The following message provides information about on-campus face coverings, KN95 masks, and receiving and uploading booster information.
Health and safety standards are subject to change and are adopted as a part of the University’s COVID-19 prevention and mitigation strategies as recommended by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For the most up-to-date information about the University’s approach to COVID-19, visit the Coronavirus website or email Coronavirus@IllinoisState.edu.
Updated on-campus face covering requirement
The Governor previously announced that Illinois is on track to lift the public indoor statewide mask requirement, with some exceptions, on Monday, February 28. As a result, Illinois State will modify its face covering requirement as we transition to the next phase of the pandemic. University COVID-19 mitigation measures will continue to be evaluated, updated, and communicated in the coming weeks to the campus community as the pandemic enters an endemic state.
As of Monday, February 28, face coverings will no longer be required in indoor spaces with the exception of the following:
- Classrooms and laboratories
- Clinical settings, including Student Health Services, Student Counseling Services, COVID-19 testing sites, and other exceptions listed on the Coronavirus website (i.e., healthcare and childcare settings)
- Public transportation (including Connect Transit buses) and in other federally mandated sites
- University events where required by contract with speakers, performers, etc.
Individuals are expected to wear a face covering in a private office or residence hall room upon the occupant’s request. All other COVID-19 mitigations remain in place. There is no change to the University’s COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements. Members of the University Laboratory Schools will receive a separate communication shortly.
During this transitional time in the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important that we support one another, regardless of individual choices that are made regarding face coverings. Individuals should feel comfortable wearing face coverings in university spaces as we move forward together as a Redbird community.
As a reminder, vaccination continues to be the best and most effective way to protect yourself and others from Coronavirus. If you have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccination or 3rd dose/booster, locations can be found near campus or your hometown.
KN95 mask supplies
The University continues to have supplies of KN95 masks on hand. University departments in need of additional KN95 masks can order a supply by using the COVID-19 Supplies Request Form on the Coronavirus Website.
Students living in on-campus housing can pick up additional masks at their front desk. Off-campus students and employees can pick up additional masks from one of these on-campus sites:
- Bone Student Center (Welcome Desk, Printing Services Office, Student Involvement Center)
- Milner Library Circulation Desk
- The Multicultural Center
Before using the KN95 mask, please review the KN95 Fact Sheet, available on the Environmental Health and Safety website. It is up to the discretion of the wearer which approved face coverings to choose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer insights on masks and respirators.
Upload proof of booster vaccine
Individuals are strongly encouraged to obtain and upload proof of a booster vaccine, when they become eligible. Submit booster records as soon as possible to the secure Patient Health Portal.
As a reminder, the IDPH and CDC recommend a booster shot 5 months after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, and 2 months after receiving the single Johnson & Johnson dose.
