Editor's note: The following letter was shared with the University of Delaware community by President Dennis Assanis on March 12.

Dear UD Community,

Today we were notified by the Delaware Division of Public Health that three additional members of the UD campus community – two graduate students and a postdoctoral researcher – have tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus. All three had close contact at an off-campus social event in February with the faculty member who tested positive on Wednesday. All four individuals are receiving appropriate medical care in a quarantined environment, and the entire UD community wishes them a full and speedy recovery.

The University continues to work closely with the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) to track students, faculty and staff who were in contact with the individuals who have tested positive for coronavirus. Members of our community who may have had close contact with them will be notified and evaluated by DPH. In addition, any University spaces that may have been impacted are being disinfected. Regardless of whom you have been in contact with, anyone displaying COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough, or shortness of breath should self quarantine and seek immediate medical care. This protocol will be in place for any future cases that may arise.

I realize this news may be distressing as the number of cases nationally continues to increase. Please know that our leadership team is meeting continually to evaluate this changing situation in order to make decisions that are informed by guidance from state and national health officials. All of our decisions are focused on the health and safety of our campus environment as a top priority. And operationally, we will do everything we can to maintain our students’ academic continuity and progress so that we can return to the daily rhythm of University life as soon as possible.

The coronavirus situation continues to change quickly. The most current information pertaining to UD will be posted to the University’s coronavirus website, udel.edu/coronavirus, which includes FAQs covering common topics. Additional questions may be emailed to coronavirus@udel.edu. The COVID-19 Call Center at UD, available at 302-831-1188, will be open until 8 p.m. today; normal hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

All members of the UD community are asked to practice good personal hygiene, maintain a healthy social distance from others and seek medical care if they feel ill. Students experiencing symptoms should call Student Health Services at 302-831-2226 to discuss their symptoms before visiting in person so they can be directed to the most appropriate care. Faculty and staff who feel sick should contact their own medical provider.

Please know that at the University of Delaware, we are committed to caring for the health and wellbeing of all members of our community. I want to sincerely thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as we navigate this unprecedented situation together.

Sincerely,

Dennis Assanis

President