RePost: Fall 2023 Public Health and COVID-19 Update

Dear UMBC Community,

As we enter the fall 2023 semester, UMBC's leadership continues to be committed to the health and well-being of all in our community. We are monitoring the rates of respiratory virus in our community, and are attentive to both COVID-19 rates and influenza, among others. UMBC's health experts routinely engage with county, state, and federal resources to understand trends and current health conditions.

As a key part of protecting the health of all on campus, we ask that each of you monitor your health and be careful to avoid exposing others if you have cold or flu symptoms. Consult your healthcare provider or Retriever Integrated Health if you need testing or care. To reduce the spread of infectious diseases on campus, cover your cough, wear a mask, and wash your hands. Minimizing your exposure to others while sick is particularly important as we all strive to protect health-compromised and other vulnerable members of our community. You can minimize exposure to others when sick by staying home if you are a faculty, staff, or student who is commuting to campus or following any related guidelines if you are a student living in residence.

In addition, we ask that you continue to Keep Masks in Mind. The university will provide high- quality KN95 masks to those in need. Masks will be available at the RAC, the Library, and The Commons Information Center. If your professor, colleague, or other community member requests that you wear a mask in a classroom, meeting, or other situation, we ask that you respect their wishes and needs.

Finally, remember that vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent severe illness. Retriever Integrated Health will be offering both COVID-19 and influenza vaccination clinics throughout the fall. We will share dates and additional information with the community soon.

Amid the busyness that the semester can bring, please remember to take care of yourself and prioritize your health and well-being. Thank you for your support of one another and our community as we all work together to stay as healthy as possible.

David Dauwalder, Interim Provost

Renique T. Kersh, Vice President for Student Affairs

UMBC Health & Well-Being Resources

Office of Health Promotion

Retriever Integrated Health

Recreation & Physical Education

Human Resources: UMBC Wellness Initiative

*Original post found here