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Sept. 9, 2021

UD parents and families,

To ensure that all UD parents and families have the most up-to-date information about UD's ongoing mitigation strategies, we will share a post within the Blue Hen Family Hub each Wednesday.

Stay informed about recent decisions and guidelines by visiting www.udel.edu/coronavirus. This comprehensive site highlights the latest information about UD’s response, as well as frequently asked questions and a data dashboard on current campus statistics. Have a specific question? Check the FAQs, which are updated regularly as questions come in to coronavirus@udel.edu.

Protect the Flock: There has been a concerning increase in COVID cases within the UD community. In classrooms and indoor campus spaces, mask use and physical distancing continue to be highly effective at slowing the spread. However, large off-campus gatherings are fueling the rise in cases. Remember to help Protect the Flock and please act responsibly.

Testing positive or coming into contact with someone who has: Guidelines on what to do if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you come into close contact with someone who has tested positive are detailed in the COVID-19 Testing section of the Frequently Asked Questions on UD’s Coronavirus website. Students are reminded to check the Student Health Services website for additional information.

Protocols for visitors attending UD events: Effective Sept. 10, all external visitors to UD-sponsored events will be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR test for the virus. The new policy applies to attendees and participants who are ages 12 and older. Details about how the new protocols will be implemented at Delaware Football’s first home game of the season on Sept. 11 have been posted on BlueHens.com.

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.

Mask requirement: In keeping with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, masks are required in all University indoor facilities, with limited exceptions, whether individuals are vaccinated or not.

Account holds for out-of-compliance students begin Sept. 14: All students are required to get a COVID-19 vaccination or request an exemption if there are medical or religious reasons that prevent vaccination. Students’ vaccination cards or exemption documentation was due to Student Health Services by Aug. 15. Any students still out of compliance with this requirement on Sept. 14 will receive a hold on their academic account and have a notation added to their student record. This will prevent them from adjusting their schedules, registering for classes and engaging in other University opportunities. Students out of compliance are also being referred to the Office of Student Conduct and will face disciplinary sanctions. Detailed instructions to submit vaccination documentation are at the top of udel.edu/studenthealth.

Vaccination guidelines for faculty and staff: All UD employees accessing University facilities are required either to provide proof that they have been fully immunized against COVID-19 or continue to comply with weekly testing protocols. Those who are vaccinated must submit documentation through the UD Human Resources online portal.

On-campus testing: For the fall semester, surveillance testing is offered at two campus locations, Mondays through Thursdays. Testing is available from 9 a.m.-12:45 p.m. at Harker ISE Lab (register here) and from 10 a.m.-1:45 p.m. at 115 Pencader Dining Hall (register here). Individuals must have an appointment; no walk-ups are permitted. All unvaccinated students, faculty and staff who are regularly accessing campus facilities must be tested weekly. Please note that this testing is available only to enrolled students and current faculty and staff.

Community testing options: University faculty, staff and students may take advantage of the state of Delaware Curative testing options that are available both on-campus and in close proximity to campus. Free community-based testing is available through the state at two sites on the Newark campus: at Conover Apartments, parking lot #16, at 97 Amstel Ave., from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., every Tuesday, and at Lot #6 on the Laird Campus, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., every Friday. Individuals may register for testing at https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing/.

In addition, the state now offers free, take-home rapid test kits in most public library locations in Delaware. Go to your nearest public library to obtain a free kit; a library card is not needed to receive a kit. In addition, the state offers free, take-home tests via mail. Individuals can request a free kit and obtain more information at the state’s COVID-19 response website.

Get vaccinated: The best way to help end the pandemic is to get vaccinated, and there are many opportunities locally. To find a vaccination location near you, visit the state of Delaware vaccination site.

Shuttle buses operating at full capacity: Fall semester bus routes are now in full operation. Please note that face coverings are required at all times, and anyone who has been sick or recently in close contact with someone with COVID-19 should not be using the buses. Passengers on all two-door buses should enter via the front door and exit via the rear door.

Building access: Over the past year, the UD Police Department (UDPD) has been assessing access to campus buildings to maximize the safety and security of the UD community. As part of a campus operations pilot project, only select doors and ADA-approved entryways are now being unlocked for most buildings on the campuses in Newark and Lewes. Most buildings have multiple entry points. UDPD has worked closely with building managers to identify the appropriate doors or sets of doors that are open for standard business hours during the week. Every exterior door should have signage clearly indicating the doors that are open to that building. Individuals are still able to exit buildings through any door. To report a concern, email both AcademicCustodial@udel.edu and buildingaccess-udpd@udel.edu.

For those needing assistance: Wellbeing services and support are available for all students, operating out of the new ‘neighborhood of wellbeing’ on the South Green between Laurel Hall, which continues to house Student Health Services, and the new Wellbeing Center at Warner Hall, which has reopened as the new home for the Center for Counseling and Student Development and Student Wellness and Health Promotion. Services are available by appointment only, and many telehealth options remain available. Resources specifically for substance use and recovery assistance are also available, and individuals experiencing any concerns are encouraged to contact the UD Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC). Students also have access to 24/7 mental health and victim support on the UD Helpline at 302-831-1001, and to 24/7 medical advice on CareNet at 800-681-3957.

Facilities meet safety standards: For the past several months, UD Facilities staff members have been working diligently to ensure that all campus buildings are safe and prepared. Water systems in buildings have been flushed and tested and are now ready for occupancy. HVAC systems have been inspected to ensure that they meet or exceed recommended CDC guidelines. Airflow in HVAC systems is optimized based on the age of the systems in the respective buildings. The Preventive Maintenance Program also has been optimized to conduct routine filter changes. For more details, check the Coronavirus FAQsabout Health and Safety and Working at UD.

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