UMMS is updating its masking guidelines so that fully vaccinated UMMS and UMass Memorial faculty, staff and students are no longer required to distance or wear masks inside certain non-clinical campus spaces. In alignment with guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the need to wear a mask or not will now be determined by two factors: an individual’s personal vaccination status and the primary use – either clinical or non-clinical – of the space.
Non-clinical buildings include:
- Lazare Research Building
- Albert Sherman Center lab tower (floors 4-9) and the auditorium
- Biotech 2
- Shaw Building
- Power Plant
- South Street
- Maple Ave.
Unvaccinated individuals must continue to mask, except briefly while eating, and maintain physical distance when on campus. All members of our community are expected to act ethically and honestly in observing required health and safety measures to keep our workplace safe. Surgical masks will continue to be available at masking stations in all school buildings. While masks are no longer required inside the above-mentioned non-clinical spaces, individuals have the right to wear masks at any time; this is an individual choice which our community respects.
All personnel inside CLINICAL buildings (even those in which only a portion of the space is clinical) must still follow the Massachusetts DPH guidelines related to masking and distancing as articulated by UMass Memorial Medical Center.
Clinical buildings include:
- University hospital, including Lakeside and Benedict
- Ambulatory Care Center
- the Medical School building (Clinical, Basic, Student and Clip-on wings)
- iCELS
- First floor of the Albert Sherman Center (cafeteria and multipurpose room)
- Biotech 1
Visitor/Vendor Policy
Visitors/vendors are required to mask and distance regardless of vaccination status and must continue to be registered through the SV3 system. The health reporting questions in the SV3 system will remain in place. Visitors to buildings that are not on the main campus will need to continue to keep a record of visits, with visitors submitting an electronic copy of the paper version of the health attestation form to their sponsor.
The only exception to this policy is for invited speakers and special guests who, if vaccinated, may submit proof of vaccination to Theresa Kane by emailing theresa.kane@umassmed.edu and may then follow UMMS employee rules during their visit.
Voluntary Reporting of COVID-19 Vaccination Status
UMMS strongly encourages everyone to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Employees may upload proof of vaccination to UMMS Infection Control; once documentation has been verified, employees may go to the Faculty Conference Room to obtain a green sticker to be placed on your UMMS ID badge, and you may cease to report your daily health status. The green dot indicates to those around you that it is OK for you to have your mask off. Questions may be directed to Theresa Kane at theresa.kane@umassmed.edu.
Gatherings
Indoor or outdoor gatherings of UMMS employees, or outdoor gatherings that involve external visitors, will be guided by CDC guidelines. Gatherings that involve non-UMMS/UMass Memorial visitors inside of school buildings will require pre-approval by Infection Control. In addition, Infection Control approval is recommended for any large gathering. Contact Infection Control by emailing infection.control@umassmed.edu.
As always, students must continue to submit events request forms to the Office of Student Life for any events planned on campus.
Answers to specific questions that may arise
Q: Can outside speakers be invited and research seminars resumed?
A: Yes, if they are hosted in the non-clinical spaces specified above.
Q: Do vendors need to wear masks while on campus?
A: Yes, vendors should follow masking and distancing guidelines at this time.
Q: What is the current campus alert status?
A: Green. The campus alert status and additional information can be found at https://umassmed.edu/coronavirus/.
Q: Where can I get the green sticker for my ID badge?
A: After proof of vaccination has been uploaded to UMMS Infection Control, employees may go to the Faculty Conference Room to get a green sticker.
