Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated:  September 5, 2024

COVID-19 Testing

If you test positive for COVID-19, you must stay away from others until both of the following criteria are met:

  • Fever-free for at least 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication)
  • Symptoms are improving or resolved

When these criteria are met, individuals may return to their normal activities, but should wear a well-fitted mask for at least five days. 

Students in residence halls are encouraged to isolate themselves at their home residence. Those who are unable to return home will isolate in place; no isolation housing will be available to students.

Students who test positive for COVID-19 should notify their professors of their class absence and return to class based on symptoms, when meeting criteria outlined above.

Individuals who are exposed to someone with COVID-19 no longer need to quarantine, based on new CDC guidance. All individuals with a COVID-19 exposure, regardless of vaccination status, must monitor for symptoms and test if symptoms develop.

Symptomatic testing is available to students at Student Health Services by appointment only.

COVID-19 home antigen test kits are available for purchase on campus at the Student Health Dispensary or Wellbeing Vending machine in Perkins, as well as retail locations.

Visit the Testing Info page for more details.

Masking

  • Masks are encouraged, but not required, in all healthcare and clinical spaces except during sick visits, as well as other high-risk settings.
  • Individuals with COVID-19 should wear a well-fitted mask for at least five days from the onset of symptoms, or from positive test date if asymptomatic.
  • Individuals with respiratory symptoms are still required to wear a mask for appointments at Student Health Services and UD Health clinics at STAR Campus.

 

More info on KN95s can be found on UD's Environmental Health & Safety website.

  • If possible, wash or sanitize your hands immediately before and after putting your KN95 on and immediately before and after taking it off when planning to reuse it.
  • Unfold your mask and flatten the metal nose clip.
  • Place the mask over your face, with the bottom below your chin and the nosepiece up.
  • Place the straps of the mask over each ear.
  • Adjust the metal nose clip using fingers from both hands to mold the clip to the shape of your nose.
  • Adjust fit as necessary to reduce air flow around the edges of the mask.
  • Significant facial hair (more than 3-days growth) adversely affects the ability of the KN95 to form a tight seal around your face, and thus reduces the KN95’s effectiveness at protecting you from COVID-19. Therefore, parts of your face that come in contact with the KN95 should be free of significant facial hair.
  • KN95s should not be worn in a lab setting with a potential for a fire hazard or work with pyrophorics.  EHS has flame-retardant fabric masks available for those who work with these materials.  If you wear a flame-retardant lab coat, you should be wearing a flame-retardant mask as well.
  • If you wear glasses and find fogging to be a nuisance, ensure you have a proper seal at the nosepiece. You can also wash your lenses with soapy water and shake off the excess before putting on your mask (wipe off nose piece to minimize skin irritation).

More info on KN95s can be found on UD's Environmental Health & Safety website.

You should replace your KN95 when it:

  • Becomes soiled

  • No longer covers the nose and mouth

  • Has stretched out or has damaged ties or straps

  • Cannot stay on the face

  • Has holes or tears in the fabric

A KN95 may be disposed of in the normal trash.

 

More info on KN95s can be found on UD's Environmental Health & Safety website.

Vaccinations

As of June 5, 2023, students are no longer required to receive the COVID-19 primary vaccine and boosters. UD strongly recommends that all students, faculty, and staff remain up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Individuals who are immunocompromised should consult their healthcare provider for vaccine recommendations.

COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are available for students at Student Health Services. Information about COVID-19 vaccine sites near campus is available at vaccines.gov.

Health and Safety

The University is relying on all members of our community, as well as visitors to campus, to help protect themselves and others by complying with the University's COVID-19 guidelines. 

To anonymously report non-compliance with the requirements, individuals can use the UD Compliance Hotline or the LiveSafe App.

Cases of non-compliance may be referred to Community Standards and Conflict Resolution (for students), the Provost's Office (for faculty) or Human Resources (for staff). 

Individuals who are immunocompromised should consult their healthcare provider for recommendations.

Students can connect with the Center for Counseling and Student Development at 302-831-2141. The UD Helpline is available at 302-831-1001 at any time, night or day, for students feeling anxious, overwhelmed, depressed or otherwise in need of counseling.

In addition, staff members in the Office of the Dean of Students are available to assist any student who wishes to talk. Call 302-831-8939 to schedule an appointment.

Mental health support for UD benefited employees is provided from ComPsych® GuidanceResources®. The link provides steps on how to access services or call 1-877-527-4742 for support.

Yes, hand sanitizer dispensers are strategically located at entrances and exits across the campus, and in other high-traffic areas.

Working at UD

Faculty and staff are highly encouraged to be up-to-date on vaccinations, including the bivalent booster. 

No, the policy will not change. Supervisors are encouraged to work with their employees to identify flexible work arrangements as needed. 

UD is committed to supporting its employees’ overall health and wellbeing and provides all employees and their families a number of benefits to meet the diverse needs.  Consult the resources below to assist in the adjustment to working from home, returning to work, tele-health options, as well as cope with the broader realities of the pandemic, create new family experiences and maintain optimal emotional wellbeing.  

Email Wellbeing@udel.edu or call 302-831-8388 to learn more about any of the programs and services offered above.