Boosters
What is the latest guidance on vaccines and boosters?
Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is not a condition of students’ enrollment or in-person attendance, nor will unvaccinated or eligible unboosted students be subject to separate testing requirements. It is possible, if circumstances dictate, the University could adopt testing strategies that apply to all students and employees regardless of vaccination status.
Vaccines and boosters continue to be the most effective way to protect individuals from serious illness or hospitalization (as the Governor’s COVID Action Plan indicates). UMW continues to strongly encourage students and employees to get vaccinated/boosted as soon as they are eligible and we strongly encourage students to upload their information when they do so on the Student Health Portal. Awareness of your status allows the UMW public health team to provide the best and proper ongoing advice for our Quarantine and Isolation practices.
Last updated: July 22, 2022 4:07 pmHow do I know if I am eligible for a booster?
The CDC currently defines eligibility as six months past the Moderna series, five months past the Pfizer series, or two months past the J&J series.
Last updated: January 6, 2022 12:36 pmWhat if I had COVID recently? When can I get my booster?
According to the CDC and RAHD, as long as you are out of isolation and your symptoms have resolved, you can get a booster. The one exception is if you have received a treatment of monoclonal antibodies which would typically require you to wait 90 days before getting a booster.
Last updated: July 22, 2022 4:09 pmMasking
Are masks required on UMW property?
Masks are no longer required anywhere on UMW property, except healthcare settings (Student Health Center, Talley Center for Counseling Services, Athletic Training room). However, the wearing of a well-fitting mask is highly effective at preventing the spread of the coronavirus, including its variants. Masks are recommended when in close proximity of others for a prolonged period of time, particularly indoors. We especially recommend KN95 masks, double masking, or equivalent masks.
Last updated: July 22, 2022 4:13 pmDoes the lifting of the mandate mean I can’t wear a mask now?
Absolutely not. There still are people within our community who are vulnerable and will continue to take additional measures to keep themselves safe. Others will simply feel more comfortable wearing their masks and practicing physical distancing. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 would also wear masks. We should all continue to treat each other with kindness and respect, particularly as people make individual decisions about if or when to wear a mask. We also encourage members of our campus community to put on their mask if another individual requests they do so, particularly in smaller, indoor settings.
Last updated: July 22, 2022 4:16 pmWhere can I get a high-quality mask?
KN95 masks will be available on campus at the Cedric Rucker University Center information desk, Student Health Center, Eagle Landing front desk, Human Resources, Athletic Training room, or Marye House front desk.
Last updated: July 22, 2022 4:16 pmWill you change these policies again?
As we have throughout the pandemic, we will continue to adjust to public health conditions on campus and in the surrounding community, considering and reconsidering any health mitigation options as needed.
Last updated: July 22, 2022 4:16 pmWellness
I don’t feel well. What should I do?
If you aren’t feeling well, whether or not you think it’s COVID, please avoid contact with other people. Get rest, drink plenty of fluids and seek medical attention as needed. Let your professors or supervisors know why you are missing class or work.
Last updated: July 22, 2022 4:19 pmIf I don’t feel well and am avoiding contact with other people, how can I get food?
There is online ordering and take-out options. You may utilize these options while doing your best to avoid contact with others. If you leave your room/isolation space, be sure to wear a mask.
Last updated: July 22, 2022 4:20 pmWhat are things I can do to prevent the spread of infectious diseases on campus?
They include simple everyday preventive measures, such as staying away from other people when you are sick, covering your coughs and sneezes, and washing your hands often. Remember to wear a double mask, a KN95 mask or equivalent properly if you must go out or be around others.
Last updated: July 22, 2022 4:20 pmWhere can I find a test if I am feeling sick?
For students, the Student Health Center is open during the week for appointments. You should call them in advance at 540-654-1040 to schedule an appointment. For after-hours and weekend support, you may contact also call the Student Health number and be connected with a nurse hotline. If you need medical attention or testing after-hours or on the weekend, local urgent care centers are available. Self-tests are also available at the Student Health Center, Eagle Landing front desk, Human Resources, Athletic Training room, or Marye House front desk.
Last updated: July 22, 2022 4:21 pmWhat should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?
If you test positive for COVID-19 using a self-test or at an off-campus medical provider, we encourage you to notify us by completing the Self-Report a COVID Case form. A member of our Public Health team will contact you and provide guidance on isolation and notifying close contacts of the exposure.
