Over the past several weeks, we have experienced a dramatic surge in COVID‑19 positive patients, leading to record setting hospitalizations and infections. At UMass Memorial Medical Center, we are doing everything we can to protect our patients, our employees and our community from the harm of COVID‑19. Despite our best efforts, we continue to see so much avoidable illness and death caused by this horrible pandemic.

Visitor Policies For UMass Memorial Medical Center

As of January 5, 2022, no visitors for adult patients are allowed in inpatient units, intensive care units and our emergency departments. One parent/guardian is allowed at the bedside of pediatric patients, and banded parents/guardians can have only one visit per day (together or separate) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU.) Please see our website for more detailed information (including guidelines for extenuating circumstances) and to learn more about how to virtually connect with your loved ones. We know that having loved ones at the bedside to offer support and be a partner in the healing process is crucial for our patients and their families. The decision to further restrict visitors was not made easily and we are committed to reopening our hospital to visitors as soon as it is safe to do so.

Free Testing

Due to unprecedented demand, our 306 Belmont Testing Center is now reserved ONLY for symptomatic patient testing and pre-procedure testing until further notice. Orders from providers are still required for all tests to be completed.

UMass Memorial Health offers free Massachusetts Stop the Spread testing in Marlborough (New England Sports Center, Parking Lot, 121 Donald Lynch Blvd. - Marlborough). We are actively working to expand testing options to meet the overwhelming demand that exists in the community. Other locations statewide can be found here.

To reiterate a request you have seen in the media recently, please do not go to emergency rooms for routine COVID‑19 testing if you only have mild symptoms or have been exposed to someone who is COVID positive. Please follow CDC guidelines or contact your primary care provider if you have questions about when it is appropriate to visit the emergency room. Emergency rooms are managing extraordinary high patient volume, including those who are critically ill; we have to all work together to ensure that emergency care is available for those who need it.

Expanding Our Capacity To Treat Our Patients

To help meet the needs of all our patients, we are expanding the total number of inpatient beds we have available to us (under the guidance of the Department of Public Health) by creating new clinical spaces. Referred to as “surge planning,” this is a common practice utilized by hospitals during times of crisis, like this pandemic. Please know that you can still expect to receive the same high quality you always do at UMass Memorial Medical Center from our gifted caregivers.

COVID‑19 Treatment Clinic

If you recently tested positive for COVID‑19, our COVID Treatment Center in Worcester offers treatments that can prevent your symptoms from getting worse and keep you out of the hospital. These treatments are offered through a partnership with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). The Federal Drug Administration issued emergency use authorization for several investigational monoclonal antibodies. These antibodies can help the immune system respond to better fight the virus.

Patients interested in receiving these treatments for COVID must have their primary care provider contact our Physician Concierge Services and request a referral to our COVID Treatment Center. Providers in our center will assess patients to determine if they qualify for the treatments that we can provide in our clinic.

Vaccines and Boosters

If you are not vaccinated, the most important thing you can do is to get vaccinated. Also, if you are eligible to receive a booster, you should get one as soon as possible. Please encourage others to get vaccinated or get a booster as well. 

We know that you may have questions about the COVID‑19 vaccine. We are here for you with answers. Check out frequently asked questions about the vaccine.

Please also be sure to wear a properly fitting, hospital grade mask in public. We have never seen COVID‑19 spread as fast as it is today, and wearing a mask is a great way to protect yourself!

In closing, we know these are challenging times for everyone. Please be patient with our caregivers, who are working as hard as they can to provide excellent care around the clock. UMass Memorial Medical Center has stood tall through every challenge we have faced, and this latest wave is no exception. If you are in need of care, we stand at the ready.