Dear UD Community:

Thankfully, we are starting to see improvement in our community and across the nation with regard to the public health crisis that has significantly disrupted our daily lives over the past two years. We are truly grateful to members of the University of Delaware community who have stepped up to protect themselves and those around them by prioritizing health and safety throughout the pandemic.

As we are all eager to return to a more normal campus rhythm, we are progressively easing COVID-19 mitigation measures while retaining some protocols until they are rendered no longer necessary. Please see guidance below, which will also be updated on the campus guidelines page of the UD coronavirus website site.

UPDATES / Effective Monday, February 28, 2022

• Masks may be removed by those who are speaking in front of a class or event if they are up to date with COVID vaccination and are at least 6 feet from others.
• Masks inside residence halls within an individual’s community/floor will no longer be required.
• Masks are not required outdoors; however, masks are still recommended when individuals are in sustained close contact with others, per CDC guidelines.
• Food service at campus events will resume.
• Event spaces will no longer limit capacity; however, those who are not yet up to date with their vaccinations are encouraged to maintain 3 feet physical distance from others, per CDC recommendations.
• Open recreation at gymnasiums and racquetball courts in the Carpenter Sports Building (Little Bob) will resume.

Events Policy Update Effective May 1, 2022: Individuals ages 5-11 will be required to show proof of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID test (PCR or antigen test) completed within 72 hours of any UD-sponsored event. All individuals ages 12 and older are already required to provide this documentation at UD-sponsored events.

PROTOCOLS CONTINUING UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

• Mask indoors at all times when not consuming food or beverages, with the exceptions noted above. As a reminder, KN95 masks provided by the University are available at campus residence halls, Trabant University Center, the Perkins Student Center, the Morris Library, the Carpenter Sports Building, and the STAR Health Sciences Complex. Surgical masks are also available, and all students, faculty and staff must show a valid UD identification. Departments and units also may order masks from Environmental Health and Safety to provide to their faculty and staff.
• All visitors and members of the UD community are required to complete the Daily Health Check each day that they are on campus.
• Students, faculty and staff are required to submit documentation of vaccination and booster shots to the UD Health Portal.
• PCR testing is available four days a week on campus. 
• Home antigen rapid test kits are available.
• Weekly PCR testing is required for all individuals who are not up to date with COVID vaccination or who have vaccination exemptions.

As always, the University will continue to monitor the public health situation and be prepared to pivot with protocols at any time as necessary in order to protect the health and safety of our community.

Warm wishes for a very successful and healthy semester to all.