Saints United

COVID-19 Update: Fall Semester 2023

COVID-19 Update: August 17, 2022

Dear USF community,

As summer winds down, the USF Crisis Management Team hopes this update finds you refreshed and energized to begin the fall 2022 semester at the University of St. Francis. Before the semester officially begins, please be sure visit the Saints United website to review the university’s updated COVID-19 protocols (which align with the CDC’s current recommendations) that are in place to keep our campus community healthy and safe.

Please also note that this will be the final bi-monthly COVID-19 update issued to the campus community by the Crisis Management Team. Moving forward, updates will be issued on an as-needed basis. However, note that the Saints United website will continue to be used as a primary resource for COVID-19 protocols (with an emphasis on what to do it you test positive for COVID-19) and information on how to locate testing and vaccination opportunities.

Important Updates Regarding Fall 2022 COVID-19 Protocols

1. Demonstrating proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of weekly COVID-19 testing is no longer required.

Last month, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker rescinded Section 4 of Executive Order 2021-22, which required employees and students in higher education settings to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or weekly proof of COVID-19 testing. As a result of this action, USF no longer requires employees/students to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination or weekly proof of COVID-19 testing. Also, as a result of this action, on-campus COVID-19 testing services offered through Summit Medical are longer available. USF thanks Summit Medical for its partnership for the duration of the Executive Order.

2. USF’s quarantine and isolation practices are now aligned with the CDC’s updated quarantine and isolation recommendations.

With the recent changes to the Governor’s Executive Order and with the increase in our COVID-19 vaccinated on-campus population, the USF Crisis Management Team has elected to use this transition period to also update the University’s COVID-19 exposure practices to closely align with the practices recommended by the CDC (which were updated once again this past week and no longer include quarantine practices but that still require testing five days after cases of close contact/exposure).

Please click on the “COVID-19 Protocols” link on the Saints United website to review the updated practices.

Reported COVID-19 Positive Tests/Reported Occurrences of Quarantining

Off-Campus Vaccination & Booster Opportunities in the Joliet Area

If you are interested in scheduling an off-campus vaccination or booster appointment and live near USF, please consider:

1. Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations;
2. Visiting covid.gov;
3. Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
4. Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

Be sure to check with the vaccination/booster provider for possible payment requirements (based on insured/uninsured status) given recent changes in program funding by the federal government.

COVID-19 Testing

Please visit the Will County Health Department’s website for more information on COVID-19 testing sites. You may also consider visiting covid.gov, which includes a link for ordering free at-home COVID-19 test kits.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Employee Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Robert Miller
Director of Facilities

Bill Linz
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Update: August 2, 2022

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team the end-of-month, on-campus COVID-19 data update for July and details on how to find local COVID-19 vaccination/booster and testing opportunities. This and all other updates are available on the Saints United website.

Reported COVID-19 Positive Tests/Reported Occurrences of Quarantining

Off-Campus Vaccination & Booster Opportunities in the Joliet Area

If you are interested in scheduling an off-campus vaccination or booster appointment and live near USF, please consider:

1. Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations;
2. Visiting covid.gov;
3. Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
4. Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

Be sure to check with the vaccination/booster provider for possible payment requirements (based on insured/uninsured status) given recent changes in program funding by the federal government.

COVID-19 Testing

Please visit the Will County Health Department’s website for more information on COVID-19 testing sites. You may also consider visiting covid.gov, which includes a link for ordering free at-home COVID-19 test kits.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Employee Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Robert Miller
Director of Facilities

Bill Linz
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Update: July 20, 2022

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team an important update regarding Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Executive Order 2021-22, which required the presentation of proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of weekly COVID-19 testing by employees and students in higher education settings. Also included in this communication is the mid-month, on-campus COVID-19 data update for July and how to find local vaccination/booster opportunities. These and all other updates are available on the Saints United website.

Important Update Regarding Executive Order 2021-22

On July 12, 2022, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker rescinded Section 4 of Executive Order 2021-22, which required employees and students in higher education settings to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or weekly proof of COVID-19 testing. As a result of this action and effective immediately, USF will no longer require employees/students to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination nor weekly proof of COVID-19 testing. Also as a result of this action, on-campus COVID-19 testing services offered through Summit Medical will no longer be available. USF thanks Summit Medical for its partnership for the duration of the Executive Order.

The USF campus community is still strongly encouraged to be mindful of COVID-19 exposure or the development of COVID-19 symptoms, and should take appropriate action in these cases as outlined in the USF COVID-19 flowchart, which is available on the Saints United website.

Reported COVID-19 Positive Tests/Reported Occurrences of Quarantining

Compliance Rates for Uploading Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination/Weekly Negative Test Results

Off-Campus Vaccination & Booster Opportunities in the Joliet Area

If you are interested in scheduling an off-campus vaccination or booster appointment and live near USF, please consider:

1. Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations;
2. Visiting covid.gov;
3. Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
4. Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

Be sure to check with the vaccination/booster provider for possible payment requirements (based on insured/uninsured status) given recent changes in program funding by the federal government.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Employee Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Robert Miller
Director of Facilities

Bill Linz
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Update: July 5, 2022

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team the end-of-month, on-campus COVID-19 data update for June, along with reminders regarding the re-issuing of Executive Order 2021-22 by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, summer on-campus COVID-19 testing and how to find local vaccination/booster opportunities. These and all other updates are available on the Saints United website.

Reported COVID-19 Positive Tests/Reported Occurrences of Quarantining

Compliance Rates for Uploading Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination/Weekly Negative Test Results

Illinois Governor Extends Executive Order

Higher education employees, students and guests who come to campus for classes/work/activities are currently required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of weekly COVID-19 testing per Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Executive Order 2021-22. The Order was re-issued on June 24, 2022, and now extends through July 24, 2022. As a reminder, USF will continue its compliance with the Executive Order until it either expires or is canceled.

Summer On-Campus COVID-19 Testing

During the summer months, the on-campus COVID-19 testing services offered through Summit Medical (summitmedicalmktg@gmail.com) have been reduced and will only be available on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall). Please note that rapid testing will be the only testing offered.

COVID-19 testing is no longer offered free of charge to uninsured individuals. Insured individuals should be sure to check with their insurance provider to confirm whether or not COVID-19 testing is included in their coverage plan. Note that students, employees and campus guests are still required to either present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 test per the Illinois Governor’s Executive Order.

Other testing options to consider include:

• purchasing over-the-counter testing kits (if you are insured, you may want to check with your insurance provider for possible reimbursement);
• getting tested at a local pharmacy, the Will County Health Department or other local service provider (be sure to check with your insurance provider to confirm whether or not COVID-19 testing is included in your coverage plan), and;
• ordering free testing kits through COVIDtests.gov (restrictions apply).

Off-Campus Vaccination & Booster Opportunities in the Joliet Area

If you are interested in scheduling an off-campus vaccination or booster appointment and live near USF, please consider:

1. Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations;
2. Visiting covid.gov;
3. Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
4. Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

Be sure to check with the vaccination/booster provider for possible payment requirements (based on insured/uninsured status) given recent changes in program funding by the federal government.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Employee Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Robert Miller
Director of Facilities

Bill Linz
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Update: June 22, 2022

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team the mid-month, on-campus COVID-19 data update for June, along with reminders regarding summer on-campus COVID-19 testing and how to find local vaccination/booster opportunities. These and all other updates are available on the Saints United website.

Reported COVID-19 Positive Tests/Reported Occurrences of Quarantining

Compliance Rates for Uploading Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination/Weekly Negative Test Results

Summer On-Campus COVID-19 Testing

During the summer months, the on-campus COVID-19 testing services offered through Summit Medical (summitmedicalmktg@gmail.com) have been reduced and will only be available on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall). Please note that rapid testing will be the only testing offered.

COVID-19 testing is no longer offered free of charge to uninsured individuals. Insured individuals should be sure to check with their insurance provider to confirm whether or not COVID-19 testing is included in their coverage plan. Note that students, employees and campus guests are still required to either present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 test per the Illinois Governor’s Executive Order.

Other testing options to consider include:

• purchasing over-the-counter testing kits (if you are insured, you may want to check with your insurance provider for possible reimbursement);
• getting tested at a local pharmacy, the Will County Health Department or other local service provider (be sure to check with your insurance provider to confirm whether or not COVID-19 testing is included in your coverage plan), and;
• ordering free testing kits through COVIDtests.gov (restrictions apply).

Off-Campus Vaccination & Booster Opportunities in the Joliet Area

If you are interested in scheduling an off-campus vaccination or booster appointment and live near USF, please consider:

1. Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations;
2. Visiting covid.gov;
3. Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
4. Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

Be sure to check with the vaccination/booster provider for possible payment requirements (based on insured/uninsured status) given recent changes in program funding by the federal government.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Employee Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Robert Miller
Director of Facilities

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Update: June 9, 2022

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team the end-of-month, on-campus COVID-19 data update for May, along with reminders regarding summer on-campus COVID-19 testing and how to find local vaccination/booster opportunities. These and all other updates are available on the Saints United website.

Reported COVID-19 Positive Tests/Reported Occurrences of Quarantining

Compliance Rates for Uploading Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination/Weekly Negative Test Results

Summer On-Campus COVID-19 Testing

During the summer months, the on-campus COVID-19 testing services offered through Summit Medical (summitmedicalmktg@gmail.com) have been reduced and will only be available on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall). Please note that rapid testing will be the only testing offered.

