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.

Wear your mask: The University requires that well-fitting masks be worn at all times indoors and when in crowded situations outdoors on the campus. While Delaware Gov. John Carney has announced that the state’s indoor mask mandate expires on Feb. 11, the University requirement remains in effect.

Get your mask: UD is providing one KN95 mask per week to students, faculty and staff. Surgical masks also are available. Where do you get your mask?

• Students living in residence halls will receive KN95 masks there.
• Students living off campus who show valid UD identification can pick up masks at Trabant University Center, Perkins Student Center, the Morris Library and the Carpenter Sports Building.
• Faculty and staff should be able to get masks from their individual department or unit. Please check with your HR liaison, business administrator, building manager and/or safety committee chairs. Department administrators can order masks for their units directly from Environmental Health and Safety.
• More information about masks 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 exemption request. Be sure to upload your vaccination documentation, including your booster, to the UD Health Portal.

Student move-in: Students who did not move in to residence halls on Feb. 6 or 7 may move in on Sunday, Feb. 13. All students living in the residence halls will be issued a rapid antigen test at check-in and must upload the results to the UD Health Portal.

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.

Upcoming booster clinics: Two COVID-19 vaccine booster clinics, staffed with pharmacists from Acme Markets pharmacy, are scheduled this month in Room 106 of the Pencader Dining Hall. Register here for clinics scheduled from 1-3 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11; and 3-6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 23. When you get your booster, remember to update your records at the UD Health Portal. In addition to the clinics on campus, many local pharmacies are offering COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots. In addition, the Hudson State Service Center, 501 Ogletown Rd., Newark, holds vaccination clinics from 8:30-11:15 a.m. and 1:15-4 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Walk-ins are welcome, and there is no cost. For information, call 302-283-7570.

COVID-19 testing: Asymptomatic PCR testing is available four days a week at UD Surveillance testing sites. Symptomatic testing is available for students at Student Health Services. Community testing is continuing this week through Saturday, Feb. 12, on the STAR Campus through Curative. The Curative Pop Up Trailer is open for testing from 10 a.m.-6 pm. on Health Way at the STAR Campus. Visitors should plan to use on-street parking on Avenue 1743. Register for the Curative STAR Campus testing here. Testing also will continue to be available from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., every Friday in Lot #6 on the Laird Campus. Individuals may register for this testing location online. In addition, the federal government is now making four free at-home COVID-19 test kits available to each residential household. Orders may be placed online.

Research update: As a reminder, 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 next virtual research town hall, hosted by Charlie Riordan, vice president for research, scholarship and innovation, will be held Monday, Feb. 14, from 2–3 p.m. Special guest Lynnette Overby, director of UD’s Community Engagement Initiative, will join the town hall to talk about community engaged research and scholarship. Register online. Email UDResearch@udel.edu with your research-related questions.

Reminders

Volunteer opportunities: Delaware hospitals have implemented Crisis Standards of Care due to unprecedented volumes of patients and staffing shortages tied to COVID-19 and are asking for 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.