Editor's note: Changes and updates at the University of Delaware in relation to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic are always posted first on UD’s special site at www.udel.edu/coronavirus. The site, available 24/7, also contains helpful FAQs for students, faculty and staff and other resources. In addition, questions may be emailed to coronavirus@udel.edu.

Update on research: The UD research community is invited to attend a Virtual Town Hall hosted by Charlie Riordan, vice president for research, scholarship and innovation, on Tuesday, April 7, from 1-2 p.m. A broad range of important updates will be provided, along with actionable guidance and a Q&A session to address questions. Please register here. For ongoing information, visit the Research Guidance page. 

Nurse Managed Primary Care Center: UD’s Nurse Managed Primary Care Center is now available for telehealth visits for both existing and new patients who need care. Most concerns can be addressed via telehealth visits including: acute illness; mental health concerns; and routine care for chronic diseases. Call the NMPCC office at 302-831-3195 to leave a message, calls for visit requests or with questions are returned every hour during regular business hours. Nurse practitioners are also on call 24/7. https://chs.udel.edu/star/ud-health/

Cloth face covers recommended: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends covering your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others in public. Since you can spread COVID-19 even if you don’t feel sick, a face cover will protect other people when you have to go to public places such as the grocery story. Please be aware that such face covers are not a substitute for social distancing. More information on cloth face coverings and how to make your own is available on the CDC site. 

Protect yourself and others: For your own safety, remember to follow the guidelines of the CDC -- know how the coronavirus spreads so you can avoid being exposed; protect yourself, such as cleaning your hands often and avoiding close contact; and take steps to protect others, such as covering coughs and sneezes and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily.