University of Delaware President issues statement following confirmed coronavirus cases in community

NEWARK, Del. – University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis issued a statement Thursday morning after three more members of the school’s community tested positive for the coronavirus.

He says the individuals, two graduate students and a postdoctoral researcher, had close contact at an off-campus social event in February with the faculty member who tested positive on Wednesday. All four individuals are receiving appropriate medical care in a quarantined environment.

The University is continuing to work closely with the Division of Public Health to track students, faculty, and staff who were in contact with the individuals who have tested positive for the virus. Any University spaces that may have been impacted are being disinfected as well.

“I realize this news may be distressing as the number of cases nationally continues to increase. Please know that our leadership team is meeting continually to evaluate this changing situation in order to make decisions that are informed by guidance from state and national health officials. And operationally, we will do everything we can to maintain our students’ academic continuity and progress so that we can return to the daily rhythm of University life as soon as possible,” said Assanis.

The most up-to-date information will be posted to the University’s coronavirus website here.