Important clarifications and updates re: MIT’s Omicron COVID-19 policies (for graduate students)

Dear students,
 
We have received several questions since writing to graduate students last week regarding MIT’s Omicron COVID-19 policies. Below, please find important clarifications and updates.

• MIT Medical booster clinics set for January 3 and January 4, 2022: The Institute requires that MIT community members who are eligible for a booster shot receive their shot by January 14, 2022. If you have already gotten your booster shot, be sure to upload proof before the deadline. If you haven’t already, please get your booster as soon as possible. You can also sign up for MIT Medical booster clinics on January 3 and January 4 by visiting the booster shot scheduling site.
• Food/drink policy for MIT-sponsored events on and off-campus: We have changed this policy further due to clusters of cases stemming from events where food and drinks were served and as many as 75% of attendees tested positive for COVID-19. Until further notice, serving or consuming food and/or drink at all MIT-sponsored events is prohibited, including grab-and-go service.
• Until further notice, spectators at on-campus indoor athletic events will be limited to COVID Pass users only.
• Changes to contact tracing and notification systems: If you test positive for COVID-19, you must immediately complete a form sent to you from the MIT Atlas app in order for MIT Medical’s contact tracing team to determine next steps.
• Automatic notifications to relevant advisors, instructors, supervisors, and/or academic leaders are no longer being made. This means that you will need to proactively reach out to your advisors or instructors to let them know about your situation.
• If you test positive for COVID-19 while away from MIT, attest to symptoms in COVID Pass and then fill out the form mentioned above.

At any time if you have questions, please reach out to covidapps-help@mit.edu. The Covid Service Desk will be staffed over the winter break.

We hope these clarifications and updates are useful. And we hope that you continue to enjoy your winter break.

Sincerely,

Suzy M. Nelson
Vice Chancellor and Dean for Student Life

Cecilia Stuopis, MD
Medical Director, MIT Medical

Blanche E. Staton
Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education

Ian A. Waitz
Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate and Graduate Education