COVID-19 Information
Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Welcome Beacons! Staying informed, taking precautions, and knowing where to access vaccines, testing, and care helps keep our UMass Boston community safe and thriving. For additional questions, please contact UHS General Medicine at (617) 287-5660 or UHS@umb.edu.
Understanding COVID-19
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and it continues to affect our campus and communities. It spreads mainly through airborne droplets, especially in close or crowded indoor spaces.
The public's understanding of COVID-19 is shifting, reflecting changes in federal health policy and the official end of the public health emergency. This can be confusing, but it reflects a transition from a pandemic response to an approach that treats viruses as a persistent, but manageable, health concern, similar to the seasonal flu.
Even as many headlines focus on a return to normalcy, the virus is still circulating. Wastewater surveillance data and reports of hospitalizations confirm its continued presence. Taking personal precautions, such as staying home when sick and staying up to date on vaccinations, remains the most effective way to protect yourself and the UMass Boston community.
Symptoms & Emergency Warning Signs
Knowing the symptoms protects you, your classmates, colleagues, and the broader community.
Common Symptoms may include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- New loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Emergency Warning Signs:
Seek immediate care by calling 911 if you notice:
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Confusion or difficulty waking
- Blue or pale skin, lips, or nails
Source: CDC: Symptoms of COVID-19
Tip for Beacons: If you feel unwell, stay home and notify your instructors and/or supervisors.
If You Get Sick: Guidance & Isolation
We offer masks and flu kits at the UHS General Medicine Front Desk.
When to Isolate: If you have symptoms of a respiratory virus (such as fever, cough, or sore throat), you should stay home and away from others. You can return to your regular activities only when, for at least 24 hours, both of the following have been true:
- Your symptoms are getting better overall.
- You have been fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication.
After-Isolation Precautions: After returning to campus, for the next 5 days, you should take added precautions to prevent spreading the virus to others. This is especially important when you are around people who are at higher risk of getting very sick. These precautions include:
- Wearing a well-fitted mask when around other people indoors.
- Practicing good hand hygiene.
- Taking steps to improve ventilation.
- Considering getting tested for COVID-19 before being around other people indoors.
Note: Individuals with compromised immune systems or those with severe symptoms should consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Prevention & Healthy Practices on Campus
We all share responsibility for a healthy campus. We recommend following these guidelines:
- Stay up to date with vaccine guidelines. The most effective way to prevent severe illness is to be vaccinated. Visit local pharmacies or use the resources below to find a location.
- Practice healthy hygiene. Wash hands frequently, cover coughs/sneezes, and avoid touching your face.
- Promote air quality. Open windows, use fans, or bring air purifiers in offices, classrooms, and dorm rooms to improve ventilation.
- Stay home if you're sick. Protect classmates, colleagues, and neighbors. Notify your professors and/or supervisors. Seek healthcare promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness.
Note: Taking preventive steps not only protects you but also reduces disruptions to classes, research, and campus events.
COVID-19 Vaccines
Vaccination is not currently required at UMass Boston, therefore UHS will not stock vaccines on campus currently. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to visit local pharmacies.
- Osco Pharmacy Mobile Clinics: Open to students, staff, and faculty. View upcoming dates here.
Testing Options
Testing early helps prevent outbreaks in classrooms, labs, residence halls, and offices.
On-Campus: Students can schedule via My Health Beacon Portal or call (617) 287-5660.
Off-Campus: Self-tests are available at pharmacies, stores, or online.
Tip: Before discarding expired tests, check the FDA's extended expiration list to see if they're still valid!
On-Campus Housing Tips
If you get sick while living in the Residence Halls, here's how to protect yourself and your roommate(s):
For Students Who Test Positive:
If you are able to isolate off-campus, we recommend doing so. If not...
- Wear a high-quality mask (KN95 or equivalent) anytime you leave your room (bathroom, dining areas).
- Use grab-and-go options instead of eating in the Dining Commons.
- Open windows when possible and use fans to keep air moving.
- Keep your dishes, towels, toiletries, and any other personal items separate.
- Contact University Health Services (617-287-5660) for 24/7 medical advice or to discuss treatment options.
For Roommates of COVID-Positive Student:
- Protect yourself by wearing a mask around your roommate, especially in shared spaces.
- Limit time in the room. Take advantage of campus study areas, lounges, and outdoor spaces to reduce exposure.
- Test on day 5 after your first exposure and again 5 days after your roommate's isolation ends.
- Monitor your health and watch for symptoms. Reach out to UHS if you start feeling unwell.
For Everyone in Shared Housing:
- Keep it clean! Wipe down doorknobs, light switches, bathroom surfaces, and shared electronics daily.
- Wash your hands after use, close the toilet lid before flushing, and avoid sharing toiletries.
- If possible, rearrange beds to maximize space between them.
- Hold off on inviting guests until the isolation period is over.
For questions related to living in the Residence Halls, please email Housing@umb.edu.
National & Local Resources
UMass Boston Support
National Resources
Local Resources