Dear UD Students,

Blue Hens throughout the University of Delaware have stepped up to Protect the Flock!

Over the past week, more than 8,000 individuals were tested for COVID-19 on campus. We have seen a significant decrease in large off-campus gatherings. Blue Hens have been maintaining physical distance and wearing their face coverings inside buildings and outside when not distant from others. Your actions and response to the measures the University has put into place have helped us to keep the health and safety of our community moving in the right direction. Thank you!

Changes effective Friday, March 12th

Starting on Friday, March 12, the following changes to campus restrictions will take effect:

Campus events — Reservations for in-person campus events and meetings will return to a maximum size of 50 people. All in-person RSO, fraternity and sorority events must take place in the University Student Centers. Events should continue to be hybrid and virtual for our Blue Hens who are studying at home.

Carpenter Sports Building (Little Bob) — Occupancy will be increased to the levels that were in place at the start of the semester. Please note that appointments continue to be required to use the facility. In addition, recreation programming will be adjusted accordingly.

University Student Centers — Occupancy will be increased to the levels that were in place at the start of the semester.

Athletics — We are able to have a limited number of fans at select athletic venues, including Delaware Stadium, and will be communicating with students in a separate email the details for securing tickets to this weekend’s football game, along with information about necessary health and safety protocols.

Remember, all students need to complete the daily health screening each day that they will be entering a campus facility.

Maintaining a safe dining experience

At this time, campus dining facilities will continue to operate on a grab-and-go basis. Students may not congregate to share meals in an indoor space on campus, including residence hall common spaces. If physically distanced, students are welcome to eat together outdoors.

Remember: Get tested! 

As a reminder, testing remains a critical part of how students continue to Protect the Flock. Students living in residence halls and randomly selected off-campus students are required to participate in testing as part of the campus surveillance testing program. All students living off campus in Newark should take advantage of the testing opportunities on STAR Campus and Laird Campus. Bookmark this site where a current list of these testing events is regularly updated as appointments become available. Also, off-campus students can request a home test kit.

Be smart, be safe

The past few weeks have reminded all of us that healthy behaviors are effective in slowing the spread of the virus on campus. Now we need to keep it up. Students can do their part by following all COVID-19 campus student guidelines and abiding by the city of Newark’s limit on gatherings at private residences.

While St. Patrick’s Day may have been a time when students gathered to celebrate in the past, this year will need to be different. We cannot risk losing the progress we have made in containing the spread of COVID-19. Newark PD and UDPD will have increased patrols and enforcement throughout Newark for the next two weekends. Anyone who sees an unsafe or large gathering should report it to the Newark Police directly or through the LiveSafe App.

The past year has been challenging for everyone in our community. But please remember to take care of yourselves by protecting your health and, whenever possible, getting outside to enjoy the arrival of spring-like weather, wherever you are.