COVID-19 testing is no longer offered free of charge to uninsured individuals. Insured individuals should be sure to check with their insurance provider to confirm whether or not COVID-19 testing is included in their coverage plan. Note that students, employees and campus guests are still required to either present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 test per the Illinois Governor’s Executive Order.

Other testing options to consider include:

• purchasing over-the-counter testing kits (if you are insured, you may want to check with your insurance provider for possible reimbursement);
• getting tested at a local pharmacy, the Will County Health Department or other local service provider (be sure to check with your insurance provider to confirm whether or not COVID-19 testing is included in your coverage plan), and;
• ordering free testing kits through COVIDtests.gov (restrictions apply).

Off-Campus Vaccination & Booster Opportunities in the Joliet Area

If you are interested in scheduling an off-campus vaccination or booster appointment and live near USF, please consider:

1. Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations;
2. Visiting covid.gov;
3. Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
4. Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

Be sure to check with the vaccination/booster provider for possible payment requirements (based on insured/uninsured status) given recent changes in program funding by the federal government.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Employee Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Robert Miller
Director of Facilities

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Update: May 19, 2022

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team the mid-month, on-campus COVID-19 data update for May, along with reminders regarding summer on-campus COVID-19 testing and how to find local vaccination/booster opportunities. These and all other updates are available on the Saints United website.

Reported COVID-19 Positive Tests/Reported Occurrences of Quarantining

Compliance Rates for Uploading Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination/Weekly Negative Test Results

Summer On-Campus COVID-19 Testing

During the summer months, the on-campus COVID-19 testing services offered through Summit Medical (summitmedicalmktg@gmail.com) will be reduced for the summer and will only be available on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall). Please note that rapid testing will be the only testing offered.

COVID-19 testing is no longer offered free of charge to uninsured individuals. Insured individuals should be sure to check with their insurance provider to confirm whether or not COVID-19 testing is included in their coverage plan. Note that students, employees and campus guests are still required to either present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 test per the Illinois Governor’s Executive Order.

Other testing options to consider include:

• purchasing over-the-counter testing kits (if you are insured, you may want to check with your insurance provider for possible reimbursement);
• getting tested at a local pharmacy, the Will County Health Department or other local service provider (be sure to check with your insurance provider to confirm whether or not COVID-19 testing is included in your coverage plan), and;
• ordering free testing kits through COVIDtests.gov (restrictions apply).

Off-Campus Vaccination & Booster Opportunities in the Joliet Area

If you are interested in scheduling an off-campus vaccination or booster appointment and live near USF, please consider:

1. Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations;
2. Visiting covid.gov;
3. Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
4. Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

Be sure to check with the vaccination/booster provider for possible payment requirements (based on insured/uninsured status) given recent changes in program funding by the federal government.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Employee Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Robert Miller
Director of Facilities

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Update: May 4, 2022

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team the end-of-month, on-campus COVID-19 data update for April, along with reminders regarding summer on-campus COVID-19 testing and how to find local vaccination/booster opportunities. These and all other updates are available on the Saints United website.

Reported COVID-19 Positive Tests/Reported Occurrences of Quarantining

Compliance Rates for Uploading Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination/Weekly Negative Test Results

Summer On-Campus COVID-19 Testing

Starting Monday, May 9, the on-campus COVID-19 testing services offered through Summit Medical (summitmedicalmktg@gmail.com) will be reduced for the summer and will only be available on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall). Please note that rapid testing will be the only testing offered.

IF YOU ARE INSURED AND TESTING IS INCLUDED IN YOUR COVERAGE PLAN: Please check with your insurance provider to confirm whether or not COVID-19 testing is included in your coverage plan. If you are insured and COVID-19 testing is included in your coverage plan, you will be required to present your insurance card along with a valid driver’s license/state I.D. or a valid passport (USF IDs will not be accepted) when participating in on-campus COVID-19 testing.

IF YOU ARE NOT INSURED OR IF TESTING IS NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR COVERAGE PLAN: If you are not insured or if COVID-19 testing is not included in your coverage plan, you will be required to pay for any on-campus COVID-19 testing. The cost is $49 per Rapid test. Please note that payment will be due prior to the administration of any testing. You will be required to present a valid driver’s license/state I.D. or a valid passport (USF IDs will not be accepted) when participating in on-campus COVID-19 testing.

Other testing options to consider include:

• purchasing over-the-counter testing kits (if you are insured, you may want to check with your insurance provider for possible reimbursement);
• getting tested at a local pharmacy, the Will County Health Department or other local service provider (be sure to check with your insurance provider to confirm whether or not COVID-19 testing is included in your coverage plan), and;
• ordering free testing kits through COVIDtests.gov (restrictions apply).

COVID-19 testing is no longer offered free of charge to uninsured individuals. However, students, employees and campus guests are still required to either present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 test per the Illinois Governor’s Executive Order.

Off-Campus Vaccination & Booster Opportunities in the Joliet Area

If you are interested in scheduling an off-campus vaccination or booster appointment and live near USF, please consider:

1. Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations;
2. Visiting covid.gov;
3. Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
4. Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

Be sure to check with the vaccination/booster provider for possible payment requirements (based on insured/uninsured status) given recent changes in program funding by the federal government.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Employee Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Robert Miller
Director of Facilities

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Update: April 18, 2022

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team the mid-month, on-campus COVID-19 data update for April, along with reminders regarding weekly on-campus COVID-19 testing and how to find local vaccination/booster opportunities. These and all other updates are available on the Saints United website.

Reported COVID-19 Positive Tests/Reported Occurrences of Quarantining

Compliance Rates for Uploading Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination/Weekly Negative Test Results

Reminder – COVID-19 Testing

(NOTE – As of April 29, 2022, Summit Medical will no longer be offering testing at their storefront (1551 Plainfield Road, Joliet, IL 60435). This change does not impact testing offered on-campus at USF.)

As a reminder, on-campus testing provided through Summit Medical (summitmedicalmktg@gmail.com) is scheduled each week as follows:

• Mondays from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall)
• Tuesdays from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. in Assembly Hall (St. Clare Campus)

As a reminder, on-campus COVID-19 testing is no longer offered free of charge to uninsured individuals. However, students, employees and campus guests are still required to either present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 test per the Illinois Governor’s Executive Order. Please check with your insurance provider for terms of coverage.

Other testing options to consider include:

• purchasing over-the-counter testing kits (if you are insured, you may want to check with your insurance provider for possible reimbursement);
• getting tested at a local pharmacy, the Will County Health Department or other local service provider (be sure to check with your insurance provider to confirm whether or not COVID-19 testing is included in your coverage plan), and;
• ordering free testing kits through COVIDtests.gov (restrictions apply).

Off-Campus Vaccination & Booster Opportunities in the Joliet Area

If you are interested in scheduling an off-campus vaccination or booster appointment and live near USF, please consider:

1. Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations;
2. Visiting covid.gov;
3. Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
4. Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

Be sure to check with the vaccination/booster provider for possible payment requirements (based on insured/uninsured status) given recent changes in program funding by the federal government.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Employee Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Robert Miller
Director of Facilities

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Update: April 1, 2022

Dear USF community,

Can you believe it? The spring semester has just five weeks left and will be immediately followed by three spring commencement ceremonies. Thank you for all you continue to do to keep our campuses healthy, even as COVID-19 mitigations are reduced over time.

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team the end-of-month, on-campus COVID-19 data update for March, along with reminders regarding free weekly on-campus COVID-19 testing and how to find local vaccination/booster opportunities. These and all other updates are available on the Saints United website.

Reported COVID-19 Positive Tests/Reported Occurrences of Quarantining

Compliance Rates for Uploading Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination/Weekly Negative Test Results

Reminder – COVID-19 Testing

As communicated last week, on-campus COVID-19 testing is no longer offered free of charge to uninsured individuals. However, students, employees and campus guests are still required to either present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 test per the Illinois Governor’s Executive Order.

IF YOU ARE INSURED AND TESTING IS INCLUDED IN YOUR COVERAGE PLAN: Please check with your insurance provider to confirm whether or not COVID-19 testing is included in your coverage plan. If you are insured and COVID-19 testing is included in your coverage plan, you will be required to present your insurance card along with a valid driver’s license/state I.D. or a valid passport (USF IDs will not be accepted) when participating in on-campus COVID-19 testing.

IF YOU ARE NOT INSURED OR IF TESTING IS NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR COVERAGE PLAN: If you are not insured or if COVID-19 testing is not included in your coverage plan, you will be required to pay for any on-campus COVID-19 testing. The cost is $99 per PCR test and $49 per Rapid test. Please note that payment will be due prior to the administration of any testing. You will be required to present a valid driver’s license/state I.D. or a valid passport (USF IDs will not be accepted) when participating in on-campus COVID-19 testing.

As a reminder, on-campus testing provided through Summit Medical (summitmedicalmktg@gmail.com) is scheduled each week as follows:

• Mondays from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall)
• Tuesdays from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. in Assembly Hall (St. Clare Campus)

Other options to consider include:

• purchasing over-the-counter testing kits (if you are insured, you may want to check with your insurance provider for possible reimbursement);
• getting tested at a local pharmacy, the Will County Health Department or other local service provider (be sure to check with your insurance provider to confirm whether or not COVID-19 testing is included in your coverage plan), and;
• ordering free testing kits through COVIDtests.gov (restrictions apply).

