Current Covid FAQs

Masking is optional but strongly encouraged everywhere on campus. Please mask if requested, out of respect and care for others in our community. 

Masking (KN95 or better) is mandatory* for:

• People with symptoms: Expected to mask, even after a negative COVID test. See Experiencing Symptoms FAQ (below).
• Close contacts: Mask for 10 days following the last day of exposure. See Close Contacts FAQ (below).
• People with COVID-19: If cleared to leave formal isolation, must mask through day 10 following a positive COVID-19 test result. See Positive COVID-19 Test Result FAQ (below). 
• Health & Counseling Services: Masking is required if you have any symptoms of a potentially contagious illness (such as fever, congestion, runny nose, cough, sore throat, etc), are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, have COVID-19 and have been cleared to leave isolation for an in-person appointment, or have been asked to mask.
• “Covid-strict” housing floors

If you are experiencing symptoms, please wear a mask. 

You may not attend work, class, or other activities until you have had a negative PCR or two negative rapid antigen tests taken 24 hours apart.

A person with symptomatic illness but who has a negative PCR or two negative rapid antigen tests taken 24 hours apart may resume normal activities on campus; please continue to mask while symptomatic. 

A person with symptomatic illness who tests positive should refer to the Positive COVID-19 test result section for what to do.

Call Health & Counseling Services for guidance and symptomatic COVID-19 testing (Monday – Friday between 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m).

The University Health Services Walk-In Clinic at UMASS is available to Hampshire students after hours (Monday – Friday until 8 p.m. and on weekends from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.). To be seen in the Walk-In Clinic, please join the virtual waiting room and you will be informed of your appointment time.

Call your healthcare provider for guidance in addressing your diagnostic needs.

In the event of a positive test result, notify your supervisor or dean of faculty. Notify Human Resources within one business day in event of a positive test result.

Symptomatic PCR testing for students is available at Health & Counseling Services by appointment.

Students and Employees

Must isolate for at least five full days from onset of symptoms, or from the date of positive COVID test if asymptomatic.

May exit isolation on Day 6 if symptoms are resolving and no fever for 24 hours. Day 0 is the day you tested positive or developed symptoms.

Must wear a KN95 or better mask indoors at all times after leaving isolation, until the 10th day after they begin isolation.

Students may remove their mask in their own room with the door closed; employees may not remove their mask indoors at any time during the 10 day period.

Must notify Residence Life of a positive test using this form.

Students will isolate in their residential room. May isolate off campus or at home if safe transportation can be arranged. Dedicated isolation housing will be available for those whose circumstances dictate it.

Asymptomatic Students and Employees

Should continue to work, attend class, and participate in activities.

Must wear a KN95 or better mask indoors for 10 days following exposure*. Masks must be worn at all times except in your private residential room and bathroom, or private office. No indoor dining.

Should COVID-19 test five full days after the last day of exposure.*

Indoor Dining (Including Visitors and Guests)

No indoor dining if:

• You are a close contact of someone with COVID-19.
• You have had a positive COVID-19 test result and are within the first 10 days.
• You have symptoms of COVID-19 and have not yet had two negative rapid antigen test results spaced 24 hours apart, or one negative PCR test.