2020 2020: April 3rd message from Chancellor Johnson on COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)

Community Notification – Positive Case of COVID-19

Dear campus community,

During the past few weeks, UMass Dartmouth has provided regular updates to provide resources and information to promote the safety of our community. The University has been following CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidance based on the latest science which has resulted in many changes to our normal operations.

As the spread of the coronavirus continues and the availability of testing expands, our University and our respective communities will see positive cases of COVID-19 increase. I write today to inform you that we have been notified by an employee that they have tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently at home in isolation. Contact tracing will be done by the local board of health and anyone who needs to self-quarantine and self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 will be notified.

This announcement will surely increase anxiety across our community. However, we must continue doing our best to minimize the spread of the coronavirus - no matter our location.

Please extend the practice of social distancing, avoiding those who are sick, maintaining six feet from other individuals, and washing your hands whenever you can. The best way to stop COVID-19 is through collective action. We must work together to overcome the challenges ahead of us. #UMassDTogether

Please visit our Coronavirus Updates Page for additional information.

With gratitude,

Robert E. Johnson, Ph.D.

Chancellor