rest and recuperate.
It is important to share that I was out of state on college business for the past five days and was not on campus when I got sick and began experiencing symptoms.
I am thankful to be fully vaccinated and boosted, and my symptoms are mild. Fortunately, my wife — who also is fully vaccinated — has so far tested negative for the virus.
Breakthrough infections tend to be mild when one is vaccinated. I want to use this moment to encourage all of our students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated and boosted if you can. The college will continue to schedule free vaccination clinics on campus. You can find the schedule on our Coronavirus informational website along with other helpful resources and details about our protocols and procedures.
I look forward to returning to the office once I’m cleared to do so.
Please continue to stay safe and protect each other. If you are not feeling well, stay home, contact your primary care provider, and complete ACC’s COVID-19 self-report form. I took these steps, and they are providing me with the guidance I need.
Thank you for your understanding and grace. I wish you good health and happiness.
Regards,
Richard M. Rhodes, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Austin Community College District