Addressing the Surge in COVID-19 Cases

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 09:25:10 -0500

Good afternoon Retrievers,

Following the recent announcement from the University regarding the surge in COVID-19 cases on campus, the Student Government Association would like to reiterate to the student body the importance of following COVID-19 guidance both from the University as well as the CDC.

With the emergence of the new Omicron variant, which has the potential to be more transmissible than other circulating variants, it is crucial that we maintain a safe environment on campus, and take important measures to reduce the spread.

Please continue to follow the mask requirements on campus. You must wear a proper face covering over your nose and mouth in all indoor public spaces, including academic buildings, the Commons, and the RAC unless actively eating or drinking. Residential Life is also now requiring residents to wear masks inside all residence halls and apartment buildings. There are no exceptions to this rule.

It is also important to get your booster shot as soon as you are eligible. Individuals over the age of 18 who received Pfizer or Moderna may get their shot after 6 months have passed from the second dose. Individuals who received Johnson & Johnson should get their booster shot after 2 months have passed since getting their single dose.

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 opt in to receive one, or both shots.

We recognize that COVID fatigue is very real. We all want to move forward, and put this pandemic behind us. The only way we are going to be able to do that is by following the guidance set for us and continuing to be cautious as we go about our lives. We appreciate your efforts to keep our collective community safe, Retrievers. We, the SGA, wish you a safe and successful final few weeks of the semester.

Sincerely,

The UMBC Student Government Association

Mehrshad Fahim Devin, SGA President

Joshua Gray, Executive Vice President

Mercedes Fuller, Director of Community Wellbeing

Terence Lesigues, Associate Director of COVID-19 Relief