January 13, 2021
Dear Campus Neighborhood,
The college is closely checking the recent COVID-19 instances affecting our campus group, Massachusetts and the country. The latest COVID-19 tests details for the UMass community from Jan. 5-11 reveals 377 new positive scenarios. The university’s cumulative positivity rate is 7.56{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}, down from previous week’s charge of 13.21{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}. The state’s 7-day positivity level is 21.61{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}.
The Omicron variant is now apparent in all favourable COVID-19 assessments performed on campus. UMass is updating its prerequisites for face coverings as we shift ahead with in-human being teaching, understanding and investigate functions for the spring semester. All people really should use a bigger-quality mask, these as KN95, KF94, or N95, or double-mask. Cloths masks are not productive in limiting the distribute of omicron and ought to only be made use of in double masking, with a shut-fitting surgical mask underneath.
This earlier week, we figured out that a UMass Amherst employee died as the outcome of COVID-19. This is the first time that an active personnel has died from COVID-19 due to the fact the begin of the pandemic. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his relatives, mates and campus colleagues.
Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 18 the General public Wellness Advertising Middle (PHPC) will adopt the follow of offering only unobserved assessments. Unobserved tests kits are offered at the PHPC on the reduced degree of the Campus Heart in the course of PHPC working several hours. Campus kiosks for return of exam kits are now open just about every working day, 24 several hours for every day. Tests dropped off Monday through Thursday will have effects obtainable inside of 24 to 48 hours. Outcomes from exams carried out on Friday as a result of Sunday are ready the subsequent Monday night or Tuesday.
Remember to Observe: Monday, Jan. 17 is Martin Luther King Jr. Working day and the PHPC is closed. Results from checks done Friday through Monday this week will be all set Tuesday evening or Wednesday.
As we in the vicinity of the third calendar year of the pandemic, it is very clear that COVID-19 will be existing for the foreseeable foreseeable future. Importantly, we have learned that vaccinations, boosters and wearing masks indoors enable protect against spikes of severely unwell individuals. The present scientific facts displays that those who are vaccinated and boosted and turn into contaminated are often asymptomatic or knowledge gentle indications.
BOOSTER Pictures
All qualified UMass college students, faculty and workers are required to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. It is significant that all individuals qualified get the booster shot prior to the get started of the semester. In accordance with CDC pointers, acquiring your booster shot will exempt you from the will need to quarantine if you are a close call of a good situation. You can make an appointment for a booster shot by pinpointing a spot via the Massachusetts COVID-19 vaccine finder or Vaccines.gov.
Tests
Progress Tests: College students be sure to submit your progress COVID-19 test in the mail by this Friday, Jan. 14. You also have other possibilities to submit an progress test in advance of the start out of the semester. College and Workers need to take a COVID-19 PCR exam by subsequent Tuesday, Jan. 18.
If you exam optimistic, here is the course of action of notification and the techniques you will have to take:
Irrespective of your vaccination standing, you will have to isolate for a minimal of 5 times. If you have no signs or your signs are resolved following five days, you can depart your dwelling and must don a mask all-around some others for five more days. If your exam was not completed at UMass Amherst, you need to isolate in location and report your effects to the PHPC quickly at [email protected].
For individuals who just take checks at UMass Amherst:
- UMass college, team and learners who examination positive will receive an e mail from [email protected] with lab success. If you are beneficial, you ought to isolate immediately. The UMass Community Wellbeing Workforce assessments all positive outcomes and will send out abide by-up info to your e-mail deal with. These e-mail are sent out all through the working day.
- Neighborhood members who test optimistic will get an e-mail from [email protected] with lab benefits. Make sure you refer to the Massachusetts Section of Community Wellness Guidance for Isolation. If you have any concerns, remember to call your nearby board of health and fitness.
All people must go on to keep track of by themselves for COVID-19 indications each day prior to coming to campus. If you truly feel unwell, stay residence.
Thank you for all you are carrying out to treatment for yourselves and a person one more, and to assistance the well being of our group.
Sincerely,
Co-Directors of the Public Well being Marketing Center (PHPC)
Ann Becker, Community Wellness Director
Jeffrey Hescock, Government Director of Environmental Health and fitness and Security