November 5, 2020

Dear Blue Hens,

The upcoming Thanksgiving holiday is a critical time in our efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic. If you plan to travel and interact with people you have not recently had close contact with, we highly encourage you to develop a plan that you and your loved ones are comfortable with to keep everyone safe.

For 14 days prior to your travel, you should:

• Limit close contacts with others as much as possible;
• Wear a face covering whenever you leave your bedroom; and
• Maintain physical distance from others at all times.

If you cannot limit all close contact, strictly maintaining the ‘bubble’ of people you live with is the next best option, but only if all others in your bubble are following the same guidelines with those outside of the bubble. You may also want to consult your COVID-19 testing options, but be aware that you may contract COVID-19 with or without symptoms between your test and your arrival at home.

When you prepare to leave, you should:

• Verify that you have no symptom of illness;
• Check the most recent state and local guidelines that impact your travel and destination; and
• Consult with Student Health at 302-831-2226 to make a plan for your transition to sheltering at home if you have any symptom of illness, or are currently completing an isolation or quarantine period.

The best way to protect your loved ones is to wear a face covering and maintain physical distance around them, and continue frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer, for at least four days after you begin traveling. For this four day period, you should only be interacting with the public for work, medicine, food, or emergencies. Exercising outdoors with six feet of physical distance from others is preferred. Face coverings are highly encouraged if you must exercise indoors and/or six feet of separation is unlikely.

These 14 days leading up to Thanksgiving are the time to limit all of your in-person interactions if you intend to change your bubble by spending the holiday with family or friends. For students with higher risk loved ones at home, we highly encourage you to use face coverings and physical distancing even within your local residence before your departure, to provide an increased degree of protection for your transition to sheltering at home. Everyone in your local and home bubbles should follow the same precautions during the same time period. Take increased precautions around individuals who are not able to follow these guidelines.

With COVID-19 cases rising regionally and nationally, as well as flu season beginning, now is the time to lean into virtual opportunities to connect with others. We appreciate the actions of all Blue Hens that have helped Protect the Flock thus far, and made it possible for in-person opportunities at UD to increase for the spring. Thank you for your continued commitment to your community, and we look forward to connecting with you in the days and months ahead.

Be well,

Dr. Tim Dowling, physician and director
Student Health Services
UD Student Life