The following message provides information about the on-campus face covering requirement, KN95 masks, and receiving and uploading booster information. 

Health and safety standards are subject to change and are adopted as a part of the University’s COVID-19 prevention and mitigation strategies as recommended by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

For the most up-to-date information about the University’s approach to COVID-19, visit the Coronavirus website or email Coronavirus@IllinoisState.edu.  

On-campus face covering requirement 

On Wednesday, February 9, the Governor announced that Illinois is on track to lift the public indoor statewide mask requirement, with some exceptions, on Monday, February 28.  At this time, the on-campus indoor face covering requirement remains in place at Illinois State University until further guidance is received regarding how this announcement will impact public higher education in Illinois. Additional information will be provided to the campus community when it is received. 

The University relies on science and the best public health data available provided by public health officials in our decision-making regarding on-campus COVID-19 mitigation efforts. The University will continue this approach to address future ebbs and flows of virus transmission and any necessary mitigation efforts once the Coronavirus pandemic is largely recognized as existing in an endemic state.  

KN95 mask supplies 

The University has a supply of KN95 masks on hand.  At this time, university departments in need of additional KN95 masks can order a supply by using the COVID-19 Supplies Request Form on the Coronavirus Website.   

Students living in on-campus housing can pick up two additional masks at their front desk. Off-campus students and employees can pick up two additional masks from one of these on-campus sites:  

  • Bone Student Center (Welcome Desk, Printing Services Office, Student Involvement Center)  
  • Milner Library Circulation Desk   
  • The Multicultural Center  

Before using the KN95 mask, please review the KN95 Fact Sheet, available on the Environmental Health and Safety website. Face coverings are required inside any facility by order of the Governor’s Office. It is up to the discretion of the wearer which approved face coverings to choose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer insights on masks and respirators.  

Upload proof of booster vaccine  

Individuals are strongly encouraged to obtain and upload proof of a booster vaccine, when they become eligible. Submit booster records as soon as possible to the secure Patient Health Portal.  

As a reminder, the IDPH and CDC recommend a booster shot 5 months after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, and 2 months after receiving the single Johnson & Johnson dose.