Delaware Tech requiring proof of vaccine for all students, visitors

Delaware Tech announces a strict proof of vaccine policy, effective for the summer and fall semesters.

 

The policy was emailed to all students on Friday and obtained by TV Delmarva.

 

“As a result of the recent holiday surge, Delaware has experienced record-high COVID incidence and hospitalization rates, crippling our health care systems statewide. Last week, four of our health care systems announced that they are operating under Crisis Standards of Care protocols because they are “stretched beyond capacity.” For these reasons, the College will require vaccinations for all students registering for summer and fall classes,” college President Mark Brainard says in the email.

 

Students will be required to show proof of vaccination registering for summer and fall classes. In addition any parent or visitor to the college will also be required to show proof of vaccination, beginning May 1. Online-only students are also required to show proof.

 

“This would include parents attending new student orientations, registrants for personal interest courses, and members of the public attending meetings and conferences. Additional information about how to prove vaccination status will be shared soon, so stay tuned,” Brainard says.

 

The new policy does allow for accommodations due to medical conditions or “sincerely held” religious belief.

 

Delaware Tech has been requiring vaccine records or a weekly COVID test for employees since September 2021. This mirrors a policy enacted by the University of Delaware in December 2021, which required all students to show proof of vaccine and booster shot to attend the spring semester.

 

“With record-high case numbers and the highly transmissible omicron variant, we had to take action to implement the most effective means necessary to protect the health and safety of our faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders. Not only is this a top priority for us as we adhere to our mission of putting students at the center of everything we do, but it is also our duty and responsibility as a community partner,” Brainard says.

 

 

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