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COVID-19 Update before Winter Break

December 15, 2021

Dear Campus Community,

 
As we close out the semester and plan to spend the holidays with friends, family and loved ones, I wanted to thank every member of our community for helping keep our COVID-19 cases low throughout the semester. This was aided greatly by our extremely high vaccination rate and diligent mask wearing. Your commitment to both of these actions has helped protect you and other campus citizens.
 
Like many places throughout the country and the world, we are currently experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases on our campus over the last week. While our overall case counts remain relatively low for a community our size, this increase is a reminder to all of us that we must remain vigilant in our efforts to limit the spread of the virus on our campus.
 
With your health and safety in mind as we plan for the upcoming winter break, here are some ways to continue to protect yourself and others: 
 
  • If you are experiencing symptoms, stay away from others and get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible. This is especially important in stopping the spread. 
  • When gathering with others, wear your KN95 mask. Free KN95 masks are still available at the Stamp Student Union Information Desk or by working directly with a supervisor. 
  • In situations where you are unable to wear a mask, such as while eating and drinking, distance yourself from others as much as possible. 
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and/or use hand sanitizer.
  • Finally, get your COVID-19 booster shot. The CDC encourages everyone ages 16 and older to receive a booster shot. A booster increases protection against severe illness from COVID-19 variants, including both delta and the new omicron variant. You can get a booster shot at several state locations and local pharmacies. You can also get it at the University Health Center. Search for a vaccination site.
 
We wish our students well as they prepare for and take final exams, and we thank everyone in our community for your continued commitment to health and safety. 
 
Have a great, healthy and restful holiday break.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Spyridon S. Marinopoulos, MD, MBA, FACP
Director, University Health Center
Chief Medical Officer, University of Maryland
He/Him/His
 
 
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The University of Maryland, College Park is the state's flagship university and one of the nation's preeminent public research universities. A global leader in research, entrepreneurship and innovation, the university is home to more than 40,700 students, 14,000 faculty and staff, and nearly 400,000 alumni all dedicated to the pursuit of Fearless Ideas. Located just outside Washington, D.C., we discover and share new knowledge every day through our renowned research enterprise and programs in academics, the arts and athletics. And we are committed to social entrepreneurship as the nation’s first “Do Good” campus.

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Spanning 12 schools and colleges, Maryland offers more than 300 degree-granting programs, many of them ranked among the best in the country. Our faculty includes two Nobel laureates, three Pulitzer Prize winners, 58 members of the national academies and scores of Fulbright scholars. And our students, who include the highest achievers in the state and nation, enjoy experiences unique to our location just outside the nation’s capital, including internships, research, and leadership and service opportunities.

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The University of Maryland is one of the world’s premier research institutions. With our strategic location and scores of partnerships with government and businesses, UMD conducts groundbreaking research on some of the biggest challenges facing our global community, including cybersecurity and terrorism, bioengineering, public health equity, food safety and climate change. We strive to discover new knowledge and put it to work through innovation and entrepreneurship, advancing economic development and transforming lives. 

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