Legislation Updates: Employee Protections and Testing
Posted April 8, 2022
April 8, 2022
SIUE’s campuses are a sight to see, as spring colors begin to burst! I continue to enjoy our interactions and look forward to increased outdoor activities (once this rain/snow mix ends) as we finish the semester.
This week marked our shift to new masking requirements. Thank you for extending grace as we all adjust. Please continue to clearly and openly communicate as we advance together. Remember to keep a mask available for use in required spaces.
Our latest campus data shows a campus positivity rate of 0.39%. A breakdown of results and additional data points is available on our COVID Dashboard.
We continue to monitor changes at the state level and are adjusting accordingly. This week and last, Governor Pritzker moved forward on items related to employee protections and testing.
On April 5, the governor signed legislation requiring public universities to adhere to wage and sick leave protections for employees who are fully vaccinated. We are actively reviewing this legislation and will provide updates as we establish next steps.
On April 1, the governor re-issued the executive order requiring that all higher education students and personnel who are able become vaccinated against COVID-19 or participate in weekly testing. While conditions in the state and region continue to improve, SIUE will continue to follow the requirements around COVID testing as outlined in the executive order. Please schedule a weekly testing appointment here. This on-campus resource is open to all, regardless of vaccination status.
Amid your busy schedules as the semester’s end draws near, remember to also get outside, be active and stay well!
With respect,
James T. Minor, PhD
Chancellor