For the most up-to-date information about the University’s response to the pandemic, visit www.udel.edu/coronavirus. Have a specific question? Check the FAQs, which are updated regularly as questions come in to coronavirus@udel.edu.

Testing recommended for students this week: With the return to campus after Spring Break, the University strongly recommends that all students get tested this week. Surveillance testing is available at Harker ISE Lab from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. through Thursday, April 7. Registration is recommended but feel free to walk-in if you are not able to register in advance. Curative testing is available on the STAR Campus from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., through Saturday, April 9. An appointment is required, and registration may be completed online. Home antigen tests kits are available at multiple locations on campus. In addition, community testing sites may be found at locations near campus.

Get boosted: UD, in partnership with Albertson’s Pharmacy, will host a COVID-19 vaccine booster clinic from 2-5 p.m., Monday, April 11, in Room 106, Pencader Dining Hall. The Pfizer vaccine will be distributed at this event. Register here. The clinic is open to all students, faculty and staff, as well as the Newark community. COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots are also widely available at many local pharmacies, as well as every weekday at the Hudson State Service Center, 501 Ogletown Rd., Newark (telephone 302-283-7570). When you get your booster, remember to update your records at the UD Health Portal.

When and where you should wear a mask:

• Face masks are not required indoors in non-classroom spaces, including research labs, offices, athletic event spaces and hallways and public spaces in classroom buildings.
• Face masks continue to be required inside all classroom settings, child-care facilities and while using UD-sponsored transportation. Those speaking in front of a class may remove their masks if they are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and are at least 6 feet away from others.
• Face masks are still required in all healthcare and clinical areas, including all COVID testing locations.

Need a mask? KN95 masks are available to students, faculty and staff. Students in residence halls can get KN95 masks there; students living off campus can pick up masks by showing a valid UD ID at the Trabant University Center, Perkins Student Center, the Morris Library and the Carpenter Sports Building. Faculty and staff are able to get masks from their individual departments or units. As a reminder, gaiters and bandanas do not meet UD’s requirement. Detailed information about mask protocols is available on the coronavirus site.

Research update: The next virtual Research Town Hall, hosted by Charlie Riordan, vice president for research, scholarship and innovation, will be held Monday, April 25, 2–3 p.m. Register here. A faculty panel will discuss technology transfer, including commercialization of innovations through startups, patent licensing and engagement in UD programs supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. Panelists will include Harsh Bais, associate professor of plant and soil sciences; Amy Cowperthwait, nursing instructor; and Ajay Prasad, chair of mechanical engineering. Joy Goswami, assistant director of technology transfer in the Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships (OEIP), will moderate the panel.

Reminders

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.

Vaccination requirement: All UD students should upload their COVID-19 booster documentation to the UD Health Portal within 30 days of becoming eligible or submit an exemption request.

Resources for academic continuity: The provost’s website provides information for faculty, deans and departments chairs on academic protocols for spring, resources for teaching and details on past academic affairs town halls.

Get help with the essentials: Students struggling with housing, food or other basic needs should consult the Office of the Dean of Students’ Help with the Essentials webpage to connect with relevant resources and support.

Student wellbeing support is nonstop:

• UD Helpline for mental health and victim advocacy at 302-831-1001
• Crisis Text Line at 741741 (send “UDTEXT”, or “STEVE” to reach a professional who specializes in supporting students of color)
• CareNet for medical advice at 800-681-3957

For more information about all wellbeing services, visit the Wellbeing in Student Life webpage.

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.