COVID-19 Testing Results Remain Encouraging

The Public Health Promotion Center (PHPC) is closely monitoring COVID-19 test results. Trends and the positivity rate at UMass Amherst remain encouraging.

The positivity rate for last week (April 12-18) was 0.22%, making it the sixth consecutive week of having a positivity rate under 0.26%. Comparatively, the state’s current seven-day positivity rate is 2.11%. With vaccine eligibility expanding to the general public this week, it will take time for everyone to get vaccinated. We all must continue to work together to stop the spread of COVID-19. Your commitment through social distancing, wearing masks and limiting the size of gatherings will allow the campus to finish the semester strong.

Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19

The PHPC strongly urges all UMass community members to be vaccinated as soon as possible. On Monday, vaccine eligibility in Massachusetts expanded to the general public ages 16 years and older.

There are a variety of ways to find a vaccine appointment:

• Schedule an appointment at the UMass Amherst Public Vaccine Clinic. Typically, appointments for the following week are posted at 4 p.m. on Fridays. Due to high demand and constrained vaccine supplies, appointments are limited. 
• Preregister at VaccineSignUp.mass.gov to be notified when it's your turn to schedule an appointment at one of seven mass vaccination locations, including the Eastfield Mall in Springfield; or at regional sites including the Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst and the Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz St., Northampton.
• Use VaxFinder.mass.gov to search for appointments at pharmacies, healthcare providers and other community locations.

For ongoing updates and details on the university’s COVID-19 response, including FAQs on operational postures, please visit www.umass.edu/spring.