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COVID-19 Information

UMass Dartmouth continues to follow all guidance from the CDC, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the Dartmouth Board of Health to promote a safe and healthy living, learning and working environment on our campus. All of our actions will be guided by, and meet or exceed local, state and federal public health guidelines, with particular attention to factors specific to the UMass Dartmouth campus.

Frequently asked questions

No. The university no longer requires faculty, staff and students to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Student immunization requirements and recommendations are listed on the Health Services website.

Faculty and students who participate in clinical settings where the vaccine is required should follow the agency’s vaccine requirements. Staying up to date on vaccines, including boosters, is the most effective way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. While vaccine protection decreases over time, boosters restimulate the immune system and increase vaccine efficacy again. Boosters are an important defense, even if you’ve already had COVID.

  1. Immediately isolate yourself and test using an at-home rapid COVID-19 test kit.
  2. Message Health Services through the secure messaging feature in the Health Services Patient Portal or by calling 508.910.6652 if you need an appointment.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. Symptoms may include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.

  • Immediately isolate yourself for 5 days and wear a medical grade mask for 10 days. You cannot attend in-person classes or any on-campus events until released from isolation.
  • Message Health Services through the Health Services Patient Portal or by calling 508.910.6652.
  • Notify your close contacts that they have been exposed so they can monitor themselves for symptoms and test on Day 6 following exposure. Serial testing is recommended. If those who have been exposed have symptoms before Day 6 test as soon as symptoms are present.
  • Notify your professors that you have tested positive and will be absent from classes until released from isolation.
  • If after 5 days you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication and your symptoms are improving, or you never had symptoms, you may leave isolation on Day 6 but continue to wear a medical grade mask around others until Day 11.

Please note:

  • If you live on campus, the Office of Housing and Residential Education will ensure that you can safely isolate in place or move you to temporary isolation housing. Supports will be provided while you are in isolation.
  • If you are a commuter, you cannot isolate on campus and must isolate at home.

Yes. Paxlovid is for individuals age 12 and older who have tested positive for COVID-19, are at increased risk of severe disease, and have developed COVID-19 symptoms in the last 5 days, even mild ones (such as runny nose or cough).

Free telehealth consultations are available for eligible individuals 18 or older who are currently living in Massachusetts and insurance is not required. Visit the Massachusetts COVID-19 telehealth website for more info.

If you were exposed to COVID-19, regardless of your vaccination status, the CDC recommends that instead of quarantining, you wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested 5 full days after your last exposure (Day 6). Serial testing 48 hours apart is recommended.

  • Individuals should use at-home COVID tests.
  • Students can make an appointment at Student Health Services to be tested if they are having symptoms. If you are wanting to get tested, please call the Health Services office at 508-999-8982 or log onto the student health portal to make an appointment to see a provider.
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