DOVER, DE (February 11, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of Thursday, Feb 10, 2022. Over the past month, the state has seen a significant decrease in the average percentage of tests that are positive, declining from 32% on Jan. 11, 2022, to 10% on Feb. 10, 2022. The declining trends present a bright spot for the pandemic, however, DPH continues to reinforce the importance of infection prevention and vaccination, particularly the role of boosters in providing increased protection against COVID-19. 

Between Jan. 31 and Feb. 6, 2022, 82% of people who tested positive for COVID-19 in Delaware had not received a booster. The same was true for 81% of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study from April to December of 2021 showed people who were not vaccinated had five times higher risk of getting COVID-19 than adults who had been fully vaccinated and received a booster. Another CDC study showed getting a booster reduces the chance of needing to go the emergency room or being hospitalized by 94%, compared with being unvaccinated. 

“We know that getting vaccinated and boosted is key to reducing the chance of getting sick,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. She adds “Boosters are effective and extremely important for preventing infections but, more importantly, hospitalizations and deaths. Unfortunately, we surpassed 2600 COVID-19 related deaths this week. We have lost more than 400 Delawareans since Thanksgiving, most who were not up to date with their vaccines.” Booster vaccinations are available at any locations that offer the initial COVID-19 vaccine series. 

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations: 

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 253,010
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 378.7, a decrease of 228 from last week.
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 10.2%, a decrease of 5.3 percentage points from last week
• Hospitalizations: 202, a decrease of 120 from last week; critically ill: 21, a decrease of 15 from last week
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,601
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 38, including 12 from a review of vital statistics records.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:  

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,669,853
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 70.8%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 75.4%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 76.9%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 66.8%

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. Individuals who qualify for a booster dose should get one as soon as possible. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine. For information on boosters, visit de.gov/boosters. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.  

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report:   

The following reports capture a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Jan. 31 – Feb. 6. 

Weekly Overview (1/31/22 – 2/6/22)
Unvaccinated Cases
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	1838
Total Cases	3294
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	56%
Hospitalizations
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	61
Total Hospitalized Cases	101
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	60%
Deaths
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	22
Total COVID-19 Deaths	29
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	76%
Weekly Overview (1/31/22 – 2/6/22)
Non-boosted Cases
Total Non-boosted Cases	2699
Total Cases	3294
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	82%
Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases
Total Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases	82
Total Hospitalized Cases	101
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	81%
Non-boosted Deaths
Total Non-boosted Deaths	25
Total COVID-19 Deaths	29
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	86%

Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began): 

• Total breakthrough cases: 21,004, or 3.56% of fully vaccinated individuals
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 240
• Total breakthrough deaths: 230

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more.  

*Please note, these data may be updated as additional information is received. 

COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware:   

The Division of Public Health this week launched a COVID-19 variant chart on its My Healthy Community COVID-19 data dashboard. The data show the weekly proportion of sequenced cases identified as Delta or Omicron over time. Because this data is now easily accessible through the data dashboard, DPH will discontinue this section of the weekly update going forward. The public is encouraged to visit [de.gov/healthycommunity]de.gov/healthycommunity for the latest variant data for Delaware.   

Long-term Care Statistics:  

As of Thursday, Feb 10, there have been a total of 3,052 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 897 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.  

Flu Update: 

There were 10 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Jan. 30 – Feb. 5. As of Feb. 5, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 626 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 432 individuals from New Castle County, 84 from Kent County and 110 from Sussex County. This number reflects only the number of lab-confirmed cases; the actual number of cases circulating statewide is likely higher as not all people with the flu seek treatment, and many cases are diagnosed through rapid test kits in a provider’s office versus a lab. 

All individuals 6 months and older are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu if they haven’t already. Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies (including those in grocery stores), participating medical provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for their patients), as well as Division of Public Health clinics. DPH is also advising the public that the flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine. 

For the latest information on the flu in Delaware, visit flu.delaware.gov. 

Resources:  

Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are:  

Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.  

Delawareans 18 or older are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play.  

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.    

### 

  Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com. 

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. 

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) announced the list of community testing sites throughout Delaware next week. Testing locations listed below include pop-up and Curative trailer sites, as well as community sites hosted by New Castle County and Henrietta Johnson Medical Center.

“This week we opened Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccine waiting list to all Delawareans 16+, and I encourage all Delawareans to sign up,” said Governor Carney. “In the meantime, we need to stay vigilant to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Continue to follow the public health precautions. Get tested, wear a mask, wash your hands and practice social distancing.”

