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.

Preparing for spring break: Spring break begins after the last scheduled class on Friday, March 25, and residence halls close at 7 p.m. For those wishing to get tested before leaving campus, the UD surveillance testing site at Harker ISE Lab will be open from 9 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Thursday, March 24. Walk-ups are welcome.The site will be closed for break from March 28-31 and will reopen on Monday, April 4, at its regular hours: 9 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays.

Students who have not tested positive for the coronavirus in the past 90 days are encouraged to pick up antigen test kits before they leave for break to test themselves as needed over break. A reminder that students who test positive for the coronavirus, even when on campus, are expected to leave and isolate themselves at home or other off-campus location. Test kits may be picked up at the Little Bob, Perkins Student Center, Trabant University Center or Clayton Hall. Simply complete this webform, and the test kits can be picked up immediately. (Please note that these antigen tests do not fulfill the weekly COVID PCR testing requirement for unvaccinated and unboosted individuals. More information is available at UD’s coronavirus site.) Classes resume at 8 a.m., Monday, April 4.

When and where you should wear a mask:

• Face masks are not required indoors in non-classroom spaces, including research labs, offices, athletic event spaces and hallways and public spaces in classroom buildings.
• Face masks continue to be required inside all classroom settings, child-care facilities and while using UD-sponsored transportation. Those speaking in front of a class may remove their masks if they are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and are at least 6 feet away from others.
• Face masks are still required in all healthcare and clinical areas, including all COVID testing locations.

Need a mask? KN95 masks are available to students, faculty and staff. 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 UD’s requirement. Detailed information about mask protocols is available on the coronavirus site.

Research update: The next virtual Research Town Hall, hosted by Charlie Riordan, vice president for research, scholarship and innovation, will be held Monday, April 25, 2–3 p.m. Register here. A faculty panel will discuss technology transfer, including commercialization of innovations through startups, patent licensing and engagement in UD programs supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. Panelists will include Harsh Bais, associate professor of plant and soil sciences; Amy Cowperthwait, nursing instructor; and Ajay Prasad, chair of mechanical engineering. Joy Goswami, assistant director of technology transfer in the Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships (OEIP), will moderate the panel.

Reminders

Get boosted: COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots are also widely available at many local pharmacies, as well as every weekday at the Hudson State Service Center, 501 Ogletown Rd., Newark (telephone 302-283-7570). When you get your booster, remember to update your records at the UD Health Portal.

Don’t forget to check in: All members of the UD community who are on campus must complete the daily health screening at covidcheck.udel.edu.

Vaccination requirement: All UD students should upload their COVID-19 booster documentation to the UD Health Portal within 30 days of becoming eligible or submit an exemption request.

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.

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.