A Message From The Curator | June 2020 | COVID-19 Update

Dear Friends of UTEX,

As many of you are aware, as part of an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19, The University of Texas at Austin mandated a campus-wide pause of non-essential laboratory activities on March 24^th of this year. As a result, UTEX implemented a temporary pause in the distribution of all products.

The University has begun a phased approach to the resumption of on-campus research activities. We have now entered Phase 3 of a 0-5 scale system. Under this phase, UTEX is taking some initial steps to resume full operations. Beginning Monday June 8^th, we will reinstate standard pricing for all algal cultures and other UTEX products and return to our normal ordering and shipping schedule — standard orders placed by 5 PM CST on Wednesdays will be shipped the following Monday. Rain Check Gift Cards and New Green Deal Pre-Order promotions will no longer be available starting Monday, June 8^th. Shipping for purchases made through the New Green Deal Pre-Order Discount promotion and standard orders placed before 5 PM CST on Wednesday, June 10^th will commence on Monday, June 15^th. Customers who pre-ordered Cryo Only strains, strains from the Freshwater Diatom Collection, or bulk volume microalgae will be notified of estimated shipping dates within the next two weeks.

Although we are now able to resume most of our operations, we are still under some work restrictions that require all of us here at UTEX to commit 60% of our time to telecommuting. Unfortunately, this means that we will have to place a pause on the availability of the Algae Express Service. UTEX staff members have limited telephone availability. We are, of course, readily available via email and happy to answer any questions or serve in any way we can. We appreciate your patience during these difficult times.

Be well and stay healthy.

Sincerely,

David R. Nobles, Jr.
Curator, UTEX Culture Collection of Algae

For the latest information on the University of Texas at Austin campus operations, social distancing, and preventative measures, visit the UT-Austin COVID-19 Updates and Guidance page .

Visit the University Health Services website  for information and resources on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).