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Dear Campus Community,
As the region continues to see significant declines in the spread of COVID-19, we are closely monitoring the changing public health guidelines and reviewing our campus safety protocols, specifically with a focus on indoor face covering mandates.
Two weeks ago, the CDC introduced a new framework for assessing COVID risk that suggests mask policies can be loosened for vaccinated individuals in most communities in the Commonwealth. Last week, the City of Boston lifted its indoor mask mandate. As we have done throughout the pandemic, we plan to follow the latest public health guidance and feel comfortable that it is safe for our community to loosen our masking policy in the coming weeks.
Becoming Mask Optional
Please note that, for now, our indoor mask requirement remains in effect. Beginning Monday, March 28, UMass Boston will shift to a mask optional policy in all spaces on campus, except for shuttle buses and University Health Services. Masks will still be required throughout campus for those who are unvaccinated or unboosted. Anyone completing isolation or quarantine should continue to wear masks for the full 10 days, according to existing protocols.
Becoming “Mask Welcome”
Very importantly, we will continue to encourage masking for any individual based on their own personal situation or comfort level. As a campus we plan to be “mask welcome” to anyone who prefers to continue to wear a mask on campus. We will continue to make masks available at a number of locations on campus. For those who would like a higher quality mask, KN95 masks will be made available (starting after spring break) in limited quantities at four campus locations:
- UHS testing clinic (Campus Center, second floor, Alumni Lounge)
- Campus Center Information Desk (Campus Center, Upper Level)
- Human Resources office (Quinn, third floor)
- Office of Environmental Health & Safety (Quinn Service & Supply, Upper Level, 034)
Free At-Home Antigen Tests
Before leaving for spring break, we encourage you to pick up a free at-home antigen test kit at the same four locations listed above.
University Health Services also continues to offer COVID-19 PCR testing, free and on-demand, in the Campus Center. Students and employees can schedule an appointment online in MyHealthBeacon. (If you are symptomatic or believe you were exposed, call 617.287.4355.)
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all our students, faculty, and staff for your vigilance in following our health and safety protocols. You can find information about policies, announcements, FAQs, and our dashboard on the UMass Boston COVID-19/Return to Campus website.
Sincerely,
Marie Bowen, Vice Chancellor for Human Resources
Robert Pomales, Executive Director, University Health Services
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