06/11/2021
By Julie Chen

Given that face coverings are no longer mandatory indoors or outdoors on UMass Lowell property (except on university transportation vehicles) and that all other COVID-19 mitigation efforts have been lifted, I am pleased to announce that we have also lifted the COVID-19 mitigation efforts pertaining to research.

Consistent with updated public health guidance, individuals not yet fully vaccinated are advised to wear face coverings in indoor settings and when they can’t socially distance but may remove them in a private office when alone.

Effective immediately, we will return to pre-pandemic policies and practices regarding research lab use and entry. We will no longer require social distancing, occupancy limits, or cleaning logs. EHS will no longer conduct COVID-19 specific compliance inspections but will continue to monitor other health and safety issues under their purview. Standard lab safety practices should continue to be observed.

All currently approved access will be adjusted to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Going forward, this will be the default unless otherwise requested with justification. Researchers with current 24/7 access will retain that access. For all new requests, faculty and staff should now email UCAPS@uml.edu directly.

Domestic travel for research no longer needs permission. Approval for International travel will follow standard processes, including current CDC guidelines.

Human subjects research may resume following pre-pandemic policies, consistent with approved IRB protocols.

As with other campus functions, we will continue to monitor public health guidance and respond accordingly to future updates. Faculty are strongly encouraged to maintain an updated research continuity plan in the event that we are required to limit lab access again.

I would like to acknowledge and thank all of you for your patience and diligent adherence to the multi-layered pandemic-related mitigation strategies. It is because of your commitment to safety and dedication to the university community that we were able to maintain a high level of research activity and low COVID-19 positivity rate throughout the last 15 months.

I am looking forward to seeing you all in person this Fall.