Weekly Update: Daily Wellness Self-Checks and Testing Compliance are Key
Posted September 24, 2021
September 24, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
We hope you will enjoy the SIUE Homecoming festivities slated to continue through the weekend! It has been a beautiful week with opportunities to get involved and show our Cougar spirit at a variety of outdoor activities.
Please keep in mind that participation in these activities may result in individuals expanding their standard “bubble.” Whenever this occurs, we recommend that you schedule a screening test 3-5 days later as an extra safety measure. If you are not presenting symptoms, please click here to schedule an on-campus testing appointment.
As health and safety remain our top priorities, we remind our campus community members of the importance of conducting a daily wellness self-check. If you are not feeling well, please stay home. Do not come to campus. If you are under quarantine or isolation, do not leave it early.
Testing and Non-Compliance
University testing data is updated regularly on the COVID-19 Dashboard. This week, 2,066 individuals were tested, resulting in 14 positive tests and a positivity rate of .68%. Campus vaccination progress has been added to the dashboard.
Employees and students who are unable or unwilling to receive the vaccine are required to participate in weekly testing. Testing takes place in the lower level of the Student Success Center. Click here to schedule a testing appointment.
Failure to comply with the weekly testing requirement will result in disciplinary action. Instances of non-compliance are being handled by the Office of Human Resources and the Dean of Students. Continuous notifications are being distributed in a variety of formats to reduce non-compliance issues and resulting disciplinary actions. We extend our appreciation to staff members who have volunteered to assist in contacting non-compliant individuals to help them become compliant and reduce campus risk.
Links to schedule a COVID test, submit proof of vaccination, COVID self-disclosure forms, request for temporary exemption from testing, and more are available at one convenient location: siue.edu/covid.
Vaccination Clinics and Boosters
SIUE Health Service, in collaboration with the Madison County Health Department, will host a Pfizer vaccine clinic on the Edwardsville campus on Thursday, Sept. 30 in the Morris University Center Madison Room.
This is the second clinic for those who received their first dose during the Thursday, Sept. 9 opportunity. Those participating as a second dose will need to bring their vaccine card. Both doses must be completed in order to submit a testing exemption, which would take effect Thursday, Oct. 14.
You can also receive your first dose during this clinic. There is no charge for the vaccine.
The potential for vaccine boosters has been circulating in the news lately. According to SIUE Health Service, there has been no information shared from Madison County Health Department or Illinois Department of Public Health as to when we will receive approval or guidance regarding the distribution of boosters. We will communicate any updates on this topic as information becomes available.
Town Hall Follow Up
A recording of the Monday, Sept. 20 COVID-19 Town Hall is now available for viewing. Click here to view the recording. Many important questions were asked and answered during that session. We also received a request for statewide breakthrough statistics. A breakthrough occurs when a person who has been fully vaccinated becomes infected with COVID-19. Please find that information at dph.illinois.gov or by clicking here.
We thank you for your attention to and compliance with our COVID-19 protocols and policies.
Please enjoy this Homecoming weekend! Be safe and stay well.
Sincerely,
Randy Pembrook, Chancellor
Denise Cobb, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Jessica Harris, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Rachel Stack, Vice Chancellor for Advancement
Morris Taylor, Vice Chancellor for Administration
Jeffrey Waple, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
