As the flu season is rapidly approaching and some regions across the U.S. are already experiencing increases in flu cases, health officials at Western Illinois University encourage members of the WIU community to obtain a flu shot to help mitigate the spread this fall and winter.
Flu Shot Clinics (Macomb Campus)
Beu Health Center will hold free flu shot clinics for WIU students in the University Union concourse from 12:30-3 p.m. Oct. 27 and 28, and Nov. 1 and 3. Valid WIU ID required.
For employees, the McDonough County Health Department and surrounding pharmacies offer flu shots for community members. Visit those respective websites for more information.
COVID-19 Test Clinics: Macomb & Moline Campuses
While testing is no longer required for unvaccinated individuals, WIU health and risk management officials encourage continued testing (at least once per week) for all individuals (vaccinated and unvaccinated).
WIU-Macomb asymptomatic students, faculty, and staff can attend free COVID-19 antigen-based (simple nasal swab) testing clinics in the University Union Student Organization Center (SOC) (basement level). Fall test clinics are held from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The University will adjust schedules based on demand and usage. Appointments are not needed; walk-ins welcome.
WIU-QC campus asymptomatic students, faculty, and staff can obtain a test kit at Riverfront Hall reception Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Students who have COVID-19 symptoms, should contact Beu Health Center (309) 298-1888 or their primary care physician. Employees who experience COVID-19 symptoms should contact their primary care physician.
Face Coverings
Individuals visiting Beu Health Center who have cold/respiratory symptoms or other possible infectious communicable diseases must wear a face covering. In addition, mask usage to prevent the spread of COVID is required during periods of high community spread.
Face coverings continue to be required for everyone visiting the University's Macomb test clinic.
In addition, face coverings must be worn at the request of individuals when meeting in the personal work or living spaces. Individual faculty of record may determine that masking will be required in their classrooms and are asked to communicate accordingly with students.
Face coverings remain required for individuals who are exposed to others with COVID-19, test positive for COVID-19, or develop COVID-19 symptoms.
Individuals are expected to comply with requests to wear a face covering in the University's designated locations, a classroom or office space and are subject to being asked to leave and/ or conduct/disciplinary referral.
Please remember that members of our WIU community who prefer to continue masking are welcomed and encouraged to do so.
Misc. Campus Protocols
• Plexiglass shields will remain in place through the end of the Fall 2022 semester.
• Hand sanitizer stations will remain in place until further notice.
• Face covering distribution centers will remain in place. See complete list of centers here: bit.ly/3SG7V3I
Quarantine/Isolation
The University's current quarantine and isolation protocols reflect the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) exposure and isolation guidance.
Individuals who are exposed to an individual with COVID-19 no longer need to quarantine; however, they should monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and wear a face covering indoors when around others for a period of 10 days. On day 6, individuals should take a COVID-19 test.
Regardless of vaccination status, if an individual tests positive for COVID-19, they should isolate for a period of five days. Individuals with no symptoms, may end isolation after day 5, but need to continue to wear a face covering through day 10. If an individual has symptoms and they have improved and are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication), they may end isolation after five days, but need to continue to wear a face covering through day 10. Individuals who experience moderate or severe symptoms, including shortness of breath, hospitalization, or have a weakened immune system should complete a full 10 days of isolation and are encouraged to consult with their primary care provider for additional guidance related to isolation.
Information & Updates
Visit wiu.edu/coronavirus.
Original source can be found here.
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