DEMA has coordinated community sites this week in addition to sites at Walgreens and at various hospitals and health care locations. Delawareans can view a full list of COVID-19 testing locations at de.gov/gettested.

Delawareans are encouraged to check the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) for testing location updates due to inclement weather.    

New Castle County Pop-Up Testing Locations

• Monday, April 12 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Frawley Stadium (801 Shipyard Drive, Wilmington, DE 19801) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Tuesday, April 13 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.: University of Delaware Hollingsworth Lot (61 North College Avenue, Newark, DE 19716) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Wednesday, April 14 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Henrietta Johnson Medical Center (601 New Castle Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19801)  Register by calling 302-655-6187
• Wednesday, April 14 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Middletown High School (120 Silver Lake Rd, Middletown, DE 19709) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Wednesday, April 14 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.: ChristianaCare Hospital, Wilmington 601 Parking Lot (601 Delaware Ave, Wilmington, DE 19801) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Thursday, April 15 from 11 am to 3 p.m.: Merchant Square Shopping Center (Governor Printz) (4307 Governor Printz Blvd, Wilmington, DE 19802) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Thursday, April 15 from 10 am to 4 p.m.: Scott AME Zion Church (629 East 7th St, Wilmington DE  19801) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Thursday, April 15 from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Henrietta Johnson Medical Center (601 New Castle Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19801)  Register by calling 302-655-6187
• Friday, April 16 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: University of Delaware Laird Campus Lot #6 (David Hollowell Dr, Newark DE 19716) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Friday, April 16 from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.: Thomas Edison Charter School (Indoor Walk Up – 2200 Locust St, Wilmington, DE 19802) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Saturday, April 17 from 10 p.m. – 2 p.m.: Westside Healthcare (Indoor Walk Up -1802 W. 4^th St, Wilmington, DE 19805) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Saturday, April 17 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: University of Delaware STAR Campus (540 S College Avenue, Newark, DE 19713) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Saturday, April 17 from 10 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Ezion-Mount Carmel United Methodist Church (800 N. Walnut St. Wilmington 19801) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Saturday, April 17 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Henrietta Johnson Medical Center (601 New Castle Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19801)  Register by calling 302-655-6187

Kent County Pop-Up Testing Locations

• Monday, April 12 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Caesar Rodney High School (239 Old North Road, Camden, DE 19934) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Tuesday, April 13 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Harrington Fire Company (20 Clark St, Harrington, DE 19952) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Wednesday, April 14 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Milford High School (1019 N. Walnut St, Milford, DE 19963) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Thursday, April 15 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: First Pilgrim Baptist Church (27 S Caesar Rodney Ave, Camden, DE 19934) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Friday, April 16 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Hartly Fire Company (2898 Arthursville Rd, Hartly, DE 19953) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Saturday, April 17 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Mt. Zion AME Church (101 N. Queen St, Dover, DE 19701) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com

Sussex County Pop-Up Testing Locations

• Monday, April 12 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Epworth UM Church (19285 Holland Glade Rd, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Monday, April 12 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Delaware Tech Georgetown (21179 College Drive, Georgetown, DE 19947) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Tuesday, April 13 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Lord Baltimore Elementary School (120 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View, DE 19970) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Tuesday, April 13 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Delmar Town Hall (12 E State St., Delmar MD 21875) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Wednesday, April 14 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Indian River High School (29772 Armory Road, Dagsboro, DE 19939) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Wednesday, April 14 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Laurel Elementary School (815 S. Central Avenue, Laurel, DE 19956) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Thursday, April 15 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Selbyville Fire Company (30 N Main St, Selbyville, DE 19975) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Thursday, April 15 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Blades Fire Company (200 E 5^th Street, Blades, DE 19973) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Friday, April 16 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Ellendale Fire Department (302 Main Street, Ellendale, DE 19941) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Friday, April 16 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Woodbridge Early Childhood Education Center (400 Governors Avenue, Greenwood, DE 19950) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Saturday, April 17 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Rehoboth City Hall (229 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Saturday, April 17 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Macedonia AME Church (431 N. North Street, Seaford, DE 19973) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.   

Download COVID Alert DE in the App Store or Google Play.   

Report a business for COVID-19 non-compliance using this form.  

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.  

