COVID-19 Update from the UMass Public Health Promotion Center
Today, we are announcing service transitions for COVID-19 testing on campus. Unobserved PCR testing will end Friday, July 29. Starting Monday, Aug. 1, University Health Services will make PCR tests available to those in the UMass community with symptoms or known exposures, and it will also offer elective testing for a $25 fee.
All students, faculty, staff and members of their households who need testing due to symptoms or due to being a close contact with someone who has COVID-19 can come to UHS for a PCR test. Most insurance companies cover COVID-19 testing administered for health reasons (such as having symptoms or being a close contact with someone with COVID-19) at no additional cost to you. Elective PCR testing (such as testing for travel) is also available for $25 per test at UHS, a price significantly lower than is offered by pharmacies and other providers.
In addition to every home in the U.S. being eligible to order free antigen at-home tests through the federal government, the campus will continue to make available free antigen at-home test kits until our supply runs out. Two free kits per week can be obtained by visiting the vending machines located at the lower level of the campus center.
As a reminder, individuals should continue to report their positive tests to testing@umass.edu. We continue to encourage everyone to complete a daily symptom check. If you are sick, stay home and get tested. If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, please wear a mask and get tested on the fifth day after exposure.
The PHPC vaccine clinic reopened earlier this month, please visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic website for hours. The clinic is walk-in or you can make an online appointment. For information about the COVID-19 vaccine and booster information please visit here.
Thank you for all that you’re doing — staying home when sick, testing when you have symptoms, and supporting each other as part of our community.
Sincerely,
Co-Directors of the Public Health Promotion Center (PHPC)
Ann Becker, Public Health Director
Jeffrey Hescock, Executive Director of Environmental Health and Safety