COVID-19 Information
Last Updated: September 4, 2025
Welcome Beacons! COVID-19 continues to affect our campus and communities. Staying informed, taking precautions, and knowing where to access vaccines, testing, and care helps keep our UMass Boston community safe and thriving.
Understanding COVID-19
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It spreads mainly through airborne droplets, especially in close or crowded indoor spaces. Knowing the symptoms, risks, and prevention strategies 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 instructions and/or supervisors.
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. Massachusetts now authorizes pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines to anyone 5+ years old. Coverage is required by in-state insurance plans, including student BCBS. Read more here.
- Practice healthy hygiene. Wash hands frequently, cover coughs/sneezes, avoid touching your face.
- Promote air quality. Open windows, use fans, or bring air purifiers in offices, classrooms, and dorm rooms.
- 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.
- Seek early care. Testing and early treatment prevent severe illness. UHS provides telehealth for treatment like Paxlovid.
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.
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!
If You Test Positive
Self-Care: Rest, hydrate, and use over-the-counter remedies. Call 911 if severe symptoms appear.
Treatment: UHS General Medicine offers medications like Paxlovid for eligible students. Please call (617) 287-5660 to book a telehealth appointment.
Isolation: Isolate for at least 5 days from symptom onset. Return when fever-free for 24 hours and symptoms improve. Take extra precautions for the following 5 days: wear mask indoors, improve air circulation, wash hands, and test before close contact with others.
On-Campus Housing Tips
If you test positive 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.
- in shared spaces. 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 with COVID, please email Housing@umb.edu.
Campus Resources for Beacons
UMass Boston Support
National Resources
Local Resources