December 16, 2020

To the UD Community:

As the fall semester comes to a close and the winter break begins, it is essential for all members of the University of Delaware community to continue taking the necessary steps to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. Thankfully, a nationwide vaccination campaign has begun, but the need to wear face coverings, practice physical distancing and limit face-to-face interactions with people outside your household remains critical for the foreseeable future.

Below is important information for UD students, faculty and staff, whether you are on or off campus during the coming weeks.

The State of Delaware recently implemented additional restrictions on the size of gatherings and the occupancy of public facilities statewide; the state already has issued a stay-at-home advisory and universal mask mandate. Many other states have issued similar guidance to help reduce the number of COVID-19 cases, which have surged since Thanksgiving. The University fully supports these measures and expects all students, faculty and staff to adhere to these guidelines.

Please note that the Student Code of Conduct remains in effect on and off campus, regardless of whether classes are in session. Any UD student or student organization found responsible for violating University policies, including attending or hosting large gatherings during this time, will receive conduct sanctions potentially leading to suspension or expulsion.

Members of the UD research community and essential personnel are still permitted to come to campus to perform their work while University operations are reduced between Dec. 19 and Jan. 3. All individuals coming to campus should continue to complete UD’s daily health check and follow COVID guidelines.

If you are traveling for the holiday break, please get tested

Anyone transitioning households in the coming days is encouraged to take a COVID-19 test to confirm their health status before traveling. Today is the final day for UD’s surveillance testing program in 2020: until noon at Harker ISE Lab and until 1 p.m. at Clayton Hall. This program is open to current UD employees and students only. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ups are welcome. Additional testing through the state is being offered 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at STAR Campus; the state also offers at-home testing kits for residents. Additional testing information can be found at udel.edu/coronavirus.

When you return to campus, you must get tested

Beginning Jan. 3, 2021, when the University reopens after the break, COVID-19 tests will be required for anyone who will be on campus for any purpose. This applies to all students, faculty and staff. This test must be completed at a UD surveillance testing site during your first week back on campus; tests from outside sites or programs are not accepted. Please be mindful to avoid contact with other people while awaiting COVID-19 test results; you will be permitted on campus while test results are pending. UD’s surveillance testing program will resume Jan. 4, with tests available to employees and students each Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon at Harker ISE Lab and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Clayton Hall. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ups are welcome. Additional testing information can be found at udel.edu/coronavirus.

Daily health checks are still required to enter campus facilities

Students, faculty, staff, retirees, spouses and visitors are required to complete a daily COVID-19 health questionnaire if they are coming to campus that day or if they reside on campus. Those not planning to come to campus that day are not required to answer the questionnaire and can disregard the daily email reminder. The UD daily health check is available at covidcheck.udel.edu. You will not be granted access to any UD building unless you have completed this daily health check.

Campus facilities may have reduced hours

Due to state occupancy limits and University policies, many campus facilities may have reduced hours or limited capacity during the Winter Session after the University reopens Jan. 3. Morris Library will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, and will be closed weekends, with occupancy limited to 30% of capacity, until the beginning of the spring semester. UD recreation centers continue to be reduced to 20% capacity, with exercise machines spaced 10 feet apart and limits on class sizes. Athletic competitions will be conducted without fans in attendance.

Throughout the pandemic, the University of Delaware students, faculty and staff have shown tremendous flexibility and resilience, which will continue to be essential well into 2021 to maintain a safe and healthy community. Any additional information about testing, vaccination or public health guidance will be communicated as it becomes available. Please visit udel.edu/coronavirus for updates or email coronavirus@udel.edu with questions.

The University of Delaware wishes everyone an enjoyable and restful break, and we look forward to the new year ahead.