CARBONDALE – Southern Illinois University – Carbondale chancellor Austin A. Lane
has outlined the universities plan for the second semester in a letter to students, faculty and staff.
Lane said classes will be held in a face-to-face setting with masks (preferably N95 or KN95) required in shared indoor spaces such as classrooms, lobbies and hallways.
He said “Our plan to ensure a safe return to campus from winter break is going well. As of today, about 8,000 tests have been conducted on campus or reported from off campus since Jan. 1. I want to personally thank Salukis who are doing their part to protect our community and provide important data to inform our decisions.
“This week, almost 3,700 Salukis have been tested on campus. Of the 2,778 results available, 271 tested positive for an overall positivity rate of 9.8 percent (six percent for employees and 10.1 percent for students). By comparison, the state positivity rates is 16.7 percent while Jackson County’s is 20.4 percent. Last week, 3,456 Salukis tested on campus; 154 results (4.5 percent) were positive. In addition, 35 residential students out of 1,453 now in the residence halls are isolating on campus. We will continue to provide data on the COVID dashboard page.
“After careful analysis of the data, we have determined we can hold face-to-face classes safely, with health and safety protocols in place. Starting Tuesday, we will resume face-to-face instruction. The requirement to wear masks in shared indoor spaces such as classrooms, lobbies and hallways remains in effect. We will continue to monitor the situation and watch the positivity rates from continued testing, and we will adjust our plans accordingly.
Testing continues
“If you have yet to be tested, plenty of appointments are available between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. tomorrow. Follow the instructions at the bottom of the on-campus testing page. People who make appointments typically move through the line in 10-20 minutes. Next week, we will offer testing Tuesday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wednesday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Thursday, 6 a.m.-2 p.m.
“Hourly employees must be tested on campus. If testing on campus would cause a significant inconvenience, please email pandemicinfo@siu.edu for instructions to upload an off-campus test result. Be aware that results from at-home COVID tests will not be accepted.
“If you have recently tested positive for COVID, upload your information to the Saluki Health Portal. You will not be required to retest for 90 days after the positive result. When the 90 days expire, you will be placed back in the testing protocol (if not fully vaccinated) and required to test weekly.
“Fully vaccinated employees and students must test one time. Starting Tuesday, if you are in the testing protocol, you will be required to test each week, per Gov. Pritzker’s executive order.
Masks are available
“The type of mask you use should comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guide to face masks. We encourage you to double mask or use N95 or KN95 masks.
“If you would like to double mask, cloth masks are available for students at the Dean of Students Office (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays), Student Health Center, the Student Center ID office and the Student Recreation Center. Instructors can pick up cloth and disposable masks at their college deans’ and school directors’ offices.
“If an employee would like to request an additional SIU cloth mask, an online request form is available, and the masks will be sent via campus mail. To request disposable masks for guests or campus members who have forgotten a mask, please email hrbenefits@siu.edu.
“We anticipate our order of N95 masks will arrive this week.
Booster clinic planned
“Vaccines, with boosters, are the best way to prevent serious illness and death. We will host a COVID vaccine booster clinic 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 19-20 at the Student Center Renaissance Room. The Pfizer, Moderna and J&J boosters will be available. To sign up, visit siu.edu/coronavirus. Students and employees who receive a booster shot on campus next week will receive a $5 gift card to Starbucks. If you would like to receive a vaccine, visit vaccines.gov.
“We will post updates to siu.edu/coronavirus. You can send queries to pandemicinfo@siu.edu.”