UMass Boston

• All members of the campus community are welcome to wear a mask indoors while on campus.
• We expect all students and employees to closely monitor their own health on a daily basis.  If you believe you may have COVID, stay home and get tested. 
• If you test positive, we expect you to follow CDC guidelines 

• Individuals testing positive must follow the latest CDC guidance.
• Anyone needing clarification or additional guidance should contact UHS (617.287.5660) or their care provider.

Individuals no longer are advised to quarantine after a potential exposure, regardless of vaccination status. Consult a UHS clinician by calling 617.287.5660 if you have questions or need advice.

• You will not always be notified when a student in your class tests positive
• Students may inform you (or members of the class, or the entire class) that they have tested positive.  They may also notify you or members of the class about a potential exposure.
• Students and instructors should plan to continue to have in person classes. If an instructor needs to quarantine, they should work with their Department, Dean, and the Provost’s office to determine a plan or shift to remote modality for the period of the quarantine.

Unless you develop symptoms, students and instructors should plan to continue going to class. If an instructor is unsure of how to proceed, they should work with their Department, Dean, and the Provost’s office to determine a plan.

On May 5, 2023, the university announced that effective July 1, it is suspending its vaccine requirement and transitioning to strongly recommending the vaccine (and boosters, when eligible) for all students, staff, faculty, and visitors.

The university strongly recommends that students receive booster shots, when eligible. However, as of summer 2022 the booster is not required to participate in on campus activities.

On May 5, 2023, the university announced that effective July 1, it is suspending its vaccine requirement and transitioning to strongly recommending the vaccine (and boosters, when eligible) for all students, staff, faculty, and visitors.

The university strongly recommends that faculty and staff receive booster shots, when eligible. However, as of summer 2022 the booster is no longer required for employees to work on campus.

Yes. You can schedule an appointment at university Health Services to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine. UHS can help you determine if you are eligible for a booster. To schedule an appointment, please call 617.287.5661.

UMass Boston currently has a mask optional policy in all spaces on campus, except for in University Health Services. Within UHS, patients who have respiratory symptoms or fever must wear a face mask. Masks are welcomed and encouraged on campus.

Please continue to be vigilant in closely monitoring your own health and symptoms. If you feel symptoms, please stay home and get tested. We will continue to make antigen tests and masks available on campus.

According to the CDC: “Masks and respirators (i.e., specialized filtering masks such as “N95s”) can provide different levels of protection depending on the type of mask and how they are used. Loosely woven cloth products provide the least protection, layered finely woven products offer more protection, well-fitting disposable surgical masks and KN95s offer even more protection, and well-fitting NIOSH-approved respirators (including N95s) offer the highest level of protection.” If available to you, we strongly recommend using multi-layer masks made of non-woven material to protect yourself and others from virus particles. Surgical masks, KN95, KF94, and N95 all offer better protection than cloth masks. Double masking can also be an effective strategy. Do not use loose fitting knit materials or items such as bandanas or neck gaiters.

• If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you should stay home and take a COVID test. Follow your health care provider’s guidance and university quarantine and isolation guidance as to when to return to school or work; and isolate in place until you receive your test result.
• If you are an employee and you do not have sick or vacation time available to use, you should still stay at home until your health provider confirms that you may return to work and you have complied with university guidance regarding quarantine and isolation. Notify your manager and contact Pamela Holloman to discuss any options that may be available.

• You should closely monitor for any symptoms, wear a mask and you should plan to get tested. You can conduct an at home test or get tested at UHS. You may also choose to consult a UHS clinician by calling 617.287.5660.
• If you experience symptoms, contact a UHS clinician. You should rest and isolate until you receive a test result.

If your roommate tests positive, you will likely be considered to have been exposed.

You can come to campus. For any chronic condition, such as an allergy, individuals should monitor for any changes or exacerbation of the symptoms. If there are changes or exacerbation, you should stay home and call UHS or your primary care provider. Because COVID-19 (and the flu) can mimic allergy symptoms it is recommended that the you receive regular COVID-19 tests at UHS.

Since the start of the pandemic, we have talked numerous times about prioritizing the health and safety of our community – we want you to know that today, tomorrow, and beyond, these will continue to be our guiding principles in our decision-making, communications, policies, and practices. We are actively monitoring the development and spread of new variants. We communicate regularly with local and state health officials about the everchanging data. As more information becomes available and/or as recommendations from state and federal health organizations shift, we will communicate any changes to our policies. We appreciate the continued flexibility of our entire community as we battle together against this horrific disease.

Yes, the university continues to provide free home antigen testing kids.  These and masks are available in UHS (Quinn, 2nd floor).

There are currently no event or visitor restrictions in place related to Covid-19.