Isolation housing capacity 

On April 8, the university’s Isolation Housing capacity changed from 432 beds to 160 beds. This change is marked on the isolation housing dashboard and means our community will see larger percentages for capacity used when someone enters isolation than we’ve grown accustomed to under the previous denominator. Current occupancy is now at 35.6%. As a reminder, only students testing positive are required to isolate; the university no longer requires quarantine for close contact exposures based on the latest guidance from Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. 

Spring/Summer term update

The U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy will continue for the spring, summer and fall terms, requiring that students, faculty and staff be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations. Use of ResponsiBLUE, the daily symptom check, is expected. The Campus Health Response Committee continues to evaluate the masking requirement in instructional spaces during class times for the spring and summer terms. The community can expect an update on masking before the spring term begins on May 3.

Boosters

The CDC has expanded eligibility for an additional booster dose for certain individuals. An additional booster is not required by the university under the vaccination policy. Vaccination and booster appointments are readily available. More information is posted on the vaccine page. As a reminder, 92% of students and 89% of employees are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations.

Rapid, antigen tests available

Free, rapid COVID-19 tests are available by presenting an M-Card at select campus testing sites (Palmer Commons, Pierpont Commons, Ross and the 1310 N University Ct building) as well as through the federal government and employee pharmacy benefit. Be sure to test at the first sign of COVID-19 symptoms, following a known exposure or prior to social gatherings where masking may be uncertain.

Masking is optional 

A reminder that masking in indoor spaces on the U-M campuses is optional and an individual choice except in instructional spaces during class time, patient care areas and on U-M transportation. Assess your own risk for COVID-19 exposure and make the choice that’s right for you.

Case activity and BA.2 variant

Campus COVID-19 activity has increased from the previous week, however the majority of cases that are presenting with symptoms at the University Health Service remain mild. The rate of patients being hospitalized for COVID-19 remains low. The only Campus response metric currently being me is the percent of asymptomatic campus community members testing positive as measured by the Community Sampling and Tracking Program has reached 3%. The BA.2 subvariant is now considered the dominant strain in most areas across the county, now accounting for 67.4% of cases in the Midwest. A message to the campus community last week reminded all to stay vigilant against the spread of COVID-19 to finish the winter term strong.