This week’s message includes information about Milner Library, the move to Restore Illinois Phase 4, vaccine distribution, and on-campus COVID-19 testing.
Visit Illinois State University’s Coronavirus website for the most up-to-date information and guidance. Questions can be emailed to coronavirus@ilstu.edu.
Milner Library
Milner Library will reopen its doors to walk-in patrons beginning Monday, February 1 at 8 a.m. Access will be limited to current ISU students, faculty, staff, and retirees at this time. Face coverings and physical distancing will be required at all times in all areas of the library.
Spring Semester Building Hours
- Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-midnight
- Friday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m.-Midnight
Virtual reference services, curbside pickup, campus delivery to campus mailboxes, and expanded electronic resources remain available. For more information on library services and resources, go to https://library.illinoisstate.edu/covid-19/.
Restore Illinois Phase 4
Earlier this week, Region 2, which includes McLean County where Illinois State is located, returned to Phase 4 as outlined in the Governor’s Restore Illinois plan. For the most up-to-date information about Region 2 metrics and IDPH COVID-19 resurgence mitigations, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website.
Meetings and Events
Meetings and events can be held for groups on-campus, not to exceed 50 guests and following the occupancy requirements for the space. All public health guidance must be followed such as face coverings and physical distancing.
Vaccine Distribution
The University has added a Vaccine section to the Coronavirus webpage FAQ section. You can find the page here.
Illinois State University remains in constant contact with the McLean County Health Department (MCHD) regarding vaccine availability for the campus community. MCHD determines when and how much vaccine the University receives.
University employees eligible to receive the vaccine in accordance with the State’s vaccine distribution plan will receive a prenotification email at their ilstu email from Student Health Services indicating that the vaccine is expected to be received soon.
When the University receives the vaccine for persons in a phase, employees will be notified by email and provided instructions on how to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine. Employees should notify their supervisors once an appointment is made to ensure the operational needs of the department are met. ISU hourly employees may use release time to obtain the first and second COVID-19 vaccine doses on campus, including any required monitoring time at the vaccination location immediately following receipt of the vaccine. Employees receiving the vaccine will be given documentation indicating the time they departed the vaccination area. Hourly employees should provide this document to their supervisor immediately upon their return to their department to support the use of release time.
While participation is not required, all employees are strongly encouraged to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
At this time, there is no information available from state or county officials regarding the timing of mass vaccination for the campus community.
COVID-19 Testing
Students and employees are encouraged to participate in weekly COVID-19 testing. Only individuals being tested should enter a testing center. Antigen testing for asymptomatic students and employees is available from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday–Friday, in the temporary building in the parking lot between Watterson Towers and Stevenson Hall and the former fire station at 604 N. Adelaide St., Normal.
Students experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms or who believe that they were exposed to a person with COVID-19 should contact Student Health Services at (309) 438-7676 for direction regarding quarantine and/or to schedule an initial screening and make an appointment to be tested. Symptomatic employees should contact their healthcare provider for testing or to make an appointment.
PCR COVID-19 testing remains available for students, faculty, and staff at the Interstate Center testing site. Students testing at this site should share positive test results with Student Health Services by uploading them to the Secure Patient Health Portal. Sharing test results will ensure students have proper documentation for classes, housing, and/or employment.
