University of Delaware Lifts Mask Mandate for the Summer
This post was originally written by Digital Content Intern Patrick LaPorte. LaPorte is a senior media communications major at the University of Delaware, working as a news and sports reporter for The Review and sports director for 91.3 WVUD at UD.
The University of Delaware put an end to its almost yearlong mask mandate for students, staff and faculty in an email sent out to the university community on Thursday. The lifting of the mandate is for students, faculty and staff who have received a full dosage of one of the multiple COVID-19 vaccines available nationwide. According to the email and subsequent release put out by Delaware, the end of mask wearing is for the summer with updates on plans for the fall semester coming later.
Similar to approaches taken by states, including Delaware, fully vaccinated individuals are exempt from some guidelines regarding masks and COVID-19 testing. According to the email, fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear masks and those living on campus do not have to take a weekly COVID-19 test. Three feet of social distancing is still required. People yet to receive a full dosage of a COVID-19 vaccine are still expected to follow guidelines put in place by the university, including weekly testing and wearing a mask inside all university buildings. The guidance of testing falls in line with the university’s plan in the spring, which required students living on campus to take a weekly COVID-19 test.
Employees of the university beginning August 15 must provide proof of their vaccination or follow the weekly testing protocols. That same August 15 date is the day Delaware students must receive a full vaccine dosage before arriving to campus. The university made its announcement mandating vaccines for students in May. The university’s COVID-19 numbers decreased drastically throughout the spring semester with its last case count of above ten coming during the week of April 25. All dining halls and residence halls are set to open this upcoming fall semester. Students looking to submit proof of vaccination can follow this link. Employees looking to submit proof of vaccination can follow this link.