Off-Campus Vaccination & Booster Opportunities in the Joliet Area

If you are interested in scheduling an off-campus vaccination or booster appointment and live near USF, please consider:

1. Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations;
2. Visiting covid.gov;
3. Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
4. Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

Be sure to check with the vaccination/booster provider for possible payment requirements (based on insured/uninsured status) given recent changes in program funding by the federal government.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Employee Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Robert Miller
Director of Facilities

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

Important Update on Free COVID-19 Testing: March 25, 2022

Dear USF community,

This is a message regarding a change with free on-campus COVID-19 testing.

The federal government recently announced that, due to a lack of funding, “the reimbursement of doctors and other medical providers for caring for uninsured individuals will start to be scaled back this month and end completely in early April.” As part of this scaling back and effective as of March 22, 2022, “providers will no longer be able to submit claims for providing these services to uninsured individuals.” This change announcement impacts the free, on-campus COVID-19 testing that has been offered at USF through Summit Medical since last September (as well as all other free COVID-19 testing opportunities).

In light of this change, on-campus COVID-19 testing will no longer be offered free of charge to uninsured individuals. However, students, employees and campus guests are still required to either present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 test per the Illinois Governor’s Executive Order.

• IF YOU ARE INSURED AND TESTING IS INCLUDED IN YOUR COVERAGE PLAN: Please check with your insurance provider to confirm whether or not COVID-19 testing is included in your coverage plan. If you are insured and COVID-19 testing is included in your coverage plan, you will be required to present your insurance card along with a valid driver’s license/state I.D. or a valid passport (USF IDs will not be accepted) when participating in on-campus COVID-19 testing.
• IF YOU ARE NOT INSURED OR IF TESTING IS NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR COVERAGE PLAN: If you are not insured or if COVID-19 testing is not included in your coverage plan, you will be required to pay for any on-campus COVID-19 testing. The cost is $99 per PCR test and $49 per Rapid test. Please note that payment will be due prior to the administration of any testing. You will be required to present a valid driver’s license/state I.D. or a valid passport (USF IDs will not be accepted) when participating in on-campus COVID-19 testing.

As a reminder, on-campus testing is scheduled each week as follows:

• Mondays from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall)
• Tuesdays from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. in Assembly Hall (St. Clare Campus)

Other options to consider include:

• purchasing over-the-counter testing kits (if you are insured, you may want to check with your insurance provider for possible reimbursement);
• getting tested at a local pharmacy, the Will County Health Department or other local service provider (be sure to check with your insurance provider to confirm whether or not COVID-19 testing is included in your coverage plan), and;
• ordering free testing kits through COVIDtests.gov (restrictions apply).

We wanted to make you aware of this important change prior to the next scheduled on-campus COVID-19 testing opportunity. Should any associated announcements from the federal government impact COVID-19 testing funding, we will share that information with you.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Employee Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Robert Miller
Director of Facilities

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Update: March 16, 2022

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team a mid-month, on-campus COVID-19 data update for March, along with reminders regarding free weekly on-campus COVID-19 testing and how to find local vaccination/booster opportunities. These and all other updates are available on the Saints United website.

As a quick reminder, higher education employees, students and guests who come to campus for classes/work/activities are currently required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of weekly COVID-19 testing per Executive Order 2021-22, including any reissuing/extension of the Order.

Reported COVID-19 Positive Tests/Reported Occurrences of Quarantining

Compliance Rates for Uploading Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination/Weekly Negative Test Results

Reminder – Free, Weekly, On-Campus COVID-19 Testing

Don’t forget, Summit Medical provides free, weekly, on-campus, walk-up COVID-19 testing (PCR and Rapid) for USF students and employees. Details regarding the on-campus testing are as follows:

• Mondays from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall)
• Tuesdays from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. in Assembly Hall (St. Clare Campus)

Individuals participating in on-campus testing opportunities must bring with them on the day of testing a valid driver’s license/state I.D. or a valid passport (USF IDs will not be accepted).

Please direct specific questions to Summit Medical at summitmedicalmktg@gmail.com.

Off-Campus Vaccination & Booster Opportunities in the Joliet Area

If you are interested in scheduling an off-campus vaccination or booster appointment and live near USF, please visit the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page or call 815-774-7386. The page is currently offering both walk-in and pre-scheduled vaccination opportunities. Other vaccination opportunities can be identified by:

1. Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations;
2. Visiting vaccines.gov;
3. Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
4. Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Employee Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Robert Miller
Director of Facilities

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Update: March 1, 2022

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team an end-of-month on-campus COVID-19 data update for February, along with reminders regarding recent changes to USF’s COVID-19 safety practices, free weekly on-campus COVID-19 testing and how to find local vaccination/booster opportunities. These and all other updates are available on the Saints United website.

Reported COVID-19 Positive Tests/Reported Occurrences of Quarantining

Compliance Rates for Uploading Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination/Weekly Negative Test Results

Face Coverings

Effective today (Tuesday, March 1, 2022), the wearing of face coverings while indoors and where physical distancing cannot be maintained will be strongly recommended (but no longer required). Please also note:

• Face coverings may be a requirement in classrooms, lab-based classes, activities, athletics spaces and other spaces where instruction and other activities take place dependent on the decision of each individual instructor/coach/sponsor/organizer.
• The wearing of face coverings will still be required of anyone utilizing USF shuttle and other public transportation services (per federal regulations).

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination/Proof of Negative COVID-19 Testing

USF employees, students and guests who come to campus for classes/work/activities will still be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of weekly COVID-19 testing per the Illinois Governor’s Executive Order (including any reissuing/extension of the Order). Should the order expire or be canceled, the Crisis Management Team will provide updated guidance to the USF community at that time.

Reminder – Free , Weekly, On-Campus COVID-19 Testing

Don’t forget, Summit Medical provides free, weekly, on-campus, walk-up COVID-19 testing (PCR and Rapid) for USF students and employees. Details regarding the on-campus testing are as follows:

• Mondays from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall)
• Tuesdays from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. in Assembly Hall (St. Clare Campus)

Individuals participating in on-campus testing opportunities must bring with them on the day of testing a valid driver’s license/state I.D. or a valid passport (USF IDs will not be accepted).

Please direct specific questions to Summit Medical at summitmedicalmktg@gmail.com.

Off-Campus Vaccination & Booster Opportunities in the Joliet Area

If you are interested in scheduling an off-campus vaccination or booster appointment and live near USF, please visit the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page or call 815-774-7386. The page is currently offering both walk-in and pre-scheduled vaccination opportunities. Other vaccination opportunities can be identified by:

1. Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations;
2. Visiting vaccines.gov;
3. Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
4. Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Employee Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Update Regarding Face Coverings – February 28, 2022

Dear USF community,

As COVID-19 mitigations are lessened across Illinois, the Crisis Management Team would like to share with you updates to USF’s COVID-19 safety practices.

Face Coverings

• Effective Tuesday, March 1, 2022, the wearing of face coverings while indoors and where physical distancing cannot be maintained will be strongly recommended (but no longer required).
• Face coverings may be a requirement in classrooms, lab-based classes, activities, athletics spaces and other spaces where instruction and other activities take place dependent upon the decision of each individual instructor/coach/sponsor/organizer.
• The wearing of face coverings will still be required of anyone utilizing USF shuttle and other public transportation services (per federal regulations).

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination/Proof of Negative COVID-19 Testing

• USF employees, students and guests who come to campus for classes/work/activities will still be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of weekly COVID-19 testing per the Illinois Governor’s Executive Order (including any reissuing/extension of the Order). Should the order expire or be canceled, the Crisis Management Team will provide updated guidance to the USF community at that time.

Continue to Be Saints United

Please note that an increase in USF COVID-19 safety practices remains a possibility in the event that on-campus or regional COVID-19 case numbers surge. As we begin to approach Spring Break, we ask that you continue to practice good hand hygiene, exercise appropriate physical distancing, and that you take immediate, appropriate action in the event you develop COVID-19 symptoms. These practices continue to hold a critical role in our collective efforts to maintaining a healthy and safe campus environment. As always, these and all COVID-19 updates are available at stfrancis.edu/saints-united.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Employee Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Mid-Month Update – February 16, 2022

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team a mid-month on-campus COVID-19 data update for February, along with reminders regarding free weekly on-campus COVID-19 testing and how to find local vaccination/booster opportunities. These and all other updates are available on the Saints United website.

Your Efforts Continue to Matter

As the overall number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois continues to decline, talk of pending decreases in COVID-19 mitigation efforts across the State at the end of the month becomes more frequent. This news is promising and gives us hope that a “return to normal” might not be too far off into the future. We want to applaud and recognize you, the USF community, for your collective efforts to keep our campuses safe and healthy. Your adherence to USF’s COVID-19 safety measures has made and continues to make a difference.

While you might see mitigation efforts being reduced in various locations across the State over the coming weeks, please know that USF plans to continue with its COVID-19 safety measures until the science and guidance upon which these practices are based indicate that reducing our on-campus mitigations can be done safely. USF will also continue its adherence to the Governor’s Executive Order until it expires or is canceled. Again, these efforts help us, as Saints United, keep each other safe, healthy, and on-campus for classes, work and activities.

Reported COVID-19 Positive Tests/Reported Occurrences of Quarantining

Compliance Rates for Uploading Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination/Weekly Negative Test Results

Reminder – Free , Weekly, On-Campus COVID-19 Testing

Don’t forget, Summit Medical provides free, weekly, on-campus, walk-up COVID-19 testing (PCR and Rapid) for USF students and employees. Details regarding the on-campus testing are as follows:

• Mondays from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall)
• Tuesdays from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. in Assembly Hall (St. Clare Campus)

Individuals participating in on-campus testing opportunities must bring with them on the day of testing a valid driver’s license/state I.D. or a valid passport (USF IDs will not be accepted).

