For two years, we have anticipated a time when we would, based upon the public health and scientific data relative to COVID-19 infections, be able to lift most of the pandemic-related restrictions at UMass Chan. We have now reached the point at which it is reasonable to transition to what state health and education officials deem “near normal” conditions, which allow for us to continue to advance our work and learning while maintaining a safe, flexible and effective learning and working environment. Updated guidance from the CDC last week provides the basis for changes to our campus practices, including changes to masking and testing requirements.
The COVID-19 vaccine requirement will remain in place at UMass Chan. However, our masking and surveillance testing requirements are being discontinued. Specifically:
Masking
Effective March 1, masks are optional indoors in medical school buildings for everyone who is fully vaccinated.
Anyone with an approved medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine requirement must continue to wear a surgical mask, covering your mouth and nose, at all times while indoors.
Masking is recommended for people with certain medical conditions that put them at high risk, and for anyone who lives with others who may be at high risk.
Importantly, the mask mandate at UMass Memorial and other clinical facilities remains in effect and it is imperative that all staff and students continue to obey facility-specific rules. Residents and fellows should seek direction from their program directors.
COVID-19 Surveillance Testing
Effective March 1, surveillance testing for anyone coming to campus one day a week or more is optional. All UMass Chan surveillance testing sites, including the testing center in the Faculty Conference Room, will close after March 11.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms or test positive, do not come to campus and call Employee Health Services (508-793-6400) or Student Health Services (508-334-2818) for further instructions. See the attached document for additional information.
All other COVID-19 restrictions are discontinued, including gathering, visitor, food and travel restrictions detailed in the Feb. 7 memo. Please be advised that visitors and vendors to campus must continue to be registered in the SV3 visitor management system.
In closing, it is critical that we maintain high standards of courtesy, civility, and respect for others throughout our campus community. This entails understanding that our individual efforts impact the safety of all, and that even if your own risk of COVID-19 infection is low, we cannot tell by looking at someone if they are immunocompromised and perhaps at higher risk of disease or may have suffered personal loss or trauma due to the pandemic.
We will continue to be guided by the science and will review all COVID-19 protocols as needed. The latest information is available at https://umassmed.edu/coronavirus/. In addition, everyone is invited to join the upcoming UMass Chan Town Hall, on March 1 at 1 p.m. for more information about COVID-19 guidance and other important campus initiatives.