Last updated: July 22, 2022 4:23 pmWhat do I do If I’m a close contact or have been exposed to COVID-19?
Please check the CDC guidelines for current recommendations about being exposed to COVID-19. You’ll need to wear a well-fitted mask as soon as you find out you are exposed (with that exposure day as Day 0), and continue wearing a mask around others for 10 days, even if you test negative, especially indoors and when near those at higher risk for severe COVID-19 disease. Watch for COVID-19 symptoms for those 10 days.
If symptoms develop, stay home, and get tested.
The CDC recommends getting tested at least 5 full days after your last exposure.
If your test result is positive, follow isolation recommendations.
Last updated: August 26, 2022 5:04 pmEntry Testing
Is there entry testing prior to the start of the semester?
There is no in-person entry testing planned for the fall semester. We encourage all members of the community to monitor their health in the weeks leading up to the start of the semester and get tested prior to arriving to campus if experiencing symptoms, have a known exposure, or were in areas of high transmission.
Last updated: July 22, 2022 4:25 pmWhat if I test positive on a self-test prior to school starting?
We ask that you do not return to campus until you complete your isolation period, consistent with CDC guidelines. Please be sure to notify your professors, employers, and the Residence Life and Housing office (residential students) of your anticipated arrival to campus.
Last updated: July 22, 2022 4:25 pmIsolation
Can I go home to isolate?
Yes, as long as you can travel home without risk of spreading the virus to others (i.e. able to avoid public transportation), this is the preferred option. UMW has limited isolation space and so individuals who can and want to go home are encouraged to do. Similar to the last two years, on-campus isolation space is only available to residential students and based upon availability. Off-campus students, faculty, and staff need to make arrangements to isolate in their homes.
Students should inform the contact tracer (who will make contact following the submission of the Self-report a COVID Case form) about their isolation plans. For students who identify a need for an isolation space on campus, the contact tracer will make contact with Residence Life and Housing, who will assign a space in Marshall Hall, based upon availability.
Last updated: August 22, 2022 11:16 amIf I test positive, how long will I need to isolate?
The isolation period can range from five to ten days from the onset of symptoms (or positive test if asymptomatic) based on a number of factors. If you are asymptomatic or your symptoms have resolved (including no fever for 24 hours or more with without use of medication) AND you have the ability to mask anytime you are around others, then you may leave isolation after day five. The CDC recommends that immunocompromised individuals remain in isolation for the full ten days as they tend to be infectious longer. If you are still exhibiting symptoms, cannot mask around others, or are immunocompromised, you will need to continue to isolate for the full ten days. Even if you are able to leave isolation after day 5, you will need to wear a KN95 mask or the equivalent around others at all times until you complete day 10.
Last updated: October 21, 2022 7:49 amWhen does the isolation period start?
For individuals with no symptoms, day 0 is the day your positive test was administered. If you are exhibiting symptoms, day 0 is the day those symptoms began.
Last updated: August 22, 2022 11:16 amUnder what circumstances will I need to quarantine if identified as a close contact?
CDC’s new guidance removes the recommendation that individuals who are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations should quarantine. All individuals with known exposures should mask for ten day from the date of exposure when around others.
Last updated: August 22, 2022 11:17 amCDC guidance says I can leave isolation after five days as long as I am symptom-free or my symptoms are resolving (no fever), but I need to mask around others for an additional five days. What if I have a roommate? Do I have to wear a mask around them?
The congregate nature of college settings presents additional challenges with the new quarantine and isolation guidance. If you have a roommate, it is not practical to expect you to be able to mask at all times from day 6-10 when around them, particularly during sleep. If you are an on-campus student with a roommate and meet the criteria for being released after day 5, you will be permitted to leave the isolation space to attend class, pick up meals, and engage in other university matters with a well-fitted mask, but you will be expected to continue sleeping in the isolation space for the full ten-day period.
Last updated: August 22, 2022 11:16 amIf I have to isolate at Marshall, what do I need to bring?
Students should pack a bag with anything they might need for the duration of their isolation period including clothes, bedding, toiletries, towels/wash cloths, computer, and academic supplies. Students may ask a friend to bring them forgotten items or in some cases, can be given permission to return to their room to collect additional items. Marshall Hall rooms are equipped with standard residence hall room furniture and a micro-fridge. A shower curtain and toilet paper are provided in the suite bathroom.
Last updated: September 2, 2022 12:16 pm