Please direct specific questions to Summit Medical at summitmedicalmktg@gmail.com.

Off-Campus Vaccination & Booster Opportunities in the Joliet Area

If you are interested in scheduling an off-campus vaccination or booster appointment and live near USF, please visit the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page or call 815-774-7386. The page is currently offering both walk-in and pre-scheduled vaccination opportunities. Other vaccination opportunities can be identified by:

1. Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations;
2. Visiting vaccines.gov;
3. Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
4. Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Employee Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 End-of-Month Update – February 1, 2022

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team an end-of-month on-campus COVID-19 data update for January, along with reminders regarding free weekly on-campus COVID-19 testing and how to find local vaccination/booster opportunities. These and all other updates are available on the Saints United website.

Before we share this month’s data, please be reminded that while the area’s COVID-19 positivity rate is beginning to decline, it remains crucial in our attempt to maintain a safe and healthy learning/work environment that we continue to adhere to our COVID-19 safety practices. By wearing a face covering, maintaining physical distancing, practicing good hand hygiene, and taking action when exposed to COVID-19 or when first experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, we continue to work together as Saints United to keep each other safe and healthy. Thank you in advance for your continued efforts!

Reported COVID-19 Positive Tests/Reported Occurrences of Quarantining

Compliance Rates for Uploading Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination/Weekly Negative Test Results

Reminder – Free , Weekly, On-Campus COVID-19 Testing

Don’t forget, Summit Medical provides free, weekly, on-campus, walk-up COVID-19 testing (PCR and Rapid) for USF students and employees. Details regarding the on-campus testing are as follows:

• Mondays from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall)
• Tuesdays from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. in Assembly Hall (St. Clare Campus)

Individuals participating in on-campus testing opportunities must bring with them on the day of testing a valid driver’s license/state I.D. or a valid passport (USF IDs will not be accepted).

Please direct specific questions to Summit Medical at summitmedicalmktg@gmail.com.

Off-Campus Vaccination & Booster Opportunities in the Joliet Area

If you are interested in scheduling an off-campus vaccination or booster appointment and live near USF, please visit the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page or call 815-774-7386. The page is currently offering both walk-in and pre-scheduled vaccination opportunities. Other vaccination opportunities can be identified by:

• Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations;
• Visiting vaccines.gov;
• Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
• Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Employee Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Mid-Month Update – January 18, 2022

Dear USF community,

This first update for the spring 2022 semester contains mid-month COVID-19 data for January (as well as end-of-month data for December), a reminder about free on-campus COVID-19 testing, and details on finding vaccination and booster opportunities. These and all other updates are available on the Saints United website.

While we do see a rise in numbers as reported in the following table, much of this time was spent away from campus. Let us please keep each other safe by faithfully and properly wearing face coverings, observing physical distance guidelines, and testing promptly if exhibiting symptoms.

Reported COVID-19 Positive Tests/Reported Occurrences of Quarantining

Compliance Rates for Uploading Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination/Weekly Negative Test Results

Free Weekly On-Campus COVID-19 Testing

The Crisis Management Team has arranged through Summit Medical (1551 Plainfield Road, Unit 1C, Joliet, IL 60435) free, weekly, on-campus, walk-up COVID-19 testing (PCR and Rapid) for USF students and employees (subject to change). Details regarding the on-campus testing are as follows:

• Mondays from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall)
• Tuesdays from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. in Assembly Hall (St. Clare Campus)

Thank you for your collective efforts as Saints United as we continue to work together to provide a safe and healthy campus environment.

Vaccination & Booster Information

Thank you to those campus community members who participated in the on-campus, walk-up COVID-19 vaccine booster clinic on Friday, January 14. As a reminder, you may also identity COVID-19 booster and vaccination opportunities by:

1. Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations;
2. Visiting vaccines.gov;
3. Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
4. Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

For information on booster eligibility, please click here to visit the CDC’s COVID-19 booster information page.

If you choose to receive a COVID-19 booster vaccine, you do not have to report it to USF. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Executive Order requires proof of either full vaccination or a weekly negative test. Booster vaccines are not a component of the current mandate.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Employee Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID Update & Booster Clinic Information – January 11, 2022

Dear USF community,

Welcome to the spring 2022 semester at USF! Although the next mid-month COVID-19 update will be issued next week, we want to take this opportunity now to share some important information with you.

COVID-19 Booster Clinic at USF on Friday, January 14

USF, in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), will host a free, walk-up COVID-19 booster clinic on Friday, January 14, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Assembly Hall on the St. Clare Campus. The clinic will offer booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccines. Please note that this clinic is for USF students and employees only.

Individuals participating in this clinic must bring with them a valid driver’s license/state I.D. or a valid passport (USF IDs will not be accepted) and their COVID-19 vaccination card.

For information on booster eligibility, please click here to visit the CDC’s COVID-19 booster information page. As a reminder, you currently do not have to report your booster status to USF. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s current Executive Order requires proof of either full vaccination or a weekly negative test. Booster vaccines are not a component of the current Order, but are strongly encouraged.

Updated CDC Quarantine and Isolated Guidelines

As you may have heard, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recently updated quarantine and isolation guidelines. Please know that these updated recommendations are not specific to higher education settings.

Any updated/new guidance that affects USF will be shared through the regular mid-month and end-of-month updates and on the Saints United website.

Schedule Change for Free Weekly On-Campus COVID-19 Testing

Free, weekly on-campus COVID-19 testing services resumed yesterday. However, please note the updated timeframe for services offered every Monday in Bernie’s Pub:

• Mondays from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall)
• Tuesdays from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. in Assembly Hall (St. Clare Campus)

Please also note that the requirement (per the Governor’s Executive Order) of uploading proof of COVID-19 vaccination or weekly, negative COVID-19 test results resumes the week of January 10, 2022.

Thank you for your collective efforts as Saints United as we continue to work together to provide a safe and healthy campus environment.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Employee Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Mid-Month Update – December 16, 2021

Dear USF community,

As we begin this update, the Crisis Management Team would like to say “thank you” for your collective efforts as Saints United to make the fall 2021 semester a successful and healthy one. Your adherence to USF’s COVID-19 safety protocols truly makes a difference and is very much appreciated.

This update contains a mid-month on-campus COVID-19 data update for December, details on adjusted availability of on-campus COVID-19 testing during Winter Break, an on-campus booster clinic in January, and the Involvio COVID-19 symptom-screening app/website being deactivated in the near future. These and all other updates are available on the Saints United website.

Reported COVID-19 Positive Tests/Reported Occurrences of Quarantining

Again, USF is responsible to report any cases of COVID-19 to the State. STUDENTS WHO TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 MUST REPORT THIS to the Wellness Center (click here to complete the online reporting form). EMPLOYEES WHO TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 MUST REPORT THIS to the Human Resources Office by email at hr@stfrancis.edu and MUST NOTIFY her/his supervisor.

Compliance Rates for Uploading Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination/Weekly Negative Test Results

On-Campus COVID-19 Testing Opportunities during Winter Break

Because a large number of students and employees will not be coming to campus during Winter Break, please note that the schedule for weekly, on-campus COVID-19 testing opportunities provided through Summit Medical has been reduced to the following dates/times/site:

• Monday December 20, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub
  (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall)
• Monday, December 27, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub
  (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall)
• Monday, January 3, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub
  (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall)

Individuals participating in on-campus testing opportunities must bring with them on the day of testing a valid driver’s license/state I.D. or a valid passport (USF IDs will not be accepted). These testing opportunities are open to all USF students/employees during Winter Break (regardless of whether or not you plan to come to campus for work/activities) and beyond.

The regular schedule for free testing opportunities will resume on Monday, January 10, 2022 as follows:

• Mondays from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall)
• Tuesdays from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. in Assembly Hall (St. Clare Campus)

Please also note that the requirement (per the Governor’s Executive Order) of presenting proof of COVID-19 vaccination or weekly, negative COVID-19 test results will resume the week of January 10, 2022.

On-Campus Booster Clinic

USF has arranged through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to host an on-campus, walk-in, COVID-19 booster clinic for students and employees on Friday, January 14, 2022, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Assembly Hall on the St. Clare Campus. You may check booster eligibility by clicking here. Reminders regarding the clinic will be included in upcoming COVID-19 updates from USF.

You may also identity COVID-19 booster and vaccination opportunities by:

1. Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations;
2. Visiting vaccines.gov;
3. Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
4. Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

If you choose to receive a COVID-19 booster vaccine, you do not have to report it to USF. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Executive Order requires proof of either full vaccination or a weekly negative test. Booster vaccines are not a component of the current mandate.

Deactivation of the Involvio App/Website

The USF community is asked to note the Involvio COVID-19 symptom-screening app/website currently offered through USF will no longer be active as of January 1, 2022. If you would like to continue using an online COVID-19 personal symptom-screening tool, one free option is the Coronavirus Self-Checker offered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Again, the Crisis Management Team thanks you for your collective efforts as Saints United to make the fall 2021 semester a successful and healthy one. We wish you a safe and blessed holiday season and look forward to the start of a successful and healthy spring semester on Monday, January 10, 2022.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Employee Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 End-of-Month Update – November 30, 2021

IMPORTANT REMINDER: USF is responsible to report any cases of COVID-19 to the State. STUDENTS WHO TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 MUST REPORT THIS to the Wellness Center (click here to complete the online reporting form). EMPLOYEES WHO TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 MUST REPORT THIS to the Human Resources Office by email at hr@stfrancis.edu and MUST NOTIFY her/his supervisor.

