By Tim Mastro

DOVER — Delaware Technical Community College is reversing its vaccine mandate.

The college had announced a month ago that all students, even those learning remotely, would be required to provide proof of vaccination to register for summer and fall classes. The policy would also require visitors to provide proof of vaccination while on campus, starting May 1.

But Dr. Mark Brainard, president of the college, said he is dropping those requirements, in a letter to the campus community on Tuesday night. Dr. Brainard cited recent guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in making the decision.

Delaware Tech’s statement said the new policy was in effect as of Wednesday, following Gov. John Carney’s Monday announcement which removed the mask mandate for Delaware schools and a vaccination or test requirement for state employees.

“As we have done from the beginning of the pandemic, we continue to make operational decisions based on COVID data and in compliance with Gov. Carney’s directives and CDC guidelines,” the statement read. “In light of the Governor’s announcement yesterday, the recent updated CDC guidelines, and a significant decline in regional COVID rates, Delaware Tech will also remove all masking, testing, and vaccine requirements for our employees and students effective March 2. The most recent directives regarding self-screening, isolation, and quarantine remain in effect until further notice.”

Dr. Brainard said in his letter while the college is no longer requiring vaccinations for students, “a COVID-19 vaccination may still be required by an external site where a student has been placed for a clinical or internship experience.”

A vaccination may be required by assigned clinical placement settings for nursing and allied health students in the future, Delaware Tech also said in its statement.

Dr. Brainard added face coverings are not required to be worn by individuals on college property, except for those indoors in a county where face coverings are recommended by CDC.

Students, staff and visitors were encouraged to continue wearing masks if they would like.

“Individuals should continue to wear a face covering based on their personal preference; when they are immunocompromised or at risk of severe illness; or when they live or have social contact with someone who is immunocompromised or at risk of severe illness,” Dr. Brainard said.

Directives regarding self-screening, reporting positive cases, contact tracing, isolation and quarantine remain in effect, Dr. Brainard said.

“As we have said through the course of these past two years, every decision we have made has been in the best interest of our students, employees, and the entire College community,” Delaware Tech’s statement said. “Although no longer required, vaccines, masks, and distancing remain effective health strategies to combat the spread of the virus in the months ahead. We will continue to monitor health data and state and federal guidelines to manage the pandemic moving forward, always keeping the health and safety of our College community as our top priority.”