###

DOVER (Nov. 24, 2020) – With more than 47,000 tests completed last week, Delawareans across the state are heeding the call to get tested for COVID-19, and more tests are being conducted than at any point during the pandemic. As the demand for COVID-19 testing increases ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) are providing updates regarding community testing sites in Delaware.

Community pop-up testing site visits increased by 40% in the last 10 days, which has led to increased wait times in some cases. While on-site staff are doing their best to accommodate walk-ins in addition to those with reservations, there may be situations when walk-ins must be turned away. Community sites operated through Walgreens and the Division of Public Health clinics have also seen increased volume over the past several days.

“Curative testing sites have been averaging over 7,000 tests a day,” said DEMA Director A.J. Schall. “We are doing everything possible to accommodate everyone who wants to get tested, but we ask that you plan ahead and be patient.”

Because of the increased testing demand, test result turn-around times may take longer. The public is urged to remain patient as laboratories work to process tests as fast as possible. In addition, the high number of positive cases reported may also lead to a delay in positive individuals and their contacts receiving a call from the DPH contact tracing team. Individuals who test positive are advised to immediately self-isolate for at least 10 days from the date symptoms started (or the date of the test for those who do not have symptoms), and contact anyone who they had direct contact within the 48 hours prior to symptom onset or test date.

Members of the public seeking testing this week are highly encouraged to check the State’s testing webpage, de.gov/gettested, as testing locations and hours are limited this Wednesday and Thursday.

Update to Walgreens Testing Sites:

To best serve patients and to help eliminate traffic issues near Walgreens testing sites arising from increased testing volume, all Walgreens Pharmacy testing sites will move to a reservation-based system beginning Friday, Nov. 27. Testing sites will remain accessible through the drive-through except for the Lancaster Pike location in Wilmington, which remains an indoor site. All sites will operate by appointment only. As a reminder, all Walgreens test sites close for 30 minutes daily to allow a lunch break for staff. To reserve an appointment, visit picktime.com/DECOVID19test.

To help meet the increased testing demand this holiday season, the State of Delaware will expand its partnership with Walgreens and add five new sites across the state beginning Tuesday, Dec. 1. The new testing sites include:

• 4465 Summit Bridge Road, Middletown, DE 19709, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday
• 17248 S. DuPont Hwy., Harrington, DE 19952, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sunday
• 2 College Park Lane, Georgetown, DE 19947, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday
• 38627 Benro Drive #1, Delmar, DE 19940, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday
• 32979 Coastal Hwy, Bethany Beach, DE 19930, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Friday

These new sites are in addition to nine testing sites operated by Walgreens, as well as 11 other permanent testing sites – five State Service Center sites and six Public Health clinics – available throughout the state. Pop-up community testing sites continue to be offered each week. The full list of testing locations, hours, and registration options are available on Delaware’s COVID-19 website at de.gov/gettested.

“Testing is the best way to track the spread of COVID-19 and monitor for potential outbreaks,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “It’s important to remind the public, though, that a negative test is not a pass to forego necessary prevention steps. Wear a face covering in public, maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and others, frequently wash your hands, and limit gatherings — from meals to parties — to just those who live in your house.”

Delawareans over the age of 18 are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

Individuals with questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

###

Residential Colleges Across the Northeast Should Provide Testing For Students Before they Leave for Thanksgiving Break And Ensure Students are Aware of Quarantine Rules    

Governors Recommend That All Travel be Limited for Thanksgiving and Urge Colleges to Utilize Increased Remote Instruction to End Fall Semester, Reducing the Need for Students to Travel Back-and-Forth Between Campus and Home Multiple Times 

Multi-State Agreement on College-Related Travel Guidance Reached at Emergency Summit of Northeastern Governors this Past Weekend  

WILMINGTON, Del. — Delaware Governor John Carney, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo and Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker today announced they will encourage residential colleges and universities in their respective states to provide testing for all students traveling home for Thanksgiving break to the maximum extent possible before they leave campus. Any student who tests positive will be encouraged to isolate on campus before they can travel or detail arrangements of their safe travel home with the local department of health. These efforts will help mitigate the threat of college students returning home for the holidays importing COVID-19 into their communities. In addition, colleges should inform students and their families of relevant quarantine policies in their home state. 

“There’s no sugarcoating it: this will be a difficult winter,” said Governor John Carney. “We are seeing rising cases, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 in our region and across the country as we enter the colder months. The holidays present a significant challenge. I’m thankful for the cooperation in our region, and will continue to urge Delawareans to do what works. Wear a mask. Don’t gather with anyone outside your household. Stay vigilant.”

