Western Illinois University Releases New Covid Protocols For Students And Staff
From: WIU Office of Risk Management
Subject: WIU COVID-19 Summer Updates
Please find the latest updates and information regarding COVID-19 protocols at Western Illinois University.
Face Coverings
Effective Wednesday, May 18, 2022, face coverings are now optional on WIU’s campuses* (see exceptions below). All members of the University community are still expected to keep a face covering available, and are expected to comply with a request to wear a face covering.
COVID-19 related building signage will be removed. Updated signage will be posted prior to the beginning of the Fall 2022 semester.
* Face coverings remain required at the Beu Health Center, the University COVID-19 Testing Site, select offices/areas and when requested to wear.
COVID-19 Testing
The University continues to follow Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order testing requirements for unvaccinated employees and students who are on campus.
Individuals may only opt out of testing if proof of vaccination is provided.
The University will host test clinics throughout the summer from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the University Union Sandburg Lounge on the Macomb campus.
Individuals on the WIU-QC Campus can pick up a test kit at Riverfront Hall front desk from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays.
Days and times may be adjusted further as necessary. The University is reviewing plans and procedures for testing requirements for the 2022-2023 academic year. Updates will be shared prior to the Fall 2022 semester.
COVID-19 Dashboard
With the close of the academic year and a significant decrease to the Macomb on-campus population, the WIU COVID-19 Dashboard will be paused beginning Monday, May 16. As the pandemic has continued to evolve, total cases and positivity rates are no longer being used as measures for virus severity. The preeminent data now being used by health officials include COVID-19 related hospital admissions, ICU bed availability and deaths. While the University is unable to track these statistics, the information is available here.
COVID-19 Daily Self-Checks
Beginning Monday, May 16, COVID-19 Daily Self-Check email reminders will be paused. Monitoring one’s health is an important precautionary measure in the fight against COVID-19. Regardless of vaccination status, all WIU students, employees, guests, visitors & vendors are encouraged to complete a self-check each day before arriving on any University property, regardless of day and time.
Individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should stay home and complete a self-test before returning to WIU.
Information
Information
COVID-19-related information and protocols can be found at wiu.edu/coronavirus, at “Return to Campus.” Additional protocols and processes will be announced before the beginning of the academic year.
NOTE: WIU protocols, including testing, face coverings, capacities and other measures, could change depending on circumstances and health guidance.
