University of Delaware tightens restrictions after spike in cases
NEWARK, Del. - The University of Delaware is tightening its coronavirus restrictions and urging students to reduce time indoors with others amid an explosion of new coronavirus cases on campus over the last two days.
Students are two weeks into the spring semester and so far the university has reported over 200 COVID cases this week alone. In a letter to students, school officials threatened to move all classes online and limit on-campus residents to only "essential activities" if cases continue to rise.
"With the start of the spring semester, many students understandably want to socialize and connect with friends," the letter read. "Unfortunately, such increased levels of social activity and contact promote transmission of the coronavirus, and we now must act swiftly to slow the spread in our community."
University of Delaware
To limit the spread of the virus, the University of Delaware has reduced capacity in student centers to 25 percent and made all meal options grab-and-go. Dining rooms on campus are closed and students are not allowed to dine with others while indoors. The school said socially distanced outdoor dining with friends is allowed.
Officials are urging students and staff to follow health and safety requirements handed down by the school and the City of Newark, including mask-wearing and social distancing.
The Delaware Department of Health on Thursday reported over 270 new infections statewide.
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