Continued Importance of COVID-19 Testing

As we returned for spring semester at UMass, the uptick of the Omicron surge was very steep over the winter break. Testing in the public health setting brings different challenges to the UMass community for this new variant. An important feature of COVID-19 is that it can be transmitted while a host is unaware of the infection. Thus, it is very important to focus on the role of testing to mitigate and suppress the spread.

UMass mandated vaccination status for all UMass Amherst students, faculty, and staff along with COVID-19 booster shots. Boosters can ensure long-lasting protection against waning immunity with the emergence of the Omicron variant. Most of the COVID-19 cases are short duration resulting in mild to moderate illness, but we must be mindful of our surroundings and continue testing every week. Continued testing will be vital to understanding where the virus is, how it’s moving, and how to protect our communities against the spread of the virus. Since it is recognized that nearly half of the infections are transmitted by people who are not showing any symptoms, identifying infected individuals while they are presymptomatic, as well as those who are asymptomatic, will play a major role in stopping the spread.

The Public Health Promotion Center (PHPC) is open for free vaccine clinics with appointments as well as free testing kits at the Campus Center. Starting February 14, the vaccine clinics will be offered on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. through March 10. UMass also offers free KN95 masks each week at the PHPC at the Campus Center for the UMass community.

We can stop the Omicron surge by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing indoors, getting tested frequently, and of course, washing your hands – even if you’ve been vaccinated. It will limit your exposure to the virus, greatly lower the chances of becoming ill, and reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others. The good news is that spring is coming, and this will become easier as the winter passes! Please continue to protect ourselves and others from getting infected through continuous testing this spring.