COVID-19 Information

November 11, 2020

Dear Colleagues:  

With the fall holiday break fast approaching, we wanted to thank you for your continued commitment to students, each other and our collective community. No one was certain what this semester would bring, and we are grateful to you for taking health and safety seriously during the recent months.  

While we have not been immune to the challenges of COVID-19 at SIUE, we have been fortunate in comparison to many institutions. We know you are tired. Tired of restrictions, tired of missing celebrations and events, and tired of wondering when the situation will improve. Unfortunately, we don’t know when that will happen, and now is not the time to let down our guard. 

Stay vigilant. It’s tempting to relax safety measures around family and friends. But COVID-19 is increasing in our region. Please continue to practice the 4 W’s: wear a face covering, watch your distance, wash your hands and wait to expand your bubble. If you are sick, stay home and don’t risk exposing others to illness. 

Socialize safely. We appreciate your commitment to safety practices on campus. Recent increases in COVID-19 cases are linked primarily to social events and gatherings where people are not wearing face coverings and not physically distancing. We know you’ve made sacrifices, and we are all missing loved ones and friends. Please make smart choices and socialize safely with face coverings. 

Don’t bring COVID-19 for the holidays. Consider whether travel and large gatherings beyond your immediate household make sense right now. Please consultCDC and IDPH holiday guidance to inform your decision to engage in higher risk activities, such as shopping in crowded stores or attending large indoor gatherings with people from outside of your household. 

Please review our current policy related to personal travel and quarantine expectations. This policy was put in place to safeguard our campus community and ensure that students and employees remain healthy. This is more important than ever to get us to the end of the semester and beyond. 

Know your status. If you do choose to travel or socialize outside of your household, get a COVID-19 screening test 4-5 days prior to expanding your bubble. As a reminder, a negative test does not remove the obligation to quarantine. You can schedule a screening test at SIUE online here, or get a drive-up test offered by the Madison County Health Department on: 

• Friday, Nov. 13, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Korte Stadium 
• Saturday, Nov. 14, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Parking Lot B next to the Morris University Center 

Return to campus safely. For those of you returning to work on-ground following the Thanksgiving break, please schedule a screening test at SIUE online herewhen you get back and limit your activities to protect our campus community. 

Get creative. We are all craving connection! Reuniting without hugs and kisses isn't anyone’s choice. Remember this is one year in what we hope will be a lifetime of holidays and celebrations. 

We have asked a lot of one another. The stress of living in a pandemic with restrictions and anxiety has impacted all of us. Please, take time to rest during the November break, so we can get our students to the semester finish line. 

Be well. 

Randy Pembrook, Chancellor 

Denise Cobb, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs 

Rachel Stack, Vice Chancellor for Advancement 

Morris Taylor, Vice Chancellor for Administration 

Jeffrey Waple, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs