To the Campus Community,
As the spread of the Omicron variant continues to fall, we are closely monitoring public health guidance and reviewing our campus safety protocols. Given our high vaccination rates and mask mandate, as well as falling cases locally and on our campus, we are pleased to announce the lifting of a number of campus COVID restrictions. Please read below for updates and details:
- Vaccine mandate: The vaccine and booster mandates remain the bedrock of our COVID safety measures. These will not change.
- Mask mandate: The indoor mask mandate will remain in place at this time. We will continue to closely monitor COVID metrics, public health guidance, as well as the spread of the new Omicron sub-variant.
- Events and visitors: Most restrictions on visitors and events will be loosened effective February 28. Large events will no longer require a specific review. Vaccination will continue to be required for visitors. Residence hall visitor restrictions remain in place.
- Domestic travel: COVID restrictions on domestic travel will be lifted effective February 28. Note that all travel requires supervisor Pre-Travel Authorization and must be registered in the Campus Travel Registry, and travelers should continue to follow CDC guidelines and adhere to local public health directives.
- International travel: International university-related travel may now be proposed using the normal process, but please note that many areas are still considered high risk and will be subject to pre-travel approval according to the International Travel Policy.
- Surveillance testing: Weekly surveillance testing will continue to be required for those who are unvaccinated. Students who are eligible but unboosted must continue to surveillance test. Effective Feb 28, surveillance testing will no longer be required for students in many performing arts classes, athletics, or the residence halls.
- COVID PCR testing: COVID PCR tests remain free and available on demand from University Health Services. Students and employees can schedule online in My Health Beacon. Web booking is only for routine on-demand or surveillance testing. If you are symptomatic or believe you were exposed (or simply prefer to schedule by phone), call 617.287.4355.
- COVID antigen tests: The campus is making available at-home antigen test kits while supplies last. You may pick up one free package of tests at four locations on campus:
- 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)
While the recent news and trends are encouraging, we are not out of the woods yet. As we move forward, we will continuously evaluate the safety protocols in place on our campus and make adjustments as recommended by health experts to keep our campus safe.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all our students, faculty, and staff for following our health and safety protocols during this difficult time. Please continue to be vigilant and work together to keep our campus community safe. 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 Resource
Robert Pomales, Executive Director, University Health Services
