UW Rome Center

COVID Information & Updates

This page contains general national, local and UWRC-specific information about COVID-19 in Italy, in Rome and on campus. The UWRC has implemented numerous COVID-19 protocols to ensure the health and safety of students and faculty, and these protocols have changed over time as local and UW rules have evolved. The information provided here is designed to give an overview of restrictions/changes imposed by the government and other authorities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and all related changes to UWRC’s standard policies and practices.

Information on this page is subject to change.

Vaccination Status

The COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement at the UW ended Summer 2023. Additionally, the Italian government previously mandated the Green Pass (or equivalent, e.g., US CDC vaccination card) for all university students, faculty, and staff. As of May 1, 2022, the Green Pass (or equivalent) is no longer required for regular activities in Italy, including eating indoors at restaurants, accessing entertainment venues, such as cinemas, theatres and sports stadiums, and accessing gyms and pools. FFP2 mask are still required in certain venues such as hospitals and other medical facilities.

Current Conditions in Italy

This information was updated on December 30, 2022.

As of October 1, 2022, masks are no longer required on public transportation including buses, trams, coaches, subways, planes, trains and ferries. FFP2 masks are still required to enter hospitals and other medical facilities. As of August 11, 2023, individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are no longer required to self-isolate.

UWRC COVID-19 Safety Protocols

The UWRC follows public health guidance and regulations from the Italian Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, University and Research, in consultation with local health professionals to promote a safe, healthy environment. We have developed COVID-19-specific safety precautions to mitigate the risk of transmission on campus and to respond to possible and actual COVID-19 cases. While restrictions in Italy were first significantly lifted effective August 11, 2023 and have become progressively less restrictive, a number of precautions remain in place to help reduce the risk of transmission. The list below includes safety precautions and best practices that may be in place during your program. Any changes and additional details will be provided to students closer to departure as protocols are dictated by the local conditions and regulations in place at the time the program is operating.

  • FFP2 Masks: FFP2 masks are strongly recommended for anyone feeling unwell or who has a known exposure to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.
  • Hand Sanitization: Use of hand sanitizer gel (≥60% alcohol) is strongly recommended upon entry onto campus and after class. Think “Gel in/Gel out”. You must also use the gel—or better yet, wash your hands with soap and hot water for 20 seconds—if you use the restroom.
  • Good Manners: If you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow (NOT your hand). Do not touch your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands.
  • Sick? Stay Home: If you are exhibiting any symptoms such as fever, coughing, sneezing, or congestion, have any chronic respiratory conditions stay home, take a test, and call your Program Director or the UWRC Resident Director immediately if you test positive.
  • Medical Care: Access to English-speaking medical support, including mental health support, is available 24/7. Local English-speaking doctor are available to work with students and public health authorities as appropriate regarding COVID-19-related symptoms, testing and medical care.

Quarantine and Isolation

As of August 11, 2023, anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will no longer be required to stay in full isolation. However, it is still recommended to observe the same precautions for preventing transmission (see above UWRC COVID-19 Safety Protocols). If you have come into “close contact” (less than 6 feet away from an infected person for 15 minutes or more within a 24-hour period) with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, you are not required to quarantine but should self-monitor for the emergence of symptoms compatible with those of COVID-19 in the days immediately following contact. If you have tested positive or are a close contact it is strongly recommended that you avoid contact with immunocompromised individuals.

COVID-19 Testing Information

COVID-19 tests are still available at some pharmacies throughout Italy. Home test kits are also available for purchase at pharmacies and grocery stores, and are between €6 to €8 per kit. The UWRC recommends bringing at least two rapid tests with you to Rome.

For a rapid antigen test, many pharmacies near the UWRC offer rapid swab tests on a walk-in basis. The fee should be approximately €22. Results will be available approximately in approximately 20 minutes.

For a PCR (molecular) test, there are numerous labs in Rome that offer these tests with a 6 – 8 hour turnaround, but some only provide a 24 hour turnaround. Appointments should be booked in advance, but walk-ins are often available. The test is generally €55. Expedited delivery and results in English may be at an additional cost.

COVID-19 Tests for Returning to the U.S. from Italy

As of June 12, 2022, the CDC no longer requires air travelers to show a negative COVID-19 test result, or documentation of recovery from COVID-19, prior to boarding a flight to the United States.