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team an end-of-month on-campus COVID-19 data update for November, details on the Involvio COVID-19 symptom-screening app/website, booster reporting, and how to find local vaccination/booster opportunities. These and all other updates are available on the Saints United website.

Reported COVID-19 Positive Tests/Reported Occurrences of Quarantining

Again, USF is responsible to report any cases of COVID-19 to the State. STUDENTS WHO TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 MUST REPORT THIS to the Wellness Center (click here to complete the online reporting form). EMPLOYEES WHO TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 MUST REPORT THIS to the Human Resources Office by email at hr@stfrancis.edu and MUST NOTIFY her/his supervisor.

Compliance Rates for Uploading Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination/Weekly Negative Test Results

Don’t forget, Summit Medical provides free, weekly, on-campus, walk-up COVID-19 testing (PCR and Rapid) for USF students and employees. Details regarding the on-campus testing are as follows:

• Mondays from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall)
• Tuesdays from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. in Assembly Hall (St. Clare Campus)

Individuals participating in on-campus testing opportunities must bring with them on the day of testing a valid driver’s license/state I.D. or a valid passport (USF IDs will not be accepted).

Please direct specific questions to Summit Medical at summitmedicalmktg@gmail.com.

Involvio Shutting Down

The USF community is asked to note the Involvio COVID-19 symptom-screening app/website currently offered through USF will no longer be active as of January 1, 2022. If you would like to continue using an online COVID-19 personal symptom-screening tool, one free option is the Coronavirus Self-Checker offered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

COVID Booster Reporting

If you choose to receive a COVID-19 booster vaccine (click here to check eligibility), you do not have to report it to USF. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Executive Order requires proof of either full vaccination or a weekly negative test. Booster vaccines are not a component of the current mandate.

Off-Campus Vaccination & Booster Opportunities in the Joliet Area

If you are interested in scheduling an off-campus vaccination or booster appointment and live near USF, please visit the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page or call 815-774-7386. The page is currently offering both walk-in and pre-scheduled vaccination opportunities. Other vaccination opportunities can be identified by:

1. Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations.
2. Visiting vaccines.gov.
3. Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.).
4. Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

Thank you for helping to keep our campuses healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Government Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Mid-Month Update – November 16, 2021

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team a mid-month on-campus COVID-19 data update for November, along with information on the upcoming on-campus flu vaccine clinic, holiday season guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), booster reporting, and how to find local vaccination/booster opportunities. These and all other updates are available on the Saints United web site.

Reported COVID-19 Positive Tests/Reported Occurrences of Quarantining

As a reminder, USF is responsible to report any cases of COVID-19 to the State. STUDENTS WHO TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 MUST REPORT THIS to the Wellness Center (click here to complete the online reporting form). EMPLOYEES WHO TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 MUST REPORT THIS to the Human Resources Office by email at hr@stfrancis.edu and MUST NOTIFY her/his supervisor.

Compliance Rates for Uploading Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination/Weekly Negative Test Results

On-Campus Flu Vaccine Clinic

On Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., pharmacists from Jewel-Osco will be in the Wellness Center (Tower Hall, Room 213) administering the seasonal flu vaccine.

Appointments are required and can be scheduled either by visiting the Wellness Center (Tower Hall – Room S213) or by emailing ppeterson@stfrancis.edu.

Please bring your insurance card and photo ID with you to your appointment. Most insurances cover the cost of the vaccine (the cost of the vaccine without insurance is $23).

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, “the best way to reduce your risk from seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated every year.” Visit cdc.gov/flu/prevent/index.html for more information.

IDPH Holiday Season Guidance

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recently issued the following update regarding holiday season guidance that we want to share with the USF community:

Travel safety considerations:

• Delay travel until you are fully vaccinated, or wait until you get a booster shot if eligible
• If you’re not fully vaccinated, test 1-3 days before and 3-5 days after traveling
• Travel during off-peak times to avoid crowds
• Drive a private vehicle to reduce exposure to COVID-19
• If using public transportation, try to travel during non-peak times. Masks are required on/in all areas of mass transit

Guests and gatherings:

• Keep indoor gatherings small
• Arrange seating and other areas to allow for physical distance
• Increase air flow by opening windows and/or doors
• Avoid having people congregate, such as in the kitchen or at the buffet
• Clean and sanitize the kitchen, bathrooms, and other areas used by guests

People who are sick with fever, cough, or other symptoms of COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, should not travel or gather for holiday events during that time.

More information on COVID-19 Holiday Season Safety can be found on the IDPH website at dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance.html.

(Please note that these are considerations from the IDPH and not requirements from USF. Our goal is to keep our campus community safe and healthy, which is supported by adherence to safe COVID-19 practices both while on and away from campus.)

COVID Booster Reporting

If you choose to receive a COVID-19 booster vaccine (click here to check eligibility), you do not have to report it to USF. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Executive Order requires proof of either full vaccination or a weekly negative test. Booster vaccines are not a component of the current mandate.

Off-Campus Vaccination & Booster Opportunities in the Joliet Area

If you are interested in scheduling an off-campus vaccination or booster appointment and live near USF, please visit the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page or call 815-774-7386. The page is currently offering both walk-in and pre-scheduled vaccination opportunities. Other vaccination opportunities can be identified by:

1. Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations
2. Visiting vaccines.gov
3. Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.)
4. Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options

Thank you for helping to keep our campuses healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Government Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 End-of-Month Update – November 1, 2021

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team an end-of-month on-campus COVID-19 data update for October, along with information on an upcoming on-campus flu shot clinic, a reminder regarding free weekly on-campus COVID-19 testing opportunities, details on COVID-19 vaccine booster shot eligibility, and how to find local vaccination/booster opportunities. These and all other updates are available on the Saints United web site.

Reported COVID-19 Positive Tests/Reported Occurrences of Quarantining

As a reminder, USF is responsible to report any cases of COVID-19 to the State. STUDENTS WHO TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 MUST REPORT THIS to the Wellness Center (click here to complete the online reporting form). EMPLOYEES WHO TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 MUST REPORT THIS to the Human Resources Office by email at hr@stfrancis.edu and MUST NOTIFY her/his supervisor.

Compliance Rates for Uploading Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination/Weekly Negative Test Results

On-Campus Flu Shot Clinic

The Wellness Center is currently working with the Jewel-Osco Pharmacy to organize an on-campus flu shot clinic. Details about the clinic will be shared through USF email, so please check your inbox for upcoming announcements.

Free Weekly On-Campus COVID-19 Testing

Our campus community has utilized the free on-campus COVID-19 testing opportunities offered through Summit Medical regularly. To date, close to 500 tests have been administered since September 20, 2021. As a reminder, these on-campus testing opportunities include:

• Mondays from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall)
• Tuesdays from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. in Assembly Hall (St. Clare Campus)

A listing of other free COVID-19 testing sites is available on the Will County Health Department web site and on the Illinois Department of Public Health web site.

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot Eligibility

(from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) Certain people are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot, including those who received Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccines. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.

For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series:

• 65 years and older
• Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
• Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
• Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

For the nearly 15 million people who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.

Additional populations may be recommended to receive a booster shot as more data becomes available.

For more information, please visit the CDC’s booster shot information web page.

Off-Campus Vaccination & Booster Opportunities in the Joliet Area

If you are interested in scheduling an off-campus vaccination or booster appointment and live near USF, please visit the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page or call 815-774-7386. The page is currently offering both walk-in and pre-scheduled vaccination opportunities. Other vaccination opportunities can be identified by:

1. Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations;
2. Visiting vaccines.gov;
3. Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
4. Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

Thank you for helping to keep our campuses healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Government Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Mid-Month Update – October 15, 2021

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team an updated, mid-month data picture of reported COVID-19 positive tests among USF students and employees, as well as reported occurrences of students and employees quarantining. New for this update is the reporting of overall student and employee compliance rates for uploading proof of COVID-19 vaccination/weekly negative COVID-19 test results by individuals who come to campus for classes/work/activities. This update also includes reminders on the free weekly on-campus COVID-19 testing opportunities, uploading your respective form of COVID-19 vaccination/testing proof over Fall Break, and how to find local vaccination opportunities. These and all other updates are available on the Saints United web site.

Reported COVID-19 Positive Tests/Reported Occurrences of Quarantining

As a reminder, USF is responsible to report any cases of COVID-19 to the State. STUDENTS WHO TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 MUST REPORT THIS to the Wellness Center (click here to complete the online reporting form). EMPLOYEES WHO TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 MUST REPORT THIS to the Human Resources Office by email at hr@stfrancis.edu and MUST NOTIFY her/his supervisor.

