COVID-19 Information

December 3, 2021 

Dear Campus Community,

‘Tis the season for colds and the flu, and of course, we must add COVID-19 to the list of illnesses that are plaguing individuals. Like the rest of the world, we are paying close attention to the Omicron COVID variant. As we have throughout the pandemic, our decisions will be based upon the best science and data available, and guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control, Illinois Department of Public Heath, and local health officials. We will share additional information as we learn more.   

Upon return from our fall break, we’ve seen an increased number of positive COVID cases impacting our campus community. You can find the latest data on our COVID Dashboard by clicking here. 

Safe Practices and Reporting 
We remind faculty, staff and students to be especially cautious as we near the end of the fall semester and throughout the winter break to maintain their standard “bubble” to the degree possible. Those who travel outside of their “bubble” are asked to please keep the safety of themselves and others in mind. 

Please review the University’s expectations for completing a Self-Reporting Form or a Third Party Reporting Form by clicking here. These submissions help us track cases and work with individuals to ensure our community’s health and safety.  

Testing 
Our required weekly testing protocol for employees and students who are unable or unwilling to receive the vaccine continues in Room 0200 of the Student Success Center in Edwardsville; Building A, Room 1015 in East St. Louis; and Building 280, Room 210 in Alton. This protocol must be adhered to during the week of Dec. 6. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action. Required testing will resume Jan. 3 for employees and Jan. 10 for students. 

In addition to the required weekly testing detailed above, we have developed a voluntary testing schedule for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, during the following weeks: 

·         Finals Week: Monday-Thursday, Dec. 13-16 

• • • 12-6 pm. Edwardsville campus 
    • 12-1 p.m. (Monday only) Alton campus 
    • 12-2 pm. (Tuesday only) East St. Louis campus 

·         December Winter Break: Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 20-22 

• • • 8-10 a.m. Edwardsville campus 
    • 12-1 p.m. (Monday only) Alton campus 
    • 12-2 pm. (Tuesday only) East St. Louis campus  

There is no cost to students, faculty and staff to take a COVID-19 screening test on-campus. We strongly encourage individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to utilize these convenient and effective services available in the lower level of the Student Success Center, School of Dental Medicine and East St. Louis sites.  

For information on the saliva-based test, to schedule an appointment, or to learn more about our testing and screening processes, visit SIUE’s COVID website by clicking here. 

Vaccination and Boosters 
Importantly, the CDC is now recommending booster shots for all fully vaccinated individuals ages 18 and older. Click here to learn more.  

Booster shots and first and second doses of the vaccine are available at a variety of community locations. To find a vaccine, click here. On Dec. 30, the Illinois Heartland Library System will host a free clinic from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at its Edwardsville office. For more information and to schedule an appointment, click here. 

Please remember to conduct a daily wellness self-check before coming to campus. If you are not feeling well, please stay home. Do not come to campus. If you are under quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19, do not leave it early. 

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 University Advancement
Morris Taylor, Vice Chancellor for Administration
Jeffrey Waple, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs