For the most up-to-date information about the University’s response to the pandemic, visit www.udel.edu/coronavirus. Have a specific question? Check the FAQs, which are updated regularly as questions come in to coronavirus@udel.edu.

Masks 101: Well-fitting masks must be worn at all times indoors and when in crowded situations outdoors on the campus. UD is providing one KN95 mask per week to students, faculty and staff. Surgical masks also are available. Students in residence halls can get KN95 masks there; students living off campus can pick up masks by showing a valid UD ID at the Trabant University Center, Perkins Student Center, the Morris Library and the Carpenter Sports Building; faculty and staff are able to get masks from their individual departments or units. As a reminder, gaiters and bandanas do not meet the requirement. Detailed information about mask requirements is available on the coronavirus site.

Vaccination requirement: All UD students were required to upload COVID-19 booster documentation to the UD Health Portal by Feb. 1, or within 30 days of becoming eligible or submit an exemption request. All faculty and all staff in student-facing offices are required to be up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination (including booster, when eligible) or submit an employee exemption request. Be sure to upload your vaccination documentation, including your booster, to the UD Health Portal.

Campus booster clinic: A COVID-19 vaccine booster clinic, staffed with pharmacists from Acme Markets pharmacy, is scheduled from 3-6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 23, in Room 106 of the Pencader Dining Hall. Register here. When you get your booster, remember to update your records at the UD Health Portal. In addition to the campus clinic, many local pharmacies are offering COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots, and the Hudson State Service Center, 501 Ogletown Rd., Newark, holds vaccination clinics every weekday. For information, call 302-283-7570.

COVID-19 testing: Asymptomatic PCR testing is available Mondays through Thursdays at UD Surveillance testing sites. Effective Monday, Feb. 21, the testing now being conducted in Clayton Hall will move to nearby Pencader Dining Hall. Hours of testing at Pencader will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Symptomatic testing is available for students at Student Health Services. Community testing continues to be available through Curative from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. every Friday in Lot #6 on the Laird Campus. Individuals may register for this testing location online.

Home antigen testing is also available on campus. All students, faculty and staff can register for one home antigen test kit per week. Please note, antigen testing does not fulfill the weekly PCR testing requirement for individuals not up-to-date with COVID vaccination.

Research update: Face masks are required in all indoor research venues. Departments, units and buildings can make requests for COVID protection supplies using this form on the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) website.

The recording of the Feb. 14 research town hall, hosted by Charlie Riordan, vice president for research, scholarship and innovation, and featuring special guest Lynnette Overby, director of UD’s Community Engagement Initiative, is now available online. The next town hall will be held Monday, March 14, from 2–3 p.m. Register online. Email UDResearch@udel.edu with your research-related questions.

Reminders

Resources for academic continuity: The provost’s website provides information for faculty, deans and departments chairs on academic protocols for spring, resources for teaching and details on past academic affairs town halls.

Volunteer opportunities: Delaware hospitals are still seeking volunteers. Students studying in health fields can learn more about specific medical opportunities through the College of Health Sciences website. Those interested in general volunteer opportunities in non-clinical areas can express interest at deha.org/hospitalhelp.

Guidance for campus visitors: All external visitors who are 5 and older attending UD-hosted events on campus are required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, a negative PCR coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of the event or documentation that they have been released from isolation after a positive COVID-19 test within the past 90 days. Additional details may be found on the coronavirus site.

Get a flu shot: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu vaccine every season. It’s available at many local drug stores, or use the CDC’s Flu Vaccine Finder.

Get help with the essentials: Students struggling with housing, food or other basic needs should consult the Office of the Dean of Students’ Help with the Essentials webpage to connect with relevant resources and support.

Student wellbeing support is nonstop:

• UD Helpline for mental health and victim advocacy at 302-831-1001
• Crisis Text Line at 741741 (send “UDTEXT”, or “STEVE” to reach a professional who specializes in supporting students of color)
• CareNet for medical advice at 800-681-3957

For more information about all wellbeing services, visit the Wellbeing in Student Life webpage.

Support available: 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.

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