UMBC COVID-19 Testing and Symptom Monitoring Plans

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 11:49:15 -0400
covid19

Dear UMBC Community,

As Maryland’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, UMBC continues to work closely with University System of Maryland (USM) leaders, public health experts on our campus and at University of Maryland, Baltimore, and government officials to implement a set of best practices to protect the health and safety of students, faculty, staff, and our surrounding communities.

After consultation with the Maryland Department of Health and USM campus presidents, Chancellor Jay Perman announced Thursday that COVID-19 testing and daily symptom monitoring is mandated for USM on-campus students, faculty, and staff. This new development requires a significant adjustment in UMBC’s testing plans. The Fall Planning Coordinating Committee is working diligently to ensure students, faculty, and staff who will be on campus this fall can access the required testing. With regard to required daily symptom monitoring, UMBC has developed an online symptom tracking form that is gradually being rolled out to applicable groups. As soon as more specific information is available about testing and online symptom monitoring, we will immediately communicate next steps.

We are mindful that this is a period of unusual stress for you and your families and understand that everyone wants to know how to meet the new requirements prior to the start of the fall semester. We recognize that individuals' circumstances may vary, and we are working to be as supportive as possible. We are deeply grateful for your collective efforts to keep our UMBC community thriving and healthy during this extraordinary time.

Provost Philip Rous and Vice President Lynne Schaefer