COVID-19 Information
Last Updated: 4/1/2025
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, remains a health concern. Stay informed with the latest guidelines and take steps to protect yourself and others.
- COVID-19 Guidelines: COVID-19 Guidance (CDC Guidelines)
- UMass Boston Campus Updates & Policies: Campus COVID-19 Information
What to Do If You Feel Sick
COVID-19 symptoms vary and can appear 2-14 days after exposure. You may experience mild to severe symptoms, including:
- Fever or chills
- Cough, shortness of breath
- Sore throat, congestion, runny nose
- Loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue, muscle or body aches
- Headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Seek Emergency Care If You Have:
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Confusion or difficulty waking up
- Blue or pale skin, lips, or nails
If you're feeling sick, book an appointment with UHS for testing and medical care through the My Health Beacon Portal or by calling (617) 287-5660.
Prevention Strategies
The CDC recommends the actions below to help lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission and lower the risk of severe illness if you get sick. Read more from the CDC here.
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations.
- Practice good hygiene.
- Take steps for cleaner air.
- Use precautions to prevent spread if you feel sick, including staying home and away from others if you have respiratory symptoms.
- Seek healthcare promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness.
COVID-19 Testing Options
On-Campus Testing
Students can book an appointment with UHS for COVID-19 testing. Visit the My Health Beacon Portal or call (617) 287-5660 to schedule.
Off-Campus Testing
- Purchase self-tests at pharmacies, retail stores, or online.
- Many insurance plans reimburse the cost of self-tests - check with your provider.
- Use the No-Cost COVID-19 Testing Locator.
Tip: Before discarding expired tests, check the FDA's extended expiration list to see if they're still valid!
Tested Positive? Here's What to Do
Take Care of Yourself
- Rest, stay hydrated, and use over-the-counter remedies.
- If you have severe symptoms (e.g., breathing difficulty), call 911.
- Interested in COVID-19 treatment (e.g., Paxlovid)? Book a UHS telehealth appointment.
Isolation Guidelines
Follow the latest CDC Isolation Recommendations:
- Isolate for at least 5 days from symptom onset.
- Resume activities when you are fever-free for 24 hours (without medication) and symptoms improve.
- For the next 5 days, take extra precautions indoors:
- Wear a mask
- Improve air circulation
- Wash hands frequently
- Test before close contact with others
On-Campus Students
Students who test positive should follow UMass Boston policies on isolation. Whenever possible, isolate off-campus. If you must remain in shared housing, in addition to the guidance in the section above, please see below for some tips to navigate isolation in place in your shared living space:
For Both Roommates:
- Wear high-quality masks when together.
- Open windows, use fans or air purifiers to increase air circulation.
- Avoid sharing personal items (dishes, towels, toiletries).
- Clean frequently touched surfaces at least daily.
- If you share a bathroom, remember that sinks could be an infection source.
- If you share a sleeping space, arrange beds to make as much space between beds as possible.
- Do not share dishes or cups.
- If you come in contact with shared surfaces or items, wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
- Do not invite guests to your room until the isolation period has ended.
For COVID-Positive Roommate(s):
- Wear a mask in shared spaces (bathroom, hallways, dining areas).
- Use grab-and-go dining options instead of eating in the Dining Commons.
- Contact UHS General Medicine at (617) 287-5660 for 24/7 medical guidance if you require additional treatment of your symptoms or contact your healthcare provider.
For Healthy Roommate(s):
- You can continue normal activities but should monitor symptoms.
- Minimize time spent in your room - take advantage of this time to discover new places on campus!
- Test 5 days after exposure and again 5 days after your roommate's isolation ends.
For questions related to living in the Residence Halls with COVID, please email Housing@umb.edu.
COVID-19 Vaccines: Stay Up to Date
The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine to protect against severe illness. Students can call UHS at (617) 287-5660 to check vaccine inventory. For more information from the CDC, click here.
Additional Resources
On-Campus:
Off-Campus: