Continued COVID-19 precautions
September 2, 2022 6:53 PM

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

As you know, this week we have seen an increase in positive COVID-19 cases as we have repopulated the campus for the Fall 2022 semester. We are using on-campus COVID-19 testing capacity and data to track and monitor COVID-19 on our campus and in our community to adjust our approach as necessary. We are looking at the trend lines, clustering and risks with advice from university COVID-19 experts, and we are taking appropriate actions.

We expect to see another increase next week–especially as individuals travel over the Labor Day weekend and then return to campus. After each break, we have experienced these temporary spikes, and because of this we need your help to take COVID-19 precautions. We want to be sure you are informed so you can make the best decisions to maximize the safety and well-being of yourselves and others.

Face coverings are a safe and effective way to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 and free face coverings are available for those who need them at the Illini Union Bookstore. Of course, you know that we have and will continue to strongly recommend everyone wear a face covering at in-person classes during class time. Please consider also wearing them in other indoor locations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has given Champaign County a COVID-19 Community Level of “High,” indicating increased COVID-19 spread in our area. And the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) recently issued a strong recommendation for all community members to wear face coverings in all indoor spaces.

Testing is a critically important part of our multi-layered approach. We are continuing to offer on-campus testing at the Illini Union testing site, and we are working diligently to expand on-campus PCR testing for our faculty, staff and students and their families to provide increased protection. We have also distributed 10,000 antigen tests at locations across campus, and we have ordered 10,000 more to begin distributing next week. If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms or are exposed to COVID-19, please take a test to protect yourself and others.

This is a very difficult time in the pandemic. I understand that we are all very weary of COVID-19 disrupting our university, our community and our lives, and we desperately want to return to our normal routines. Please be vigilant in protecting yourselves and others so that we can all enjoy a wonderful semester together. I am not asking you to not travel to see your families or to socialize, but please consider the risks and how you can protect yourself. I hope you have an enjoyable weekend, and thank you for once again stepping up to take care of one another.

Sincerely,

Robert J. Jones
Chancellor