Stay informed about recent decisions and plans by visiting www.udel.edu/return. Have a specific question? Check the FAQs, which are updated regularly as questions come in to coronavirus@udel.edu.

Delawareans 16 and older eligible for vaccinations next week: Effective Tuesday, April 6, all Delawareans 16 and older -- including all UD students, whether or not they are permanent residents of Delaware -- will become eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination at pharmacies, community vaccination sites and mass vaccination events hosted by the state. The University urges all students to get the vaccine when it is available to them. Beginning at 10 a.m., April 6, anyone age 16 or older may register on the state’s COVID-19 vaccination waiting list at vaccinerequest.delaware.gov. Please note that eligibility and registration do not guarantee that the vaccine will be immediately available.

Travel is not advised: The UD community is reminded that travel increases your chances of spreading and getting COVID-19. Please delay travel and stay where you are to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated. If you must travel, take steps to protect yourself and others:

• If you are eligible, get fully vaccinated.
• Before you travel, get tested with a viral test one to three days before your trip.
• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth when in public.
• Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet/2 meters (about two arm lengths) from anyone who did not travel with you.
• Get tested three to five days after your trip, stay home and self-quarantine for a full seven days after travel, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.

For additional information, visit this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site.

Summer undergraduate research plans, April 5 research town hall: UD is planning for face-to-face undergraduate research this summer. Individual programs are making their own decisions about the format and delivery of the research experience. Students should check with the specific program director for details.

UD continues to follow travel guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the U.S. Department of State and the state of Delaware. The CDC currently recommends against traveling at this time, even for those who are vaccinated. Under limited conditions, UD has been granting exceptions to the travel moratorium for research-related travel for employees and students. For details, including access to the request for travel form, visit this webpage.

The next research town hall, led by Charlie Riordan, vice president for research, scholarship and innovation, will be held from 2-3 p.m., Monday, April 5. In addition to campus updates, Riordan will provide an overview of facilities and administrative costs in sponsored research. Register online. The town halls are recorded and archived on this webpage. For more information, contact UDResearch@udel.edu.

On-campus testing: Students living on campus are reminded that they are required to be tested every week. This includes students who have been vaccinated. On-campus students receive a weekly email from “RLH COVID Testing,” where they can access a link to make reservations at the UD testing sites in Harker ISE Lab or Clayton Hall. Testing is by appointment only. No walk-ups will be permitted.

On a random basis, Student Health Services is selecting and requiring off-campus students to test at UD testing centers (Harker ISE Lab or Clayton Hall). Students will be notified by email on how to schedule their test and must participate. Off-campus students who are not feeling well should contact Student Health Services to obtain a test. Additionally, on a random basis, the Human Resources Office is selecting staff to test at the UD testing Centers, and they also are notified by email. Anyone selected for on-campus testing must schedule an appointment as no walk-ups are permitted.

Newark limits on private gatherings remain in place: The city of Newark continues to limit the size of gatherings despite changes to state guidance announced by Gov. John Carney on March 29. In Newark, gatherings at private residences remain limited to 10 people indoors and 20 people outdoors. Large, unmasked and unsafe off-campus gatherings are one of the greatest threats to continuing in-person classes and other activities this spring. Students are reminded that violations of these limits are subject to referral to the Office of Student Conduct, and they may face suspension from the University.

Community testing options available: Free community-based testing is available through the state of Delaware, including three sites on the Newark campus. The state of Delaware has a site at Lot #6 on the Laird Campus from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday, April 2. Registration is encouraged at this link. New Castle County will hold a drive-through testing event on the STAR Campus from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, April 3. Walk-ups are also accepted. Registration is encouraged at this link. On Tuesday, April 6, the state will be at the Hollingsworth parking lot, at the corner of North College and Cleveland avenues, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

In addition, testing is regularly available within walking distance of campus at the Hudson Service Center, 501 Ogletown Rd., Newark, from 8:30 a.m.-noon, Monday through Friday. The Walgreens in the Four Seasons Plaza, south of Newark on Route 896, also offers testing 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily. Information about a variety of upcoming “pop-up” testing events in the area is available at this website. Faculty and staff who are tested at a non-UD site should upload the results to the UD Health Portal.

Student study spaces: Students who need a space on campus to study or take an online class have many options. UD Student Centers, the Library and some classrooms are available either by reserving a space online or by dropping in. As a reminder, masks must be worn and physical distancing guidelines followed when using campus facilities.

For those needing assistance: Wellbeing services and support are available. The Center for Counseling and Student Development is open and available remotely, and 24/7 mental health support remains available on the UD Helpline at 302-831-1001 for any student in need of someone to talk to. Medical advice is also available to all students 24/7 through Aetna at 800-681-3957. Additionally, resources are available concerning substance use and recovery assistance due to experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic. Those individuals experiencing any concerns should feel free to contact the UD Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC).

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.

Protect the Flock: Thanks for following the guidelines and keeping everyone safe. Keep the momentum going by remembering to:

• Wear a face covering.
• Avoid gathering in large groups.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Get tested frequently.

Questions? Send an email to coronavirus@udel.edu.