The information below contains essential information that all students, faculty, and staff must know as we begin the 2022 spring semester. Please take time to read through this document carefully to become familiar with all requirements and protocols in order to comply. Visit https://www.csu.edu/covid19updates/ for continual updates.
As a reminder, if you are experiencing ANY COVID-19 symptoms, STAY HOME and isolate until you are able to receive a test result. This is the most effective way to stop the spread of COVID-19.
As we begin the spring 2022 semester, Chicago State University is taking the following additional measures to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19:
COVID-19 Vaccination and Boosters
As a reminder, due to the Illinois state mandate for higher education, all students, faculty, and staff are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or be subject to testing requirements. Additionally, all individuals eligible for COVID-19 booster shots are strongly encouraged to get one as soon as possible. Your eligibility date for a booster is 5 months after the two-dose Pfizer series, 6 months after the two-dose Moderna series and 2 months after the Johnson & Johnson shot.
CSU will be hosting three vaccination clinics in January 2022. Clinics will have first time vaccination and booster doses available. No appointment is necessary.
● January 11, 12 - 4 pm, First floor dance studio, Jacoby Dickens Center (JDC)
● January 12, 9 am - 1pm, First floor dance studio, Jacoby Dickens Center (JDC)
● January 25, 1 - 5 pm, First floor dance studio, Jacoby Dickens Center (JDC)
COVID-19 Exposure Guidelines
According to Illinois Dept of Public Health, a COVID-19 exposure is defined as being in close contact (within 6 feet) of someone who has tested positive for the virus for more than 15 minutes . Public health guidance recommends the actions below based on the exposed individuals’ vaccination status.
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, please refer to the University Protocol For COVID-19 Confirmed Cases & Symptoms and complete the CSU COVID-19 Report Form.
Non-vaccinated individuals
● You should get tested immediately and if your first test is negative, test again in 5 to 7 days after you were exposed to the virus.
● Stay home and away from people for at least 5 days, day 0 through day 5 after your last close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19. Day 0 is the day you were exposed, day 1 is the following day.
● For 10 days after your last close contact with someone with COVID-19 watch for fever (100.4◦F), cough, shortness breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
● If you develop symptoms, get tested immediately and isolate until you receive test results. If you test positive, follow isolation guidelines. Contact your healthcare provider and complete the CSU COVID-19 Report Form.
● If you test negative you can leave home, but continue to wear a well-fitting mask when around others at home and in public until 10 days after your last close contact with someone with COVID-19.
● If you have symptoms, immediately self-isolate and contact your healthcare provider and complete the CSU COVID-19 Report Form.
Vaccinated individuals
● If you are up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccination series, you do NOT need to quarantine after close contact with someone who has COVID-19 unless you have symptoms. For this purpose, being up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccination series means completion of the initial series for the respective vaccine you have received AND the booster shot.
● You should get tested at least 5 days after close contact exposure, even if you don’t have symptoms.
● You must wear a well-fitting mask indoors on campus property at all times and in public for 10 days following close contact exposure or until your test result is negative.
Protocol if exposed
Describe the exposure through an email sent to coronavirus@csu.edu if you are a student and to abresing@csu.edu if you are an employee. They will help you determine the appropriate course of action.
Surveillance Testing for All Employees
In response to the prevalence of the Omicron variant, CSU will expand surveillance testing to include all students, faculty, and staff, regardless of vaccination status.
Surveillance testing is for all on-campus individuals who are feeling well and not experiencing any symptoms.
Beginning on January 12, CSU will test 20% of our campus weekly to help the University monitor breakthrough and asymptomatic cases throughout our campus community. More detailed information will be sent prior to January 12.
All unvaccinated students, faculty, and staff are still required to test weekly and upload their testing confirmation to Med+Proctor.
Face Masks
CSU’s face mask policy has not changed – anyone on campus is required to wear a mask indoors. The only exception to this is for individuals alone in their private workspaces or during eating/drinking with social distancing. Per updated public health guidance, the University recommends individuals wear a well-fitting disposable mask (not cloth). Disposable masks continue to be available at campus building entrances and for campus spaces; please contact awheeler@csu.edu to obtain PPE for your office or classroom. CSU is reviewing the purchase and distribution of high quality masks on campus. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
We look forward to continuing a strong and healthy academic year and appreciate your vigilance in helping us keep our Cougar community safe!