To University of Delaware community:

The University of Delaware is updating its COVID-19 policies in light of the expiration of the federal public health emergency and anticipated expiration of the state of Delaware’s state of emergency order on May 11, 2023. The changes follow a review by the University’s Health Advisory Committee (HAC) of the current guidance issued by public health authorities.

Revised COVID-19 policies/protocols are included below. Unless otherwise noted, these changes go into effect June 5, 2023.

• Vaccinations
  • The vast majority of University staff and students have received at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccine; we appreciate your efforts to support the health of our community.
  • While students will no longer be required to receive the COVID-19 primary vaccine and boosters, UD strongly recommends that all students, faculty, and staff remain up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Particularly, all students, faculty, and staff are highly encouraged to receive a bivalent COVID-19 booster.
  • Individuals who are immunocompromised should consult their healthcare provider for vaccine recommendations.
  • COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are available for students at Student Health Services. Information about COVID-19 vaccine sites near campus is available at vaccines.gov.
• Testing
  • Individuals, especially students living on campus, are strongly encouraged to get tested 24 hours before their arrival or return to campus. If you test positive, you must isolate for five days before coming to campus.
  • Individuals experiencing symptoms should test themselves immediately.
  • Individuals should test after day 5 of exposure.
  • At-home antigen test kits are available for students and staff on campus.
  • Symptomatic testing is available to students through Student Health Services. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 302-831-2226.
  • Information about COVID-19 testing near campus is available at coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing.
• Testing Positive
  • If you test positive for COVID-19, you must isolate yourself for five days, then wear a mask for five days. Use the CDC’s Isolation and Exposure Calculator for assistance.
  • Students in residence halls are encouraged to isolate at their home residence. Those who are unable to return home will isolate at an identified space at their on-campus residence; no isolation housing will be available to students.
  • Students who test positive for COVID-19 should notify their professors of their class absence and upload their test results to the UD Health Portal to receive documentation of their illness, medical advice and medical resources.
• Masking
  • Masks are encouraged but not required in all healthcare and clinical spaces except during sick visits, as well as other high-risk settings, effective May 11.
  • Masks continue to be required based on CDC guidance for those who are experiencing symptoms, who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 10 days or who have been exposed to COVID-19 within the past 10 days.
  • KN95 and surgical masks are available on campus through UD’s Environmental Health and Safety Department, in the Perkins Student Center and Trabant University Center.

These policies are posted on the UD Coronavirus website, which includes additional information and answers to frequently asked questions.

Students with specific medical questions should contact Student Health Services; employees with questions should contact the Office of Human Resources.

Thank you for your attention to and observance of these guidelines.