Compliance Rates for Uploading Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination/Weekly Negative Test Results

Free Weekly On-Campus COVID-19 Testing

Please note the following location updates for the free weekly on-campus COVID-19 testing opportunities offered through Summit Medical:

• Mondays from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. in (new location) Bernie’s Pub (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall)
• Tuesdays from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. in Assembly Hall (St. Clare Campus)

During the week of Fall Break (October 18-22), please note the adjusted hours of these testing opportunities:

• Monday, October 18 from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall)
• Tuesday, October 19 from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. in Assembly Hall (St. Clare Campus)

Uploading Proof of Negative COVID-19 Testing during Fall Break

Individuals who upload weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 test are reminded to comply with this requirement during the week of Fall Break. This consistency of practice will continue to support our collective efforts to maintain safe and healthy campuses. As a reminder, uploading instructions are available at www.stfrancis.edu/saints-united. A listing of free COVID-19 testing sites can be found on the Will County Health Department web site and on the Illinois Department of Public Health web site.

Off-Campus Vaccination Opportunities in the Joliet Area

If you are interested in scheduling an off-campus vaccination appointment and live near USF, please visit the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page or call 815-774-7386. The page is currently offering both walk-in and pre-scheduled vaccination opportunities. Other vaccination opportunities can be identified by:

• Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations;
• Visiting vaccines.gov;
• Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
• Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

We wish you a safe and healthy fall break and look forward to the second half of the fall 2021 semester.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Government Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

Important COVID-19 Updates & Reminders – October 12, 2021

Dear USF community,

Please note the following important COVID-19 updates and reminders. This communication is in addition to the mid-month update that will be shared later this week.

Free Weekly On-Campus COVID-19 Testing

Please note the following location updates for the free weekly on-campus COVID-19 testing opportunities offered through Summit Medical:

• Mondays from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall)
• Tuesdays from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. in Assembly Hall (St. Clare Campus)

During the week of Fall Break (October 18-22), please note the adjusted hours of these testing opportunities:

• Monday, October 18 from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. in Bernie’s Pub (1st floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall)
• Tuesday, October 19 from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. in Assembly Hall (St. Clare Campus)

Uploading Proof of Negative COVID-19 Testing during Fall Break

Individuals who upload weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 test are reminded to comply with this requirement during the week of Fall Break. This consistency of practice will continue to support our collective efforts to maintain safe and healthy campuses. As a reminder, uploading instructions are available at stfrancis.edu/saints-united.

Thank you again for your efforts to keep our campuses safe and healthy. Remember, we are SAINTS UNITED!

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Government Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 End-of-Month Update – October 1, 2021

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team the end-of-month COVID-19 update for September. This update includes new COVID-19 campus guest protocols, followed by a data picture for September of reported COVID-19 positive tests among USF students and employees, as well as reported occurrences of students and employees quarantining. The update also includes reminders regarding free on-campus COVID-19 testing, instructions on how to upload your proof of COVID-19 test results or vaccination to the USF portal, and resources to help you find a vaccination opportunity in the Joliet area. These and all other updates are available on the Saints United web site.

COVID-19 Campus Guest Protocols

In an effort to ensure a safe campus community, and in full compliance with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Executive Order 2021-22, campus guests are required to adhere to the University’s COVID-19 safety protocols, which match the Governor’s executive order and include the wearing of a face covering (ages 2 and older) and the practicing of appropriate physical distancing while indoors. While outdoors, face coverings are not required as long as appropriate physical distancing is maintained. Campus guests who are 18 and older are also required to check-in and present upon arrival proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test dated within one week of their visit to campus (for both indoor and outdoor visits/events). Photos of forms of proof are acceptable. Excluded from this requirement is anyone making a campus delivery or who will be on campus for a total of 15 minutes or less over a period of seven days. Individuals who are not willing to comply with the Governor’s Executive Order and matching USF safety protocols for COVID-19 will be asked to leave campus immediately and risk being banned from future campus events including athletic contests and commencement.

Campus Guest Check-In Requirements

During the regular business hours of Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., individual campus guests and small groups should check-in and present their proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test at:

• Main Joliet Campus: Welcome Center (2^nd floor, Motherhouse) or the Security Desk (1^st floor, Tower Hall)
• Clare Campus: Security Desk (1^st floor, Guardian Angel Hall)
• Bonaventure Campus/Plaster Center (1^st floor, Plaster Center)

Outside of regular business hours and on holidays, individual campus guests and small groups should check-in and present their proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test at:

• Main Campus: Security Desk (1^st floor, Tower Hall)

NOTE: If you are planning an event that will welcome 30 or more guests to campus, please contact Jason Williams, Director of Safety & Security, at 815-740-3200 or jwilliams@stfrancis.edu to request that a member of the Security Office staff is present at check-in for your event. Additionally, you will be asked to maintain a sign-in log (provided by the Security Office) to assist in any potential contact tracing efforts.

COVID-19 Data Update

Free On-Campus COVID-19 Testing

The Crisis Management Team has arranged, through Summit Medical (1551 Plainfield Road, Unit 1C, Joliet, IL 60435), to provide free, weekly, on-campus, walk-up COVID-19 testing (PCR and Rapid) for USF students and employees. Details regarding the free on-campus testing are as follows:

• Mondays from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. in San Damiano Hall (3^rd floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall)
• Tuesdays from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. in Assembly Hall (St. Clare Campus)

On the day of testing, participating individuals must bring with them a valid driver’s license/state I.D. or a valid passport (USF IDs will not be accepted).

Please direct specific questions to Summit Medical at summitmedicalmktg@gmail.com.

Instructions for Uploading Your Proof of Vaccination or Testing

In accordance with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Executive Order 2021-22, higher education employees and students who come to campus for class/work/activities must now provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of weekly COVID-19 testing. Instructions on how to submit your form of proof to the USF portal are provided below:

STUDENTS

1. Log into the USF portal (through the link at the top of stfrancis.edu).
2. On the left side of the page, click on Departments.
3. Click on Counseling and Wellness Center.
4. Click on Required Health Forms for Students.
5. Scroll down to Instructions at the bottom of the page and click on Submitting Health Records.
6. Follow the instructions from the downloaded document. Following the upload, you will receive a confirmation email through your USF email account.

EMPLOYEES

1. Log into the USF portal (through the link at the top of stfrancis.edu).
2. On the left side of the page, click on Departments.
3. Click on Human Resources.
4. Click on COVID-19 Employee Record Uploader.
5. Click on COVID-19 Employee Record Uploader (again).
6. Select and attach the record type you want to upload (vaccination record or test result).
7. Click on the Submit button. Following the upload, you will receive a confirmation email through your USF email account.

Off-Campus Vaccination Opportunities in the Joliet Area

If you are interested in scheduling an off-campus vaccination appointment and live near USF, please visit the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page or call 815-774-7386. The page is currently offering both walk-in and pre-scheduled vaccination opportunities. Other vaccination opportunities can be identified by:

• Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations;
• Visiting vaccines.gov;
• Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
• Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

As we begin to approach the mid-way point of the fall 2021 semester, we thank you for your commitment to keeping our campuses healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Government Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration & University Ministry

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Mid-Month Update – September 15, 2021

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team an updated, mid-month data picture of reported COVID-19 positive tests among USF students and employees, as well as reported occurrences of students and employees quarantining. These and all other updates are available on the Saints United web site. Also, please read beyond the data update for instructions for uploading your proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test to the USF portal, details regarding free on-campus COVID-19 testing, and information on the follow-up vaccination clinic on September 24.

Instructions for Uploading Your Proof of Vaccination or Testing

In accordance with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Executive Order 2021-22, higher education employees and students who come to campus for class/work/activities must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of weekly COVID-19 testing, effective on Sunday, September 19. Individuals who are unable or unwilling to receive their first dose of vaccine by September 19 are required to submit proof of COVID-19 on a weekly basis (please submit your proof of vaccine or test to the USF portal by the end of the day on September 18 if you have not already done so). Instructions on how to submit your form of proof to the USF portal are provided below:

STUDENTS

1. Log into the USF portal (through the link at the top of stfrancis.edu).
2. On the left side of the page, click on Departments.
3. Click on Counseling and Wellness Center.
4. Click on Required Health Forms for Students.
5. Scroll down to Instructions at the bottom of the page and click on Submitting Health Records.
6. Follow the instructions from the downloaded document.

EMPLOYEES

1. Log into the USF portal (through the link at the top of stfrancis.edu).
2. On the left side of the page, click on Departments.
3. Click on Human Resources.
4. Click on COVID-19 Employee Record Uploader.
5. Click on COVID-19 Employee Record Uploader (again).
6. Select and attach the record type you want to upload (vaccination record or test result).
7. Click on the Submit button.

Following the upload, you will receive a confirmation email through your USF email account.

Free On-Campus COVID-19 Testing

The Crisis Management Team has arranged for an opportunity through Summit Medical (1551 Plainfield Road, Unit 1C, Joliet, IL 60435) to provide free, weekly, on-campus, walk-up COVID-19 testing (PCR and Rapid) for USF students and employees. Details regarding the on-campus testing are as follows:

• Mondays from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. in San Damiano Hall (3^rd floor, Motherhouse/Donovan Hall)
• Tuesdays from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. in Assembly Hall (St. Clare Campus)

Individuals participating in on-campus testing opportunities must bring with them on the day of testing a valid driver’s license/state I.D. or a valid passport (USF IDs will not be accepted).

Please direct specific questions to Summit Medical at summitmedicalmktg@gmail.com.

Follow-Up Vaccination Clinic

Individuals who participated in the on-campus vaccination clinic on Friday, September 3, and received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are reminded that a follow-up vaccination clinic for administration of the second dose of that vaccine is scheduled for Friday, September 24, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Assembly Hall on the St. Clare Campus. Please be sure to bring with you to the clinic your COVID-19 vaccination card, along with a valid driver’s license/state I.D. or a valid passport (USF IDs will not be accepted).

