News 2020: Guidance for Rhode Island residents traveling to campus

The Baker Administration removed Rhode Island from the list of low-risk states which has many implications for people across campus

Dear UMass Dartmouth,

Yesterday, the Baker Administration updated the Massachusetts COVID-19 Travel Order, removing Rhode Island from the list of low-risk states. This revision, effective August 7, has many implications for people across campus, so please review the following information.

If you are a residential student from Rhode Island:

• You must produce, on request, proof of negative viral RT-PCR SARSCoV2 test result from a test administered on a sample taken within 72 hours before arrival in Massachusetts.
• If you cannot produce a negative result, you must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Massachusetts or until a negative result is achieved.
• You must complete the Massachusetts Travel Form.
• There will be dedicated spaces in residence halls available for residential students to self-quarantine. The earliest date available to begin quarantine on campus for travel purposes will be August 16. If you need to arrive early to self-quarantine, please contact Housing & Residential Education at 508.999.8140 or housing@umassd.edu by August 10.

Student and/or employee that frequently commute to campus from Rhode Island:

• As someone “who regularly commutes, at least weekly into Massachusetts to a fixed place to attend school or work”, you do not have to quarantine, produce a negative test result, or fill out the Massachusetts Travel Form.
• Please note that this exemption only applies for travel “to and from the person’s residence and place of work or school.”

We understand that this update to the Massachusetts Travel Order further complicates an already difficult time, but know that we are here to help. If you have questions about the above information, please reach out to corona.virus@umassd.edu.

The start of the semester is just a month away and over the summer, we’ve been busy adding new safety procedures and equipment across campus as well as policy updates to protect your wellbeing. While not everyone will be back on campus, we look forward to connecting with you for another great semester at UMass Dartmouth.

Sincerely,

Alex Fowler

Special Assistant to the Chancellor for COVID-19 Preparations

Marianne Sullivan, DNP, ANP-BC

Director of Health Services