As we approach the end of the academic year and prepare to gather in celebration for Commencement and other events, I write to share with you some important public health updates.
On May 11, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the federal government will end their Public Health Emergency for COVID-19. This will change the response to COVID-19 and will end many COVID-related requirements affecting communities and institutions. Both locally and nationally, reported cases and COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths have declined. However, COVID-19 has not disappeared.
- Students, faculty, staff, and researchers should continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines if they test positive for COVID-19. This includes isolating from others for five days and masking until day 11. Persons at high risk for complications should consult with a health care provider about antiviral treatment.
- Insurance plans will also change some COVID-related policies due to the federal transition such as dispensing free at-home antigen tests. Please check with your insurance carrier. Harvard plans will issue announcements in the near future.
While in public settings, you can reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 and other respiratory illness by voluntarily masking, prioritizing outdoor events, washing your hands, and reducing your number of close contacts. As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to monitor and adjust our guidance as necessary.
Commencement and Year-End Celebrations
According to the CDC COVID-19 Dashboard, current community levels are “low” throughout Boston and Cambridge while transmission levels remain “moderate” — showing that there is still substantial COVID-19 circulating in the region. Please use this knowledge as you prepare to gather with friends, family, and other community members.
If you plan to attend Commencement and other upcoming group activities, I recommend you follow precautions to keep you and those around you safe.
- Consider taking a precautionary rapid antigen test immediately before attending events, even if you have no symptoms. If you have symptoms, no matter how mild, do not attend commencement events—even if you test negative.
- If you test positive, please adhere to the CDC’s isolation guidance and do not attend commencement events.
- You can reduce your risk by wearing a high-quality mask that fits securely around your nose and mouth when attending indoor and crowded outdoor events.
- Wash your hands with soap and water or sanitize your hands before eating and after using the bathroom to prevent both respiratory and gastrointestinal illness.
Additionally, be mindful that there are members of our community who are at higher risk for complications if exposed to COVID-19. Vigilance remains important even for lower-risk, vaccinated individuals as long COVID continues to be a concern.
Beyond COVID-19, the end of the academic year can be both exciting and stressful. Remember to prioritize your wellbeing and mental health. Additionally, please celebrate responsibly. Practice precaution if consuming alcohol, watch out for each other, and know that there are resources available, if you need them.
COVID-19 Booster Update
Persons aged 65 and older and those who are immunocompromised are now eligible for an additional bivalent vaccine booster, available at commercial pharmacies. Harvard will no longer require COVID-19 boosters for students, faculty, staff, and researchers, and new employees do not need to submit proof of vaccination. Students will still be required to obtain the primary vaccine series or a single bivalent vaccine, and HUHS employees and other health care workers will continue to remain up-to-date on vaccination as described by the CDC. I encourage all members of the community to follow the CDC’s vaccination guidance.
Thank you for continuing to diligently follow public health guidelines as they have evolved throughout the past few years.
Best wishes and congratulations to all our graduates!
Giang T. Nguyen
Associate Provost for Campus Health and Wellbeing
Executive Director, Harvard University Health Services