Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Northeastern Illinois University has consistently followed a multilayered approach to mitigation measures based on federal, state and local mandates and guidance. Based on the recommendations of Northeastern’s Emergency Management Team, the following recommendations for the University community are currently in effect.
Face Masks
Face masks are strongly recommended to be worn indoors at all locations, particularly in situations when it is impossible to maintain physical distance. Face masks are still required in the Student Health Services and Student Counseling Services offices. Face masks will continue to be provided at all locations.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
Northeastern highly recommends that all students, faculty and staff get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. Vaccination is the leading prevention strategy against COVID-19. Local vaccination information is available at vaccines.gov and Chicago COVID-19 Vaccine Finder. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for students and employees.
Screening and Contact Tracing
Students, faculty and staff should regularly self-screen for symptoms of infectious illnesses. Northeastern recommends that individuals with COVID-19 signs or symptoms should stay home and follow CDC recommendations for self-testing for COVID-19 and determine whether to seek medical care. In accordance with new CDC guidelines, those who are exposed to COVID-19 do not need to quarantine. However, whether you are vaccinated or not, if you are exposed to COVID-19 it is recommended that you wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day five.
Students and employees who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home for at least five days and report positive test results to Student Health Services and/or Human Resources, as applicable. Contact tracing will continue to be conducted by Student Health Services for any positive cases at Northeastern.
Diagnostic Testing
Weekly diagnostic testing of unvaccinated students and employees is no longer required. NEIU Student Health Services will have COVID-19 rapid antigen tests available for symptomatic students and employees. Tests will be available at all locations while supplies last. Free at-home COVID-19 test kits are available for order at COVID.gov.
Ventilation and Disinfection
Northeastern will continue to use environmental health and hygiene measures:
- Improved ventilation and MERV 13 filters
- Hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes available at all University locations
- Plexiglass barriers
- Periodic fogging of location spaces
Northeastern Illinois University has an excellent track record of mitigating COVID-19 transmission. The vast majority of student and employee COVID-19 infections are acquired while outside of the University. Only three very small clusters of positive cases have occurred at Northeastern within the past two and a half years. Diligent and prompt contact tracing has worked to prevent transmission.
The health and safety of our University community is of the utmost importance. The Emergency Management Team will continue to regularly convene to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and make recommendations as necessary to mitigate the spread of the virus at Northeastern.
These guidelines and links to more information about COVID-19 will be reflected on neiu.edu/coronavirus.
