The LSA Institute will adhere to the Covid Policies dictated by UMass.
Vaccination
In line with UMass policy, Institute attendees are required to complete a World Health Organization (WHO) approved COVID vaccine primary series prior to accessing campus or successfully apply for a medical or religious exemption from the Institute co-directors. The university also highly recommends COVID-19 boosters when eligible per CDC guidelines.
Attendees should bring proof of their vaccination to the Institute.
Masking
UMass is a mask welcome campus, and we encourage everyone to respect the choices that individuals make about their own masking. Masking is strongly encouraged in crowded settings and for individuals who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Individuals Testing Positive for COVID-19
For attendees staying in the dorms, separate suites will be available for self-isolation should you test positive for Covid-19. Per UMass health requirements, attendees testing positive will have to self-isolate for at least the first 5 days. Attendees will be able to join their classes via Zoom while they are isolating and Institute staff will coordinate the delivery of meals and supplies to those needing to isolate.
Caculating Isolation: Day 0 is your first day of symptoms or a positive viral test. Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms developed or your test speciment was collected. If you have COVID-19 or have symptoms, isolate for at least five days.
Days to Isolate:
- Day 0, first day of symptoms OR day the positive test was taken, whichever is earlier
- Day 1-4, continue to isolate
- Day 5, last day of isolation if asymptomatic or symptoms are improving
- Day 6, leave isolation (if you are able to wear a mask at all times when around other people through day 10). You may remove your mask prior to day 10 if you have had two negative test taken 48 hours apart.
If you are staying in the dorms on-campus:
- Leave your shared suite and move into a suite set aside for self-isolation.
- Let the Institute Staff know you’ll be isolating, so we can arrange for meals and supplies to be delivered to your suite.
- Email your instructors to request a zoom link for your courses.
- Take care of yourself and get well soon!
If you are staying off-campus:
- Let the Institute Staff know you’ll be isolating, so we can arrange for meals and supplies to be delivered to you.
- Email your instructors to request a zoom link for your courses.
- Take care of yourself and get well soon!
Additional Resources
Amherst Community Health Center Urgent Care
170 University Drive
Amherst, MA 01002
413-582-4400
Hours: 8a-8p M-F, 9a-5p Sat-Sun
Schedule a virtual visit here: https://www.cooleydickinson.org/programs-services/urgent-care/urgent-care-amherst/
How to get there by bus (PVTA): take the 33 (fare free) or B43 ($1.50 fare), stop 124.
COVID-19 Call Center
Answers about UMass services and policies during the pandemic
covidinfo@umass.edu
413-577-2999
Questions about Testing
testing@umass.edu
413-577-8888
University Health Services
Unfortunately, conference attendees cannot make use of UMass Amherst’s University Health Services, but you can call this number if needed.
For Health Advice: Nurse Triage Line 413-577-5229 or After Hours 413-577-5000
In case of an emergency, call 911 or UMass Police Department at 413-545-3111