COVID-19 Testing for the Spring Semester

In an email to the campus community, Jeffrey Hescock, executive director of environmental health and safety and Ann Becker, public health director, outline coronavirus testing requirements for faculty and staff who are teaching and working on campus for the Spring semester.

That email is as follows:

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Keeping the UMass community healthy is critical to our success this spring. The asymptomatic testing program for COVID-19, conducted at the Public Health Promotion Center at the Mullins Center, is designed to mitigate community spread through the early detection of infection. Here’s how you can play your part.

Testing Requirements for the Spring Semester

  • Faculty who are teaching or conducting research on campus are required to be tested weekly.
  • Clinical faculty who are working in healthcare facilities or University Health Services staff who are providing in-person healthcare are required to be tested twice weekly.
  • Staff who regularly work on campus are required to be tested weekly.

Persons Who Tested Positive within 90 Days and Successfully Completed Isolation

Individuals previously diagnosed with the COVID-19 infection, as confirmed by molecular diagnostic testing (a PCR test, not an antigen test), will be required to show proof of a positive test result. They will not be required to test until 90 days have passed from their positive test result as long as they do not have symptoms.

Individuals are required to bring a copy (physical or electronic) of the positive test result, which shows the date and type of test to the Mullins Center so staff can verify the test result and adjust the date of their next required test. A photo ID (UCard, license, passport, etc.) is also required.

This exception does not include COVID-19-recovered individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19, who must follow all testing and quarantine guidance outlined in the travel rules.

Scheduling Your Free COVID-19 Test

Testing is by appointment only, no walk-ins are allowed.

To schedule your testing appointment follow these steps:

1.    Visit the Campus Health Hub and select “Book an Appointment” 

(NOTE: If you receive a message that says: Currently you are not registered as part of the program,” click the link that says Please Fill Out This Form, then fill out the form. You may now book your appointment.) 

2.    Click “Walk-In at Mullins Center”

3.    Choose the date and click next

4.    Select an appointment

If you have any of the symptoms in the Daily Symptom Checklist, DO NOT come to the Mullins Center for testing. 

Please Note: Testing is NOT a substitute for prevention measures. Even with increased participation in the campus asymptomatic testing program, you must still continue to follow guidance concerning physical distancing, wearing face coverings, washing hands frequently, conducting a daily symptom checklist, and staying home if you experience COVID-like symptoms.

If you have any specific questions, you may direct them by email to testing@umass.edu.

Sincerely,

Co-Directors of the Public Health Promotion Center (PHPC)

Jeffrey Hescock, Executive Director of Environmental Health and Safety
Ann Becker, Public Health Director