Dear Elmhurst University Community:
This is the weekly update from the COVID-19 Task Force:
This week, the Task Force will try to answer some recent questions we have had about vaccines.
Q: Do I still need to get a COVID-19 test If I am fully vaccinated?
A: Athletes must continue to participate in the weekly testing, per the NCAA. Quite frankly, we do not have enough fully vaccinated athletes to allow us to stop COVID-19 testing. Testing helps the institution keep all our athletes safe.
If you are a faculty member, staff member, or non-athlete student, you do not need to get tested unless you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive. If you are experiencing symptoms, please stay home, contact your doctor, and complete the COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form.
Q: I am fully vaccinated. Do I still need to wear a mask?
A: Yes, Elmhurst University policy states that one must wear a mask in all University-owned and -operated buildings and facilities. Individuals should also wear a mask outside when 6 feet of physical distancing is not possible.
Q: Is the University going to mandate that faculty, staff, and students be vaccinated prior to the start of classes in August?
A: This topic is being discussed at the Cabinet and Task Force levels. A definitive answer has not been established at this time; however, the University and the Task Force implore faculty, staff, and students to get the vaccine.
Reaching “herd immunity” for the fall will allow the campus to be open and return to some semblance of normal operations. We thank all of you who have been vaccinated, and we continue to encourage all others to get your vaccine sooner rather than later (especially students).
Q: Will I need a vaccine to travel (fly)?
A: Airlines have indicated that passengers must provide proof of being fully vaccinated or they must provide a negative COVID-19 test from a specified testing center.
If you are fully vaccinated, you can travel domestically without a pre- or post-COVID-19 travel test, and you can travel domestically and internationally without quarantining after travel.
It is recommended that you check with any airline service providers, your destination, and health department guidelines for current information.
Q: Am I eligible for a vaccine?
A: All adults 16 and older are eligible for a vaccine in the State of Illinois.
Q: Is Elmhurst University going to provide a vaccine site on campus for faculty, staff, and student who have not been vaccinated?
A: Last week, Elmhurst University partnered with Jewel Osco and the City of Elmhurst to provide members of Elmhurst University and of the Elmhurst community with their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Many students took advantage of this opportunity.
The University has expressed a desire to host another site for faculty, staff, and students who still need to be vaccinated. We have been placed on a list, and we are waiting to hear if we get selected to host a “pop-up” site.
Testing:
- April 16, 2021: 104 individuals tested using the saliva test: 0 positives
- April 19, 2021: 141 individuals tested using the saliva test: 0 positives
- April 20, 2021: 15 individuals tested using the PCR test: 0 positives
- April 21, 2021: 102 individuals tested using the saliva test: 0 positives
- Week of April 16th: 5 individuals tested using the rapid test: 0 positives
- Elmhurst University has provided over 9,300 tests for faculty, staff, and students
- Elmhurst University has received 267 reported positive cases of the virus from on-campus (57) and off-campus (210) testing since March 2020.
- To date, 243 students, 18 staff, and 6 faculty have tested positive since March 2020.
Alert Status:
- Elmhurst University remains in the Yellow Alert Level.
- The current positivity rate for DuPage County is 5.1%. This is a decrease from 7.4% last week.
- The current positivity rate for Elmhurst University is 0.0061. This is slightly down from 0.0063 last week.
Vaccines:
- 43.8% of the population in DuPage County has received their first vaccine dose. This is up from 40.1% last week.
- 29.5% of the population in DuPage County has also received their second dose of the vaccine. This is up from 25.8% last week
- The Task Force is requesting that as individuals become fully vaccinated, they submit their name to Phil Riordan and/or Dr. Dean Pribbenow. No further information is needed other than your name. This is not mandatory. We are trying to get some idea if people have been successful in getting the vaccine. Thank you to all who have submitted their names.
Today’s Inspirational Quote: “The most wasted of days is one without laughter.” — e.e. cummings
Today’s Feel-Good Song: Happy, Pharrell Williams
As always, please be safe and healthy. Wear your face mask (double up on face masks for extra protection—the CDC says it can help better protect you). And let’s be kind to each other during these difficult times we live in.
Bluejay Proud,
The COVID-19 Task Force