University News

Preparing for Fall 2022 at WIU

May 4, 2022

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – While the Spring 2022 semester is coming to a close, discussions and reviews of pandemic protocols for the 2022-2023 academic year are currently underway by the Western Illinois University COVID-19 Response Committee.

The expectation remains that members of the University community receive a COVID-19 vaccine (and/or booster(s)) prior to the start of the Fall 2022 semester, which begins Aug. 23. According to Beu Health Center Medical Chief of Staff Dr. Michael Waters, the available COVID-19 vaccinations (and boosters) greatly reduces serious adverse effects of Coronavirus. The CDC noted recently that three (3) doses of mRNA COVID vaccine was 94 percent effective in preventing invasive mechanical ventilation and death due to COVID-19 infection during the Omicron surge of infection.

"One of the best ways to protect yourself from serious adverse effects of viral infections, be it COVID-19, the flu, the mumps, is to get vaccinated. Increased numbers of vaccinated individuals will help us return to, and stay, at normal operations and be able to have in-person events like Homecoming, Commencement and more," Waters added.

To date, the vaccination rate at Western is 88 percent (faculty and staff) and 76 percent (students). Vaccination clinics can be found at bit.ly/FindVaxClinic.

"We greatly appreciate the cooperation of our University community in getting vaccinated, as well as participating in the required test clinics for those who cannot, or will not, receive a COVID-19 vaccination," added John Smith, director of Beu Health Center.

Testing

At this time, Governor Pritzker has extended Executive Order 2021-22, which states that higher education students, faculty and staff who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must continue to be tested at least weekly for COVID-19.

On the Macomb campus, the University will host test clinics throughout the summer beginning Tuesday, May 17 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the University Union Sandburg Lounge.

Individuals on the WIU-QC Campus can pick up a test kit at Riverfront Hall front desk 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays.

Days and times may be adjusted further as necessary.

The University is reviewing its plans and procedures for testing requirements for the 2022-23 academic year, which will be presented later into the summer. Currently, individuals may only opt out of testing if proof of vaccination is provided.

"It was because of your cooperation, especially during the height of the pandemic, that we were able to keep our number of positive cases relatively low so that we could maintain in-person classes and more," Smith added. "We want to ensure that our cases remain low so that we can continue to operate under normal procedures."

Face Coverings

Beginning Wednesday, May 18, 2022, face coverings will be optional (with the exception of Beu Health Center, the University Testing Site, select offices/areas and when requested to wear). All members of the campus community are encouraged to keep a face covering available, and are expected to comply with a request to wear a face covering.

Capacity Limits

A return to normal capacities, including in-person classes, will go into effect at the start of the Fall 2022 semester.

Information

COVID-19-related information and protocols can be found at wiu.edu/coronavirus, at "Return to Campus." Additional protocols and processes will be announced before the beginning of the academic year.

NOTE: WIU protocols, including testing, face coverings, capacities and other measures, could change depending on circumstances and health guidance.


Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing