COVID-19 Precautions After Vaccination
Massachusetts is currently in Phase 1 of its vaccine distribution. It is imperative that those who have been vaccinated continue to follow all UMMS COVID-19 safety protocols, including the travel policy, masking protocols and physical distancing guidelines. In addition, faculty, students and staff who are participating in the UMMS surveillance testing protocol should continue weekly surveillance testing after they have been vaccinated.
UMMS Travel Policy
Several updates have been made to the UMMS travel policy. All employees and students who are currently working on campus or who plan to return to campus within 14 days of returning from travel should familiarize themselves with the steps to be taken by reading the updated policy here.
As a reminder, all university-related travel is prohibited until at least March 31. This travel ban may be extended. Personal travel (domestic or international) and any air travel continue to be strongly discouraged. Beginning January 26, the CDC will require a negative COVID-19 PCR test from anyone boarding a flight to the U.S. from abroad.
Any personal travel outside of Massachusetts must be reported in advance and, following travel, clearance must be obtained to return to campus. All employees (on-site, clinical or remote), students, vendors and visitors should follow the Massachusetts Travel Order. The form and policy to be followed is determined by work site.
- UMMS employees working on-site in Medical School buildings, clinical research sites, in DMH facilities or remotely; vendors; and visitors must complete the UMMS travel form, before any out-of-state travel, air or international travel as outlined in the UMMS travel policy.
- UMMS employees working in UMass Memorial clinical care settings should complete the UMass Memorial travel form to EHS before travel to any state that is not lower risk. The UMass Memorial form can be found here and should be emailed to Employee_Health_COVID-19_mailbox@umassmemorial.org.
- Students (SOM, GSN, GSBS) must complete the Student Travel Form, which can be found at this link.
The updated UMMS travel policy that details all steps to be taken can be found here.
Universal Masking Policy in Parking Garages, Elevators and Shuttles
We are concerned by reports that employees are regularly removing their masks in campus parking garages and garage elevators, and that some employees are not wearing masks while waiting for the garage shuttles. Masks are required in all public indoor and outdoor spaces on campus. Do not throw your mask on the floor. Dispose of it properly. Please respect others by following these rules.
