COVID-19 Policies 
Updated 12/31/2023

Effective the Spring 2023 semester, vaccination will no longer be required for participation in Umbra programs. We strongly recommend students are fully vaccinated, as Italian health and safety laws are subject to change.

Based on the latest health and safety guidelines from the Ministry of Health in Italy, we have developed this document which outlines the Institute Covid-19 policies and procedures. Note: These policies are subject to change as Italian law may require. Additional information on Covid-19 regulations pertaining to the US and Italy may be found at: https://it.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

ITALIAN REGULATIONS
While many COVID-19 restrictions have now been lifted, the following regulations/recommendations are still in place:

• Face masks: May be required in some healthcare settings.
• Hand hygiene: Frequent hand washing or use of hand sanitizer is recommended.
• Physical distancing: Recommended especially in crowded, indoor, or poorly ventilated spaces.

NATIONAL MASK POLICY AND INSTITUTE MASK POLICY 
To prevent infection and to slow down transmission of COVID-19, The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends you:

• As a general rule wearing a mask is optional for all students, faculty and staff.
• Individuals with a suspected or confirmed infection must wear face masks while at the Institute and to follow well-established hygienic and preventive measures. Accepted kinds of masks are the so-called surgical mask or the FFP2/N95 kind.
• In the event that applicable local law requires individuals or groups to wear an FFP2/N95 mask, the Umbra Institute will enforce this requirement.
• A FFP2/N95 mask may be mandatory in hospitals and clinics: bring one if you need to go there.
• Masks should be stored in a plastic bag before and after use. To properly use a mask, avoid touching the outside of the mask and put it on by touching the elastic bands. It is encouraged that everyone sanitizes their hands before and after touching their face or handling their mask.

What are COVID-19 symptoms?
The WHO lists the following as the most common COVID-19 symptoms: fever, cough, and fatigue. Other symptoms can include loss of taste or smell, sore throat, headache, diarrhea, red eyes, aches and pains, among others. For a complete list of symptoms visit www.who.int.

What happens if you feel sick?
According to current Italian Health and Safety guidelines, mandatory isolation/quarantining for individuals who experience symptoms or test positive for Covid-19 is no longer required. However, individuals who experience a suspect or confirmed infection should wear face masks indoor (which includes while at the Institute or in the apartment) and to follow well-established hygiene and prevention measures, such as:

• frequently washing hands or using hand sanitizer;
• frequently opening windows;
• avoiding close social interactions during while symptomatic and the acute phase of the illness;
• adopting a healthy sleeping and dietary regime during the acute phase of the illness.

Where can I get tested?
If you wish to get a rapid antigen self-test, there are kits available at pharmacies for varying prices. Please find details in the Healthcare and Well-Being Booklet. 

Testing by means of antigenic or molecular swabs may also be prescribed by medical professionals for diagnostic purposes. Certified rapid antigen tests administered by medical staff are only available at specific pharmacies. Such tests may need to be booked in advance: please find details in the Healthcare and Well-Being booklet in your apartment, or ask a Student Services staff about how to go about getting tested.

What happens if you are covid-positive?
Individuals who tested positive to Covid-19, whether by means of a molecular or antigen test (either self-performed or performed by medical personnel), are no longer subject to mandatory isolation in Italy and may treat this infection and a possible subsequent illness like any other:

• If you have no symptoms or are experiencing only minor ones, you can carry on all of your normal activities without the need to notify this to the local Public Health Department. You must wear a face mask while at the Institute;
• If you feel too under the weather to carry on your normal activities, you should, whenever possible, rest until the acute phase of the flu-like illness has subsided. It is recommended to wear a face mask at home in the apartment’s shared areas;
• If you feel your symptoms warrant medical assistance and care, you should make an appointment with a Doctor. The Umbra Institute staff can assist in making the appointment and contact local pharmacists for testing and medicines (see Healthcare & Well-Being Booklet in this same packet). Students are required to follow the recommendations of the doctor regarding treatment, protocols, therapy, etc. 
• Individuals who missed class due to Covid symptoms should only return if they are symptom-free and should continue to wear a mask for an additional five days.

What happens if you are in close contact someone covid-positive?
A “close contact” by Italian Law is considered someone with whom you have been in close contact for more than 15 minutes in the same room/place. This means at least your housemates and friends and classmates.

By Italian law, all individuals who have been in close contact with a Covid-19 positive individual must self-monitor for at least 10 days after the last at-risk contact. “Self-monitoring” means that you should pay special attention to any symptom commonly associated with Covid-19 and, should one or more arise, start wearing a face mask until they subside and seek medical attention as needed.

WHAT IF I MISS CLASS?
To learn how absences that result from prolonged illness may affect your grades, please refer to the Attendance Policy section of our Academic Policies. If you fall ill during the semester, you are encouraged to promptly discuss your attendance with the Health & Wellness Coordinator and Director.

MEDICAL DOCTORS, HOSPITALS AND PHARMACIES:
The school maintains an emergency phone number for students to use when they encounter urgent and major difficulties and maintains a list of English-speaking physicians to consult upon request. (Details in the Healthcare and Well-Being  Booklet.)

The Institute suggests students contact their family regarding any medical care or hospitalization to keep them informed. Should the student’s care become serious or critical, the Institute will inform the student’s emergency contacts directly.

POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES AT THE INSTITUTE
The Institute follows the current health and safety guidelines established by the Italian Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health. In addition, Institute policies and guidelines are prepared by certified local health and safety consultants. 

POLICIES & PROCEDURES IN APARTMENTS
All Institute apartments have been cleaned prior to student arrival. Professional and periodic cleaning and sanitization services will be made available throughout the term (as requested by students and at their expense).