MARSHALL, Texas — **EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above is from Jan. 7, 2022.
East Texas Baptist University has updated their COVID-19 protocols as students and staff head back to campus on Monday.
The university announced they will require all campus community members, regardless of vaccination status, to continue to mask in campus buildings and offices until Friday, Jan. 21 as a preventative measure against widespread infection in the first couple of weeks of the Spring 2022 semester.
"All faculty and students will wear face coverings in classrooms," ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said in a statement. "All campus members will wear masks in campus buildings, offices, and institutional vehicles, unless actively eating/drinking, regardless of vaccination status. Face coverings will not be required in a campus resident’s room/unit."
ETBU says they will continue to evaluate the regional COVID-19 situation, and provide updated protocols by January 21.
"Since the beginning of this national health crisis, ETBU has been committed to the health and safety of our campus community while providing an on-campus, in-person educational experience," said Blackburn. "By being proactive and cautious, we have kept infection rates within our ETBU Family very low, and we have been able to maintain vibrant connections with one another and active campus life. We remain steadfast to this commitment. I appreciate your support and diligence in keeping our campus community and loved ones safe by wearing a mask."
According to Harrison County's most recent COVID-19 statistics from Jan. 3:
- New Cases - 185
- Active Cases - 307
- Avg. New Cases Per Day - 26
Harrison County officials say 192 residents have died from COVID-19.