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.

Latest protocol updates: In light of recent developments pertaining to the pandemic, on March 3, the University announced several protocol changes taking effect immediately:

• Face masks are no longer required indoors in non-classroom spaces, including research labs, offices and athletic event spaces.
• Face masks continue to be required in all classroom settings, child-care facilities and while using UD-sponsored transportation. Those who are 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.
• Vaccination and testing are no longer required for campus visitors.
• Restrictions on domestic and international travel (including level 4 countries) are lifted. All travelers still need to be up to date with their vaccinations for travel.

Masks are available: 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.

COVID-19 testing: Asymptomatic PCR testing continues to be available Mondays through Thursdays on campus. Effective Monday, March 14, testing will no longer be available at Pencader Dining Hall. Simultaneously, the testing center at Harker ISE Lab is expanding its hours and will be open from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays. These hours at Harker ISE Lab will remain in effect for the remainder of the Spring Semester, with exception of the week of Spring Break when the center will be closed from March 28-31. After Spring Break, the center will reopen on Monday, April 4, and will operate from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays.

Symptomatic testing is also available for students at Student Health Services. Community testing continues to be available through Curative from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. every Friday in Lot #6 on the Laird Campus. Individuals may register for this testing location online.

This week, Curative has its pop-up testing trailer at Healthy Way on UD's STAR Campus from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., through Saturday, March 12. Visitors should use on-street parking on Avenue 1743. Register for an appointment online.

Home antigen testing is also available on campus. All students, faculty and staff can register for one home antigen test kit per week. Please note, antigen testing does not fulfill the weekly PCR testing requirement for individuals not up-to-date with COVID vaccination.

Research update: Effective March 1, 2022, travel restrictions to level 4 countries have been lifted for UD international research, scholarship and creative/performing arts activities. A travel request application to the Research Office no longer needs to be completed and approved. Travelers will continue to be required to be vaccinated before travel commences.

The next research town hall, hosted by Charlie Riordan, vice president for research, scholarship and innovation, will be held Monday, March 14, from 2–3 p.m. Iain Crawford, faculty director of the Undergraduate Research Program and McNair Scholars Program, will join the town hall as guest speaker. Register online. Email UDResearch@udel.edu with your research-related questions.

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.

Get boosted: A COVID-19 booster clinic has been scheduled from 3-5 p.m., Monday, March 21, at Pencader Dining Hall, Room 115. Register here. 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.

Reminders

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.