The following message provides new information regarding updates to quarantine and isolation guidance, what to do when testing positive for COVID-19, testing and vaccination requirements, on-campus testing availability, and information about COVID-19 vaccination and boosters.
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.
Update to Quarantine and Isolation Guidance
Illinois State’s approach to COVID-19 continues to be based on the best available science and closely follows evolving guidelines set forth by government and public health officials. Both the CDC and IDPH acknowledge that although COVID-19 continues to circulate, high levels of vaccinations and infection-induced immunity, along with effective treatments and prevention tools, have reduced the risk of severe illness. This now allows the CDC to minimize public health interventions and reduce barriers to social, educational, and economic activity.
It remains important for individuals to know their risk, protect themselves with vaccines, and take actions if exposed or if testing positive. The University will follow the CDC’s recently updated guidance, which is summarized below:
- Regardless of vaccination status, individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate for five (5) days from symptom onset. Learn more about isolation guidance.
- Individuals exposed to COVID-19 no longer need to quarantine but are expected to mask for 10 days following the exposure and should get tested five (5) days following the exposure. Learn more about what to do when exposed to COVID-19.
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should follow these steps:
Students:
- For self-administered COVID-19 at-home tests, write your name or initials, date of birth, and date of the test on the test kit. Take a picture of that result and upload it to the Patient Health Portal. It is important to note that positive test results received from any testing site will need to be uploaded to the Patient Health Portal, including results from SHIELD Illinois test kits provided by Illinois State University (see below). Student Health Services staff will verify the upload and issue a letter inclusive of any isolation dates back to your Patient Health Portal.
- To have instructors notified of an excused absence due to isolation, download the isolation letter from your Patient Health Portal and email it to the Dean of Students Office.
- Students should also contact their instructors to discuss reasonable modifications/extensions for completing missed exams, quizzes, and other required work. Learn more about student absences due to communicable disease.
Faculty and staff:
- Follow the steps outlined at Guidance for Managing COVID-19 in the Workplace.
Testing and Vaccination Requirement
Executive Order 2021-22 was modified in July to rescind vaccination and testing requirements for institutions of higher education. As a result, weekly testing is no longer required for most unvaccinated students, faculty, and staff.
In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 2021-22, healthcare workers and K-12 school personnel who are not fully vaccinated are to participate in COVID-19 testing at least once every seven calendar days until fully vaccinated, and vaccination records are on file with Student Health Services. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals working in Illinois State University healthcare settings and laboratory schools, including students and student workers in these areas (e.g., nursing students, student teachers, students in clinical settings).
On-campus testing availability
As a courtesy, the University will provide saliva-based SHIELD Illinois COVID-19 PCR self-administration test kits only for those individuals who are required to test per Executive Order 2021-22 (see above). More information will be provided directly via email to those who are required to test.
Students who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should contact Student Health Services. Employees who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should contact their medical provider.
Information about local COVID-19 testing options is available by visiting the McLean County Health Department website. You may also place an order for free at-home COVID-19 tests at COVID.gov.
Vaccination and Boosters
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 booster, you are encouraged to do so. Vaccination locations can be found near campus or your hometown. Individuals are strongly encouraged to obtain and upload proof of a booster vaccine, when they become eligible.
Students and employees should submit vaccination and booster records as soon as possible to the secure Patient Health Portal.
