The following message was sent by the University’s COVID-19 Task Force to the campus community on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020:
Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students:
The COVID-19 Task Force would like to thank you for your commitment to keeping us all safe during the pandemic. If you have not heard, we tested 683 individuals for COVID-19 during opening weekend, and another 462 individuals provided proof of a negative test. Together, we had 1,145 tests completed, with only 5 positive tests. This gives Elmhurst University a positivity rate of less than one-half percent. Everyone should be applauded for taking the necessary safety measures seriously, and for your commitment to keeping each other safe and healthy.
The Task Force is quite pleased with our progress to date. We remain cautiously optimistic that we can keep our positivity rate low. This past weekend was Labor Day Weekend, traditionally referred to as the last weekend of summer. Historically, this is a time for families, friends, and co-workers to gather one last time before the academic year begins. We are hopeful that Labor Day Weekend activities will not result in the same outcomes that befell Memorial Day Weekend and the Fourth of July (a sharp increase in the number of positive COVID-19 test results).
Beginning Monday, September 14th, the COVID-19 Task Force will begin Phase 2 of its testing protocols for the campus. For the next several weeks, we will randomly select residence hall students and commuter students for testing. Faculty and staff working on campus for the fall semester are highly encouraged to sign up for testing by emailing Ms. Peggy Scheu (scheup@elmhurst.edu) in Student Affairs.
An email will go out to approximately 100 individuals weekly, letting them know they have been randomly selected to get a COVID-19 test on campus.
Phase-2/ Group-1 Testing
When: (you may select the day based on your schedule)
Tuesday, September 15th
Wednesday, September 16th
Thursday, September 17th
Time: 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (appointments are not needed)
Location: A white tent will be located outside the Faganel Hall west entrance.
Cost: There is no cost.
Important Note: Only individuals randomly selected for the week will be allowed to get a test. Individuals not on the list will be turned away.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact either co-chair of the COVID-19 Task Force, Dr. Phil Riordan (phil.riordan@elmhurst.edu) or Dr. Dean Pribbenow (dean.pribbenow@elmhurst.edu).
Weekly test results will be posted on the COVID-19 Testing and Statistics page.
— The COVID-19 Task Force