COVID-19 Resources

 WELLNESS RESOURCES POLICIES & GUIDANCE

Updated August 25, 2023

Vaccines, including booster shots, masks, social distancing, hygiene vigilance, and improvements to facilities remain the best ways to minimize COVID infections. We continue to encourage everyone to be vigilant to protect your coworkers and community. We will continue to assess current conditions and update safety requirements as needed.

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GET VACCINATED

UMCES strongly encourages all members of the campus community to maintain up-to-date vaccination status against the COVID-19 virus as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
 
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MONITOR YOUR HEALTH DAILY

- Please do not come to campus if you are feeling ill or COVID symptoms are present. 
- If you test positive for COVID, DO NOT come on the campus or go in the field.
- If you have come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID, monitor your health, and take a COVID testif you develop any symptoms. 
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STAY SAFE

- Masks are optional. We request masks be worn if requested by a colleague while in an enclosed space.
- Wash your hands.
- Monitor yourself for symptoms.

Protocols to Protect the Health and Safety of Employees

Vaccinations
We encourage the campus community  to be vaccinated against COVID. We continue to strongly advise boosters. 

Monitor Your Health
Monitor your own health carefully on a daily basis and refrain from coming to campus if COVID symptoms are present.

If you test positive for COVID, follow CDC guidelines, which recommend you to isolate for 5 full days:

  • If you had no symptoms, day 0 is the day you tested positive
  • If you had symptoms, day 0 is the day of symptom onset

It is not necessary to report COVID illness to UMCES, but please make your direct supervisor aware of your absence. Employees should follow the sick leave policy and notify their supervisor according to the procedure for their unit.

Mask Wearing
We request masks be worn if requested by a colleague in an enclosed space. Please be respectful of these requests from colleagues as many of our community have interactions with vulnerable individuals outside of work. If you recently had COVID, follow CDC guidelines regarding masking.

On-Campus Meetings & Guest Housing
In-person meetings, conferences, and events can be planned and scheduled. We encourage using the largest reasonably sized space to ensure social distancing, and depending upon circumstances.