This week’s update includes guidance for COVID-19 testing for the remainder of the Fall term, COVID-19 entry testing for on-campus students, and guidance for on-campus COVID-19 testing.
Visit the University’s Coronavirus website for the most up-to-date information and guidance. Questions can be emailed to coronavirus@ilstu.edu.
COVID-19 Testing for the Remainder of the Fall term
Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of on-campus testing prior to returning home for Winter Break. Results from on-campus testing are received on average in 3-5 days. Testing now and limiting activity as much as possible prior to returning home will help to keep you healthy and limit the spread of COVID-19 to family and friends.
- November 30 – December 4, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing for students continues at the temporary building in the parking lot between Watterson Towers and Stevenson Hall and the fire station at 602 N. Adelaide St., Normal. Only students being tested should enter a testing center.
- December 7 – 11, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday: Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing for students will continue with the reduced hours noted above at the temporary building in the parking lot between Watterson Towers and Stevenson Hall and the fire station at 602 N. Adelaide St., Normal. Only students being tested should enter a testing center.
- December 14 – 18, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday: Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing for students will continue with the reduced hours noted above at the fire station at 602 N. Adelaide St., Normal. Only students being tested should enter a testing center.
- December 21 – 23, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Wednesday: Asymptomatic and symptomatic COVID-19 testing will be available at Student Health Services. Call 309-438-7676 to schedule an appointment.
- December 24 – January 3: On-campus testing will not be available during the University shut-down over the winter break.
- Week of January 4: On-campus asymptomatic and symptomatic COVID-19 testing will resume. More information about times and locations will be provided prior to January 4 on the Student Health Services website.
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.
Testing is 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.
As the number of coronavirus cases continues to increase in McLean County and throughout the state, we must follow all health and safety guidelines such as wearing a face covering and maintaining physical distancing. Remaining diligent in our fight against COVID-19 will help to keep Redbirds healthy and limit the spread on campus and in the Bloomington-Normal community.
COVID-19 Entry Testing for On–Campus Students for Spring 2021
Students living in on-campus housing will be required to participate in COVID-19 testing upon return to campus. University Housing Services will provide more information to on-campus students prior to Move-in for the spring term.
The goal of COVID-19 entry testing is to provide information necessary to control outbreaks and inform public health action.
Guidance for On-Campus Testing (Students Only)
- On-campus COVID-19 testing is free to Illinois State students. Students must bring their Redbird ID to on-campus testing sites in order to be tested. On-campus COVID-19 testing is not available to faculty and staff at this time.
- There is not a medical reason to have a COVID-19 test more than twice per week and only after results from the most recent test are received unless you develop COVID-19 symptoms since the last test.
- Only one test per student per day will be processed by Reditus, the contract lab being used by Illinois State University and the Interstate Center.
- On-campus testing centers and the Interstate Center use the same method of COVID-19 testing, which is a PCR test. This type of test is very reliable. Having multiple tests over a short period (within the same day) will produce the same results and is a waste of valuable supplies.
- Students who develop symptoms after testing should call Student Health Services at 309-438-7676 to determine the best course of action until test results are received.
- On-campus test results are received on average in 3-5 days. Students will receive results in the Secure Student Health Services portal.
- If you test positive, regardless of where you test, you will be required to isolate for a period of 10 days or length of time determined by the McLean County Health Department or health professional. If you are deemed a close contact, you will be required to quarantine for 14 days. More information about quarantine and isolation requirements can be found by reading Coronavirus FAQ’s.
Find the answers to your questions about the University’s approach to coronavirus by visiting the Coronavirus Website.