As we continue through this Year of RESPECT at USF, know that our collective actions will help to support a healthy and safe campus environment for everyone.  Thank you once again for helping USF abide with the Governor’s Executive Order.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Government Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration & University Ministry

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 End-of-Month Update – August 31, 2021

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team an updated, end-of-month data picture of reported COVID-19 positive tests among USF students and employees, as well as reported occurrences of students and employees quarantining. These and all other updates are available on the Saints United web site. Also, please read beyond the data update for information on an upcoming vaccination clinic at USF, instructions for uploading your proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test, and reminders on USF’s COVID-19 protocols.

IDPH/IEMA Vaccination Clinic at USF

USF is partnering with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to host a vaccination clinic for students and employees on Friday, September 3 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Assembly Hall on the St. Clare Campus. The first dose of the two-dose Pfizer vaccine will be administered at this clinic (information on the second dose being administered in late September will also be shared at the time of first dose administration). This event is open as a walk-up event on a first-come, first-serve basis (no pre-registration is required). Be sure to bring your driver’s license/state ID with you if you plan to participate.

Instructions for Uploading Your Proof of Vaccination or Negative Test

As a reminder, students and employees are now able to upload their proof of COVID-19 vaccination or weekly COVID-19 test results (we recommend you schedule your COVID-19 test now). Governor Pritzker’s mandate goes into effect on September 5, 2021.

STUDENTS

1. Log into the USF portal (through the link at the top of stfrancis.edu).
2. On the left side of the page, click on Departments.
3. Click on Counseling and Wellness Center.
4. Click on Required Health Forms for Students (instructions at the bottom of the page).
5. Click on Submitting Health Records.
6. Follow the instructions from the downloaded document.

EMPLOYEES

1. Log into the USF portal (through the link at the top of stfrancis.edu).
2. On the left side of the page, click on Departments.
3. Click on Human Resources.
4. Click on COVID-19 Employee Record Uploader.
5. Click on COVID-19 Employee Record Uploader (again).
6. Select and attach the record type you want to upload (vaccination record or test result).
7. Click on the Submit button.
8. Following the upload, you will receive a confirmation email through your USF email account.

COVID-19 Protocols

In the event that you are exposed to someone with symptoms of or a confirmed case of COVID-19, please visit the Saints United web site and refer to the “COVID-19 Protocols” tab. There, you will find a guidance flowchart and other resources to utilize as needed.

As we continue through this Year of RESPECT at USF, know that our collective actions will help to support a healthy and safe campus environment for everyone.  Thank you for helping us abide with the Governor’s mandate.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Government Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration & University Ministry

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Update – August 26, 2021

Dear USF community,

Earlier today, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced a vaccine mandate that includes all higher education personnel and higher education students statewide.  For USF (and via confirmation by the Illinois Board of Higher Education), the mandate applies to anyone who is required to come to campus for her/his job, academic course load/studies, or other activity.  Per the terms of the mandate, employees and students must receive the first dose of a two-dose vaccination series or a single-dose vaccination by September 5, 2021 in order to access our physical Joliet campuses. (Second doses of the vaccine must be received within 30 days after the first dose.)

The mandate, according to Governor Pritzker, is “aimed at protecting the State’s most vulnerable residents and non-vaccinated children and their families, and the ability for hospital systems to handle the surge being created by the Delta variant.”  You may view the Governor’s full press conference here.

Individuals who are unable or unwilling to receive their first dose of vaccine by September 5, 2021, will be required to get tested for COVID-19 at least once per week. Testing will not be made available through the University and is the responsibility of the individual.  A listing of free COVID-19 testing sites can be found on the Will County Health Department web site and on the Illinois Department of Public Health web site.

Please note that campus visitors must also demonstrate proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test along with adhering to USF’s face covering requirement.  Campus visitors should demonstrate their proof of vaccination or negative test to either the Welcome Center or the Safety & Security Office before arriving on campus.

Uploading Your Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or Negative COVID-19 Test

Students and employees should upload their proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test as soon as possible. These uploads will be processed through the USF portal through a confidential and secure process. Student uploads will be routed to the Health & Wellness Center via the existing health record process we have in place for other required vaccinations.  Employee uploads will be routed to Human Resources separate from the student database, and will be viewable by HR personnel only.

STUDENTS are able to upload their form of proof by:

1. Logging into the USF portal (through the link at the top of stfrancis.edu)
2. On the left side of the page, clicking on Departments
3. Clicking on Counseling and Wellness Center
4. Clicking on Required Health Forms for Students (instructions at the bottom of the page)
5. Clicking on Submitting Health Records
6. Following the instructions from the downloaded document on this page

Instructions for how EMPLOYEES can upload their form of proof will be shared next week.

Please note that until your proof of vaccination is uploaded, you must upload your proof of a current, negative test by the first business day of each week.

Vaccination Opportunities

In an effort to provide a convenient opportunity for non-vaccinated individuals to become fully vaccinated, USF is arranging for an on-site vaccination clinic with a tentative date and timeframe of Friday, September 3 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Assembly Hall at St. Clare Campus. This clinic will be open to all USF students and employees. Once we receive full confirmation and registration details from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, we will share them with the USF community.

You can also find vaccination opportunities by:

• Visiting the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page at willcountyhealth.org/vaccine-locations
• Visiting vaccines.gov;
• Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
• Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

Statewide Face Covering Mandate

In addition to the vaccine mandate, Gov. Pritzker announced today a statewide indoor face covering mandate that goes into effect on Monday, August 30, 2021. The mandate will apply to restaurants, grocery stores, gyms, health clubs, bars and other indoor venues. This also takes into account crowded outdoor settings in which appropriate physical distancing cannot be maintained. While USF has already implemented an indoor face covering requirement for anyone on campus, we are sharing this information with you so you are aware of expectations when you are away from campus.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present us with a variety of challenges through with we, as a campus community, must navigate.  We encourage you to continue to frequently check your USF email address and the Saints United website for any new updates.  As we continue through this Year of RESPECT at USF, know that our collective actions will help to support a healthy and safe campus environment for everyone.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Government Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration & University Ministry

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Update – August 24, 2021

Dear USF community,

Earlier today, the Crisis Management Team confirmed the occurrence of an on-campus COVID-19 transmission event. This event, which developed over the past weekend, was confirmed this morning through testing and has since resulted in 15 on-campus COVID-19 transmissions (none of which occurred in a classroom/office setting) and 1 off-campus transmission. The affected individuals are currently isolating (both on-campus and off-campus) according to current CDC and IDPH guidelines, and the University continues to monitor the situation for any other potential cases and/or transmissions. USF also continues to be in contact with the Will County Health Department regarding this event and to ensure that our practices and protocols continue to follow current guidance.

Continue to Adhere to USF’s Four Updated General Practices

This example serves as a reminder of the importance of our collective, continued adherence to USF’s Four Updated General Practices:

1. WEAR A FACE COVERING WHILE INDOORS
2. EXERCISE APPROPRIATE PHYSICAL DISTANCING
3. PRACTICE FREQUENT HAND HYGIENE
4. SELF-SCREEN DAILY

The COVID-19 Delta variant spreads faster than earlier forms of the virus that causes COVID-19. If you are feeling sick or are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, it is imperative that you refrain from coming to campus and immediately contact your healthcare provider and (for students) the USF Wellness Center at 815-740-3399 or (for employees) the USF Human Resources Department at hr@stfrancis.edu and your supervisor.

COVID-19 Vaccination Matters

If you are not yet fully vaccinated, USF strongly recommends that you get fully vaccinated as soon as possible. Yesterday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fully approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention COVID-19 in individuals 16 years of age and older. This approval, according to Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D. means that, “the public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product.”

To find the nearest vaccination opportunity, please visit the Saints United website and click on the “Vaccination Information” menu item. While vaccination does not prevent individuals from contracting COVID-19, it is effective against severe disease and death from variants of the virus, including the Delta variant.

As always, the Crisis Management Team thanks you for your continued efforts to keep our campuses and community safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Government Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration & University Ministry

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Mid-Month Update

August 18, 2021

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team an updated, mid-month data picture of reported COVID-19 positive tests among USF students and employees, as well as reported occurrences of students and employees quarantining. As a reminder, USF released its fall 2021 semester guidance last week, so please be sure to review this document if you have not done so already. Please note that we will continue to issue mid-month and end-of-month COVID updates throughout the semester and that these and all other updates are available on the Saints United website.

COVID-19 Covenant for Fall

Before the opening of the fall semester, all students and employees at USF campuses in Joliet will be asked to commit to respectful behavior by electronically signing (through the USF portal) a covenant agreement that confirms you know and plan to abide by the current safety practices. The covenant will appear at the top of the home screen following your log-in to the portal beginning on Friday, August 20, 2021.

Vaccination Opportunities

If you are interested in scheduling a vaccination appointment and live near USF, please visit the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page or call 815-774-7386. The page is currently offering both walk-in and pre-scheduled vaccination opportunities. Other vaccination opportunities can be identified by:

• Visiting vaccines.gov;
• Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
• Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

As always, the Crisis Management Team thanks you for your continued efforts to keep our campuses and community safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Government Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration & University Ministry

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

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Fall 2021 Semester COVID-19 Guidance (8/6/2021)

Dear USF community,

Attached, please find the Fall 2021 Semester COVID-19 Guidance document that outlines USF’s COVID-19 related safety practices. These practices, which are in accordance with CDC and IBHE guidelines for institutes of Higher Education, are effective as of Monday, August 9, 2021.

