The University of Delaware extends spring break and takes other steps as more people with ties to institution test positive for coronavirus

The University of Delaware is extending its spring break and taking other steps in the aftermath of  coronavirus.

Seven people with ties to the university have tested positive for the virus. No cases outside the UD community have yet been reported in Delaware.

 In a letter to the university community, President Dennis Assanis announced the following:

• Spring break will extend for an additional week from  March 14-29 as the university continues to move to online courses. In-person classes were previously canceled for the rest of the semester.
• The move-out period for students to remove belongings from all residence halls will be extended to the end of the semester, due to concerns over social distancing.
• Research personnel at all UD locations should immediately begin preparing for all on-campus research to be restricted to only essential activities. 
• Only those UD employees performing essential functions that cannot be carried out remotely will report to campus. The president, provost, and executive vice president, in close coordination with their direct reports, have identified the personnel to whom this applies in order to support students remaining on campus, as well as critical infrastructure, operations, and research needs, patient care and instructional continuity. 
• All university-sponsored or affiliated travel, including domestic travel, is temporarily suspended until further notice
• Acceleration of the campus cleaning schedule to continually disinfect all campus buildings as quickly and completely as possible.

“I know these new steps, restrictions and precautions are extremely difficult adjustments for us all, but they are necessary to successfully complete the academic year with strong hearts and deep pride. This is an unprecedented, trying and stressful time for the entire world. But I am certain that — as a community that is creative, bold, compassionate and enduring — we will ultimately emerge stronger, rising above this disruption to come together, help each other, and create a brighter future,” Assanis stated in the letter.