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.

A new semester: Here’s what you need to know before the spring semester begins on Feb. 7: The first week of the semester will be online, with face-to-face instruction planned for the remainder of the semester for those courses scheduled to be in person.

• Everyone should get tested before returning to the campus.
• 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 COVID-19 booster documentation to the UD Health Portal.
• Properly worn, well-fitting face masks are required at all times indoors and when in crowded situations outdoors; KN95 masks and surgical masks will be available. More information about masks, including where to get them on campus, is available on the coronavirus site.

For details, read the complete Jan. 25 announcement.

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.

Ask the doctor: Dr. Kelly Frick, UD’s interim medical director and director of Student Health Services, answers students’ top questions about the coronavirus in three videos highlighted on the FAQ page of UD’s coronavirus site.

Student move-in: Move-in for residence halls is on Sunday and Monday, Feb. 6-7 only; students cannot move in during the rest of the week. 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 by 11:59 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 10. Anyone who does not move in on Feb. 6 or 7 will need to wait to move in on Sunday, Feb. 13, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. As a reminder, there are in-person activities taking place while classes are online the first week of the semester. The reason for the online classes is for academic continuity — so those who inevitably have positive tests do not start off the semester behind.

Upcoming booster clinics on campus: Three COVID-19 vaccine booster clinics, staffed with pharmacists from Acme Markets pharmacy, will be held later this month in Room 106 of the Pencader Dining Hall. Register here for clinics scheduled from 3-6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 7; 10 a.m.-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.

Community testing: In addition to the surveillance testing that the University provides Mondays through Thursdays at Harker ISE Lab and Clayton Hall, community testing is available at two locations on campus–the STAR Campus and the Laird Campus. As part of move-in weekend, there will be a special one-day Curative testing event on Saturday, Feb. 5, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at Lot #6 on the Laird Campus. This event is open to staff, students and parents of students who may be on campus for move-in weekend. Registration is requiredat this link. From Monday, Feb. 7, through Saturday, Feb. 12, the Curative Pop Up Trailer will be 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. 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 these testing locations 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: 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 will be held Monday, Feb. 14, from 2–3 p.m. Register online. Email UDResearch@udel.eduwith 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.

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 you can 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.