This will be the last COVID-19 Weekly Update of the spring semester. Information will be shared with the campus community over the summer months via email, social media, and the Coronavirus website as Illinois State University finalizes its plans for the Fall 2021 term and new information regarding COVID-19 becomes available from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Today’s update includes information about the Bridge Phase and Phase 5, testing availability during Finals Week and Summer, on-campus vaccination clinics for the public and campus community, and second dose clinics.
Please note: There will be a Pfizer first dose clinic on Thursday, May 13, at the Bone Student Center. Second doses for this clinic will be administered by the McLean County Health Department at the Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington on June 3. Previously scheduled second dose clinics will continue at the Bone Student Center as scheduled, with the last taking place on Thursday, May 27.
Visit Illinois State University’s Coronavirus website for the most up-to-date information and guidance. Questions can be emailed to coronavirus@ilstu.edu.
Bridge Phase and Phase 5
Governor Pritzker announced at a news conference this afternoon that Illinois will move to the Bridge Phase on Friday, May 14, given the state’s improving metrics. Additionally, he anticipates that Illinois will move into Phase 5 as soon as Friday, June 11. Face covering requirements will remain in place. The University continues to follow all public health updates and will make adjustments accordingly to campus operations as a result of updated guidance.
Visit the State of Illinois Coronavirus Response website for more information about the Bridge Phase and Phase 5.
Finals Week and summer COVID-19 testing hours
Finals Week COVID testing hours: Antigen testing for asymptomatic students and employees will be available Monday-Thursday (May 3-6) at the following times and locations:
- 9 a.m.-Noon, Former fire station at 604 N. Adelaide St., Normal
- 1-4 p.m., Temporary building in the parking lot between Watterson Towers and Stevenson Hall
Summer COVID testing for students:
May 7-August 6, students can receive antigen COVID testing Monday-Friday, from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. at Student Health Services. No appointment is necessary to participate in COVID testing.
Summer COVID testing for faculty and staff:
Testing for faculty and staff will end May 6 and resume June 1. Beginning, June 1, testing will be provided Monday-Friday in the temporary building in the parking lot between Watterson Towers and Stevenson Hall. More information about testing for faculty and staff will be provided closer to June 1.
PCR COVID-19 testing remains available for students, faculty, and staff at the Interstate Center testing site, which has reduced days of operation due to changes in public demand. Students testing at this site should share positive test results with Student Health Services by uploading them to the Secure Patient Health Portal. Sharing test results will ensure students have proper documentation for classes, housing, and/or employment.
Students experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms or who believe that they were exposed to a person with COVID-19 should contact Student Health Services at (309) 438-7676 for direction regarding quarantine and/or to schedule an initial screening and make an appointment to be tested. Symptomatic employees should contact their healthcare provider for testing or to make an appointment.
Visit the Student Health Services website for the most up-to-date information about testing.
On-campus vaccination clinics for the public and ISU community
On-campus vaccination clinics are now open to the public and members of the Illinois State community. The May 13 clinic will be the last “first dose” clinic on campus until further notice due to widespread vaccine availability in the community. Individuals receiving a first dose at the May 13 clinic will receive their second dose at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington. Individuals can walk-in or pre-register for this clinic. Individuals who have received a first dose at an on-campus clinic held prior to May 13, will receive their second dose on-campus.
The registration link for the final on-campus vaccination clinic will be available by 3 p.m. on Thursday for next week (i.e., the link for May 13 clinic will become available by 3 p.m. on May 6). The University will receive the Pfizer vaccine for this clinic.
Although the University will make every effort to have the registration link available at approximately 3 p.m., the release time is dependent on the McLean County Health Department (MCHD) and may be subject to change. Individuals are encouraged to periodically check the registration site to see if additional appointments have been added to a clinic.
Students and employees are encouraged to seek additional opportunities for vaccination as on-campus clinics are limited based on vaccine availability. In addition to clinics held on-campus, learn more about MCHD and statewide vaccination sites, as well as review a listing of all vaccination sites in Illinois, which includes local pharmacies. There is no requirement that students and employees be vaccinated on campus.
While participation is not required, all students and employees are strongly encouraged to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Second-dose vaccination clinics
Individuals who participate in on-campus clinics that are staffed by the Illinois National Guard will make their second dose appointment at the clinic. Student Health Services will have very limited involvement in clinics staffed by the Illinois National Guard and should not be contacted regarding questions about Illinois National Guard clinics.
