Important Information about Fall 2021 COVID-19 Testing
Posted July 8, 2021
July 8, 2021
Dear Colleagues:
We know you're still enjoying summer with family and friends but the Fall 2021 semester is just weeks away!
The COVID-19 pandemic situation is always changing and evolving, and so are we. But our core principles have remained the same: we want our community to thrive, our institution to remain open, and everyone to remain healthy. This philosophy has helped us make decisions to protect one another and keep our students on track academically. And we want to thank you for your efforts during the last year and a half.
While we are still finalizing a few things, we wanted to let you know about a change related to COVID-19 screening testing. Beginning August 9, 2021, all faculty and staff will be required to complete weekly COVID-19 testing by Friday of the first week coming to any SIUE campus (Alton, East St. Louis, Edwardsville, or clinical sites) and each week thereafter.
You can request an exemption from required screening testing for the following reasons:
- If you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (2 weeks from date of last vaccination dose)
- If you have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days
Please complete the online form to request an exemption. Have your vaccination record with dates or positive test result documentation available for upload (screenshots are fine). Your submission will be reviewed and approved by the Health Service staff.
If you have an approved accommodation from the Office of Equal Opportunity, Access, and Title IX Coordination to work a fully remote schedule off-campus, you are not required to test. BUT, if you plan to be on campus at any time (i.e., attending a meeting, using campus facilities or services, etc.) you must participate in testing.
All faculty and staff are encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccine and submit vaccination information so we have a better idea of our campus vaccination rates. Visit the IDPH for more information about vaccines and where to get one.
More information about testing, including how to schedule tests, will be sent to you later this summer.
Please email covidtesting@siue.edu with any questions. Thank you for continuing to keep the SIUE community safe and healthy this fall!
Michael Schultz
COVID-19 Response Coordinator