“As everyone predicted, cases are rising as temperatures drop, and New York is not immune. With the holidays approaching, we are fighting ‘living room spread’ from small gatherings in private homes — and adding college students’ interstate travel will be like pouring gasoline on a fire,” Governor Cuomo said. “We know this virus does not respect borders, which is why governors from across the region are working together to stop the spread. Colleges and universities have to do their part by testing all students before they leave, informing them about quarantine rules, and keeping classes online between Thanksgiving and Winter Break. We beat back the COVID beast in the spring, and by working together we can do it once again this winter.”

“With Thanksgiving and the broader holiday season fast approaching, we have to recognize that any large family gathering — particularly among different age groups — runs the risk of turning the dinner table into a COVID hotspot,” said Governor Murphy. “To reduce the risk of transmission across our region, we are encouraging colleges and universities to ramp up testing for students returning home, and for anyone who tests positive to adhere to their state’s quarantine restrictions. If we collectively recommit ourselves to the commonsense mitigation practices that got us through the first wave of this pandemic, we can save lives before a vaccine becomes broadly available.”

Governor Lamont said, “College students returning from highly infected states could accelerate the spread of COVIC in Connecticut. I appreciate the joint effort of all our regional governors to clearly state the testing/quarantine rules for returning home from college.”

“It is our collective responsibility to protect our communities and our most vulnerable from COVID-19 and to continue to work together to get through this pandemic,” said Governor Tom Wolf. “These targeted mitigation efforts, combined with existing ones, are paramount to decreasing the spread of COVID-19. We need everyone to be united in wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and washing our hands in order to save lives and help protect our economies.”

“As our COVID cases and hospitalizations continue to rise, it’s critical that we come together as a region to slow the spread and keep our constituents safe,” said Governor Gina M. Raimondo. “We all need to be more vigilant about keeping our circles small and our masks on, while at the same time we’re continuing to ramp up asymptomatic testing across-the-board. This collaborative approach among Northeastern states will help us flatten the curve and contain spread over the Thanksgiving holiday.”

“The region is experiencing a surge in COVID cases and a surge in the serious health impacts this disease brings with it. Working together on travel and higher education policies like these, states can have a bigger impact on COVID spread as students travel for the holidays,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Gathering with friends and family significantly increases the risk of spreading the virus and while testing and isolation guidelines can help slow the spread, it is up to everyone to wear a mask and avoid gathering indoors with people outside of your household.”

The combination of rising cases across the country — including in the northeast — due to increased transmission of COVID in small, residential settings and Thanksgiving travel has created the perfect storm for viral spread. If people proceed with celebrations in small gatherings outside of their immediate families, they risk generating a dramatic spike in cases after Thanksgiving. All Governors are urging their residents to stay home and celebrate small this year in an effort to help eliminate the risk of unchecked COVID-19 spread in the coming weeks. 

The governors and their public health experts developed this guidance over the weekend at an emergency summit of northeastern governors. The governors also emphasized the importance of in-person education. Medical research as well as the data from northeastern states, from across the country, and from around the world make clear that in-person learning is safe when the appropriate protections are in place, even in communities with high transmission rates. In-person learning is the best possible scenario for children, especially those with special needs and from low-income families. There is also growing evidence that the more time children spend outside of school increases the risk of mental health harm and affects their ability to truly learn.

In order to stop college-related travel spreading COVID, colleges and universities in Delaware, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania will be encouraged to make testing available to all students before they leave for Thanksgiving break and inform students and their families of states’ quarantine requirements. Any student who tests positive before they leave should be permitted to isolate on campus, or may travel safely with the approval of the local departments of health. Students who are already isolating or quarantining on campus must remain in place until completing their prescribed seclusion.  

In addition, the Governors are strongly recommending that colleges and universities finish their fall semesters by expanding remote instruction, enabling more students to learn from home for the few weeks between Thanksgiving and winter break rather than require students to travel back to campus and then back home again in December. Half of colleges and universities across the northeast have already indicated they will be fully remote between Thanksgiving and the end of their fall semester. Colleges and universities should prioritize on-campus programs for students who did not travel or who need in-person exams or clinical and laboratory experiences.

If colleges and universities do reopen for in-person instruction during this period, all returning students should receive COVID-19 tests and comply with relevant isolation and quarantine protocols. These institutions should also double down on precautions including frequent health screenings and surveillance testing due the increased risk of COVID exposure from student travel.   

###