While Illinois’ masking regulation for some indoor places is expected to be abolished on Feb. 28, the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) will continue to implement the masking requirements.
As the number of cases continues to drop, UIC can now safely reduce some mitigation measures: a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours after attending an in-person event will no longer be required by UIC; and to CDC COVID-19 level 4 nations, essential university travel no longer requires university-level pre-approval.
Key Takeaways:
- The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) has updated its masking, event, and travel guidelines.
- Everyone on campus, regardless of vaccination status, is obliged to wear a mask indoors, including in classrooms.
- COVID-19 university travel guidance, which includes pre- and post-trip counseling and/or assessment, must be followed by faculty, staff, and students.
While UIC waits for updated mask recommendations from the city of Chicago and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they continue to monitor local data trends. UIC expects to make more changes to its COVID-19 protocols in the next few weeks.
The institution has noted that COVID-19 has not been transmitted in their campus, owing to strict adherence to masking, immunization, and contact tracing.
Moreover, implementing guidelines such as not coming to school if a member of the university community is sick or has COVID-19 symptoms has helped in the maintenance of a healthy environment.
Updated COVID-19 guidance
Regardless of vaccination status, everyone on campus is required to wear a mask indoors, even in classrooms.
When an individual is alone in a private office or personal residence hall room, or when a medical condition, handicap, or other reason prevents them from wearing a face mask, exceptions will be in place.
Outside of regular work and classroom responsibilities, UIC continues to enable extracurricular events that bring faculty, staff, and students together.
Event-goers at UIC, however, will no longer need to present documentation of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours after the event. In accordance with city guidelines, UIC will continue to enforce this restriction at university-sponsored events.
Traveling to a CDC COVID-19 level 4 country for essential university business no longer requires prior approval from the vice chancellor for health affairs, provost, or chancellor.
Faculty, staff, and students must continue to follow COVID-19 university travel guidance, which includes pre- and post-trip counseling and/or assessment, as well as unit/department head approval.
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