Visit www.udel.edu/coronavirus to keep informed about the latest updates and guidelines. This comprehensive site highlights the latest information about UD’s response, as well as frequently asked questions and a data dashboard on current campus statistics. Have a specific question? Check the FAQs, which are updated regularly as questions come in to coronavirus@udel.edu.

Limited edition Protect the Flock masks for students: Next week, any student who is tested for COVID-19 at a UD-sponsored surveillance testing site (Harker ISE Lab or Pencader) will receive a new limited edition Protect the Flock cloth mask. Supplies are limited, sign up now for your testing appointment.

Reminder -- vaccine mandate for employees: The federal government is requiring federal contractors to ensure that all employees are vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption for medical or religious reasons by Dec. 8. UD is included in this requirement and must comply with this mandate. Employees who have not yet responded must do so as soon as possible, but no later than Dec. 8. After that date, those not in compliance, either through vaccination or an approved exemption, will be terminated in accordance with the separation process for their employment type. More information--including FAQs-- is available at the Working at UD site.

Deadline extended: The deadline to withdraw from a class or change registration without academic penalty for the Fall 2021 semester has been extended to Nov. 16. At the October Faculty Senate meeting, Senate members voted to support a policy change extending the amount of time a student can make a course registration change without academic penalty. The revised fall 2021 deadline and future semester deadlines are available in the academic calendar.

Vaccination clinic next week: A free Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccination clinic for UD faculty, staff and students will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 4, in Room 106 of the Pencader Dining Hall. There is a limited amount of vaccine, so early sign-up is recommended. The event is open to unvaccinated individuals and those seeking a booster shot.

Protect yourself from flu: Your best shot at protecting yourself from influenza just arrived at Student Health. Students can now book an appointment for the flu vaccine online by visiting udel.edu/studenthealth, selecting Secure Student Health Portal, then Book an Appointment and Student Health Services to find a time slot. The influenza vaccine contains no active virus, protects against multiple strains of influenza and reduces one’s risk for serious illness even if you do get the flu. Clinics to administer this vaccine are being held each Friday at Student Health (Laurel Hall, at the south end of The Green) through Nov. 30.

Visitor Events Health Pass now available: The University has developed a digital systemto allow external visitors to upload their COVID-19 vaccination or negative PCR COVID-19 test results before attending a UD-sponsored event, providing a quick and easy way to help protect the health and safety of the community. The new Visitor Events Health Pass replaces the need for visitors to show paper copies or photo images of vaccination or test records when entering an event space. Visitors who use the digital Health Pass and are approved for entry will receive a green ticket icon (different from the green check mark used with the Daily Health Check alone), which event organizers will verify before allowing admission.

Revised policy for external events: Small outdoor events may be exempt from the University’s requirement that external visitors provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the event. UD’s Health Advisory Committee will consider exemptions to the policy if the event is entirely outdoors, the number of people is less than 30% of the venue’s capacity, and the space allows for consistent physical distancing of at least 3 feet. The revised policy also defines UD-sponsored events as gatherings of 25 or more people on or off campus where the University or those acting on its behalf are the primary organizer, operator, host or sponsor. Event planners seeking an exemption should work with the head of their unit (generally dean or vice president) to submit a request to the Health Advisory Committee.

Don’t forget to check in: All members of the UD community who are on campus must complete the daily health screening at covidcheck.udel.edu. Several University facilities are reviewing the Daily Health Check to affirm your status to be on campus safely, including at all dining halls, the Little Bob, the Morris Library and the museums. In addition, all faculty have been given the option of checking compliance in classrooms. Learn more about the Daily Health Check in this short videoprepared by Student Life.

Research town halls: The next virtual research town hall will be held Monday, Nov. 15, from 1–2 p.m. Please register to attend. Contact UDResearch@udel.edu with your research-related questions.

Compliance reminder: All UD employees and students are expected to comply with UD’s COVID-19 guidelines. Failure to do so may result in corrective action. Employees with concerns about compliance guidelines should consult with Human Resources. Students with such concerns should check with the Office of Student Conduct or the Office of the Dean of Students.

Wear your mask: In keeping with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, masks are required in all University indoor facilities, with limited exceptions, whether individuals are vaccinated or not. In classrooms and indoor campus spaces, mask use and physical distancing continue to be highly effective at slowing the spread of the coronavirus. To maximize health and safety, everyone should put on their masks before entering a building.

Testing positive or coming into contact with someone who has: Guidelines on what to do if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you come into close contact with someone who has tested positive are detailed in the COVID-19 Testing section of the Frequently Asked Questions on UD’s Coronavirus website. Students are reminded to check the Student Health Services website for additional information.

Testing opportunities: Members of the University community have multiple testing opportunities available to them on the Newark campus each week: two every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, three every Tuesday and one each Friday. For specifics on campus surveillance testing and community testing, visit UD’s coronavirus site.

Support available: The Employee Assistance Program is now provided through ComPsych GuidanceResources. This is a free program available for State of Delaware Group Health Plan non-Medicare members and their dependents. As part of ComPsych’s commitment, EAP services are available through the end of the national COVID-19 public health emergency to all state of Delaware employees, including temporary, casual, seasonal and benefit eligible employees who are not currently enrolled in a state of Delaware Highmark Delaware or Aetna health plan. In addition, Employee Health and Wellbeing has a variety of resources available to assist employees.

Questions? Send an email to coronavirus@udel.edu.