These plans are driven by an updated version of USF’s Four General Practices (as follows):

Four UPDATED General Practices

1. WEAR A FACE COVERING WHILE INDOORS

SERVICE: Regardless of your vaccination status, wear a face covering to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

2. EXERCISE APPROPRIATE PHYSICAL DISTANCING

RESPECT: Be aware and attentive to the needs of everyone around you.

3. PRACTICE FREQUENT HAND HYGIENE

COMPASSION: Care for everything and everyone with whom you come in contact.

4. SELF-SCREEN DAILY

INTEGRITY: Be honest about symptoms and take proper action if exposed.

Prior to the start of the fall semester, everyone will be asked to commit to respectful behavior by electronically signing (through the USF portal) a covenant agreement that confirms you know and plan to abide by the current safety practices. The Crisis Management Team will also continue to issue mid-month and end-of-month COVID-19 updates and make those and other updates available on the Saints United web site (stfrancis.edu/saints-united). Please note that the Saints United web site will be updated with this new content over the next few days.

Please note that the response to the COVID-19 Delta variant continues to develop, thus USF’s guidance for safety practices may be modified based on CDC, IDPH, WCHD, or other applicable mandates. Stricter restrictions and guidelines may also be implemented due to increases in COVID-19 metrics or per the recommendation of the CDC, IDPH, and WCHD, and will be communicated accordingly through the USF email system and the Saints United website. Should the need to revert to the USF Preparedness Plan arise, this information will also be communicated through these channels.

As always, the Crisis Management Team thanks you for your continued efforts to keep our campuses and community safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Government Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration & University Ministry

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Update (8/2/2021)

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team an updated, end-of-month data picture of reported COVID-19 positive tests among USF students and employees, as well as reported occurrences of students and employees quarantining. Please also note that the Crisis Management Team will issue its Fall 2021 COVID-19 Guidance later this week. As a reminder, this information and all other updates are available on the Saints United website.

Vaccination Opportunities

If you live near USF, please visit the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page or call 815-774-7386. The page is currently offering both walk-in and pre-scheduled vaccination opportunities. Other vaccination opportunities can be identified by:

• Visiting vaccines.gov;
• Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
• Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

The Crisis Management Team sincerely appreciates your patience as we continue to prepare for the fall 2021 semester. Please continue to check your USF email and the Saints United web site for updates. Again, we thank you for your continued efforts to keep our campuses and community safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Government Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration & University Ministry

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Update (7/19/2021)

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team an updated, mid-month data picture of reported COVID-19 positive tests among USF students and employees, as well as reported occurrences of students and employees quarantining. Other important updates follow the data report. As a reminder, this information and all other updates are available on the Saints United website.

Plans for the Fall 2021 Semester

USF is currently in the final stages of updating its COVID-19 safety plans and practices for the fall semester. As a reminder, these efforts continue to be conducted in accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the Will County Health Department (WCHD).The updated document will be shared with the USF community later this month. If you have not done so already, please be sure to review the COVID-19 update shared on June 16 (available on the Saints United website), as it outlines changes that were made earlier this summer.

If You Want to Be Vaccinated by August, Act Today!

USF (following the advice from the CDC to Pope Francis) strongly recommends that campus community members get vaccinated for COVID-19 and continues to promote local opportunities to do so.

The University of St. Francis does not mandate members of its campus community to be vaccinated for COVID-19. This practice is in line with how the University handles other vaccinations. In this Year of RESPECT, the campus community will rely on everyone to responsibly do their part to help maintain a safe and healthy campus, which includes continuing to practice physical distancing and requesting that non-vaccinated individuals continue to wear a face covering while on campus or participating in university-related activities.

If you are interested in being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the time classes begin in the fall, you are encouraged to begin the vaccination process today. Remember, most COVID vaccines require two doses that are administered over the course of multiple weeks. It then takes another two weeks following the final vaccination dose before you are fully vaccinated. Also as a reminder, USF is offering a $500 incentive grant for on-campus students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before fall classes begin on the school’s Joliet and Albuquerque campuses.

If you live near USF, please visit the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page or call 815-774-7386. The page is currently offering both walk-in and pre-scheduled vaccination opportunities. Other vaccination opportunities can be identified by:

• Visiting vaccines.gov;
• Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
• Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

The Crisis Management Team sincerely appreciates your patience as we continue to prepare for the fall 2021 semester. Please continue to check your USF email through the summer to stay current with any updates, which will also be made available on the Saints United web site.

Again, we thank you for your continued efforts to keep our campuses and community safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Government Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration & University Ministry

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive Grant for On-Campus Students (7/9/2021)

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) is offering a $500 incentive grant for on-campus students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before fall classes begin on the school’s Joliet and Albuquerque campuses.

“As we look forward as a campus community to a much closer-to-normal academic year, COVID-19 vaccination is our best and readily available tool to safeguard ourselves and those around us. As an added incentive, and in gratitude for keeping yourself and others safe, all fully vaccinated on-campus USF students will receive a $500 COVID Vaccination Grant for the Fall 2021 semester,” said vice president for admissions Eric Wignall.

The university’s guidelines strongly recommend that all students be fully vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus.

USF’s COVID Vaccination Grant is designed as an incentive to be awarded this fall to all on-campus students providing valid proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The $500 grant is designed as an incentive to all new or returning students at the Joliet, Illinois and Albuquerque, New Mexico campuses for the university. This includes all full-time and part-time students living on campus or commuting.

“And this is for every USF student: part-time, full-time, living on campus, or commuting to campus. Students qualify for the COVID Vaccination Grant with a valid proof of full vaccination before the start of fall semester on August 23rd,” Wignall added.

“We want everyone to be safe and protect themselves from this new virus,” Wignall said.

“Our USF Crisis Management Team continues to strongly encourage all students and employees to get vaccinated,” Wignall said. “If our campus can reach a point where the majority of our students are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we will have a much safer, more flexible campus for classes, athletic events, and activities on campus in the fall.”

“This grant also applies to our Graduate Physician Assistant Studies students on our campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico,” he added.

“All three major U.S. vaccinations from Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson qualify. The latest a student can start the vaccination process and still receive the grant depends on the type of vaccine: Moderna’s first dose by July 25th, Pfizer’s first dose by August 1st, and the single J&J shot by August 8th,” he said.

“It’s an incentive to help everyone stay safe. Get the shot, protect yourself, and protect others at the same time,” Wignall said.

Frequent questions about the grant:

1. I’m a graduate student will I receive the grant?
   1. Graduate students who are taking classes in person, on campus, and have proof of being fully vaccinated by August 23^rd will receive the grant. Those who are eligible for the grant will receive it shortly after classes begin August 23^rd.
2. I have submitted my vaccine record when will I receive the grant
   1. The grant will be applied to all eligible students shortly after classes begin (August 23^rd).

Students should contact healthservices@stfrancis.edu for questions and information on how to submit proof of vaccination. For more information on scheduling a vaccination, students can visit stfrancis.edu/saints-united or vaccines.gov.

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COVID-19 Update (7/1/2021)

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team an updated, end-of-month data picture of reported COVID-19 positive tests among USF students and employees, as well as reported occurrences of students and employees quarantining. As a reminder, this information and all other updates are available on the Saints United web site.

Did You Review the Mid-June COVID-19 Update?

The mid-June COVID-19 update from the Crisis Management Team contained a wealth of valuable information in light of State-issued changes to COVID-19 health and safety practices. If you have not yet reviewed the update, you may do so by visiting the Saints United website. Note that we also anticipate releasing an updated version of the USF Preparedness Plan later this month, so please watch for that in your USF email.

If You Want to Be Vaccinated by August, Act Today!

If you are interested in being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the time classes begin in the fall, you are encouraged to begin the vaccination process today. Remember, most COVID vaccines require two doses that are administered over the course of multiple weeks. It then takes another two weeks following the final vaccination dose before you are fully vaccinated. If you live near USF, please visit the Will County Health Department’s online vaccination scheduling page or call 815-774-7386. The page is currently offering both walk-in and pre-scheduled vaccination opportunities.

Other vaccination opportunities can be identified by:

1. Visiting vaccines.gov;
2. Visiting participating pharmacy websites (Walgreens, CVS, etc.), and;
3. Contacting your primary healthcare provider for other options.

The Crisis Management Team sincerely appreciates your patience as we continue to prepare for the fall 2021 semester. Please continue to check your USF email through the summer to stay current with any updates, which will also be made available on the Saints United website.

Again, we thank you for your continued efforts to keep our campuses and community safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

The USF Crisis Management Team

Terry Cottrell
Vice President for Information Technology & Planning

Dave DiLorenzo
Director of Community & Government Relations

Julee Gard
Vice President for Administration & Finance

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
Vice President of Mission Integration & University Ministry

Al Scheuber
Interim Director of Maintenance

Jason Williams
Director of Safety & Security

: :

COVID-19 Update (6/16/2021)

Dear USF community,

Below, please find from the Crisis Management Team an updated, mid-month data picture of reported COVID-19 positive tests among USF students and employees, as well as reported occurrences of students and employees quarantining. Following the data picture are some preliminary updates to the USF Preparedness Plan and campus COVID-19 safety practices. As a reminder, this information and all other updates are available on the Saints United website.