Urgent COVID-19 Update

Key Points

• We are currently responding to an increase in COVID-19 cases on campus.

• While our medical team is monitoring the new Omicron variant, there is no indication that current campus cases are connected with this variant.

• We must renew our commitment to our health protocols, including masking and distancing.

• COVID-19 boosters and flu shots will be available on campus next week.

Dear UMBC Community,

We are currently managing an increase in the number of  COVID-19 cases among our campus community.  Approximately 30 cases have been identified, many of which originated off campus during break. Community members who have tested positive and anyone identified as a close contact are receiving individual follow up from our response team, and we continue to partner with the Baltimore County Health Department. While none of the current cases are severe, this is an indicator that we need to increase our individual and collective efforts to minimize transmission.

We also know that many in our community have concerns about the recently identified COVID-19 Omicron variant. While there is no indication that any current campus case is connected with this variant, we are working with our medical team to closely monitor developments and respond as necessary. At this time, our high vaccination rate and continued compliance with safety protocols are our best resources for protecting our community. 

Please keep in mind: 

• Indoor masking and physical distancing remain our most effective strategies to stop the spread. Please minimize unnecessary gatherings and be strict about proper mask wearing when you are indoors. 

• We strongly encourage all eligible community members to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. All adults aged 18 and over are now eligible in Maryland. The CDC has noted that booster shots are particularly important for people who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. You should get a booster if you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine more than two months ago or if it has been more than six months since you completed another vaccine series.

• Retriever Integrated Health is partnering with Safeway pharmacy to host another on-campus COVID-19 booster and flu vaccination clinic on December 8, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Retriever Activities Center. Off-campus guests, including family members, are welcome. Both the Pfizer and Moderna boosters, along with the flu shot, will be available at the clinic. You may select one or both shots; you can get both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 booster at the same time.
  
  

• If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to COVID-19 and do not have symptoms, consider taking an on-campus COVID-19 test. If you have symptoms, do not come to campus; please consult your healthcare provider. Residential students with symptoms should contact Retriever Integrated Health. 

Our campus community has done a tremendous job thus far. With just four weeks left in the semester, we ask everyone to be proactive in keeping yourselves and our community safe and healthy.

Provost Philip Rous

Vice President for Administration and Finance Lynne Schaefer

COVID-19 Planning Coordinating Committee Co-Chairs