FAQs: University Response to a Confirmed COVID-19 Case

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How does the University provide support when a member of the UMass community has a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19?

The university works closely with local and state public health departments to identify UMass Amherst community members who test positive for COVID-19.  Officials proceed to:

1.     Obtain details about the person’s symptoms, locations on campus and close contacts.

2.     Conduct a risk assessment to determine an action plan. This may include providing a recommendation about self-isolation and providing related assistance, as well as notifying individuals or groups who were in close contact.  

3.     Evaluate specific locations where the person spent time on campus to initiate cleaning and disinfection in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

How does UMass follow up with people who were in close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19?

We initiate efforts to reduce the risk of transmission, which includes identifying UMass Amherst community members who were in close contact with the person who tested positive and mapping their movement on campus. Close contact is defined as being within approximately six feet of a person with confirmed COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time, or having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on) without wearing personal protective equipment. Individuals in close contact within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms will be contacted by health officials and given instructions. Close contacts may include roommates, coworkers, instructional faculty, classmates and building occupants.

If you are not notified as being in close contact, you do not need to take any action beyond those recommended for all members of our community to protect themselves against COVID-19. These measures include practicing good hygiene and social distancing, monitoring your health, and staying home if you’re sick.

If you are a UMass Amherst community member and believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19, or if you are experiencing fever, cough or shortness of breath, please stay in your residence and call the UHS Triage Nurse at 413-577-5229 for guidance.

If I purchased a meal at the Blue Wall, am I at increased risk for COVID-19?

There is no evidence that purchasing a meal at a food establishment such as the Blue Wall places you at increased risk. With over 1.2 million cases COVID-19 confirmed worldwide, there are no scientific reports of foodborne transmission. COVID-19 is known to be transmitted by the respiratory route, predominantly by respiratory droplets. 

What safety measures are being taken by UMass Dining at its facilities?

UMass Dining follows strict public health requirements and follows best food-safety practices drawing on guidance from ServSafe. In addition, UMass Dining has initiated a number of additional measures in response to COVID-19. These include: 

1.     The menu has been streamlined to reduce lines and service time.
 

2.     Social distancing is required in all dining locations. Customers must stand six feet apart at all food service stations. 
 

3.     Food servers work behind glass sneeze guards.
 

4.     There is no self-service. All food is served to customers in single-serve, to-go containers. 
 

5.     Public eating areas have been eliminated at all UMass Dining facilities.
 

6.     Signage communicating health and safety tips as well as social distancing practices has been posted at the entrance to all locations. 
 

7.     Frequency of cleaning has been increased at all facilities.
 

8.     Details of UMass Dining initiatives in response to COVID-19 can be found at umassdining.com/coronavirus. 

I was recently at the Blue Wall. How do I know that I have not been exposed to the UMass employee who has tested positive for COVID-19?

A case investigation is in progress following guidelines from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. These guidelines define an exposure as prolonged, approximately 10 to 15 minutes of face-to-face, within 6 feet interaction to someone with COVID-19. Utilizing these parameters, campus public health officials are reaching out to individuals who meet this criteria. If you have not been contacted, then it is estimated that your risk for contracted COVID-19 is low and you should continue to practice social distancing and health monitoring but no further action is warranted at this time.