By Jenna Skarlupka, Reporter
MACOMB, Illinois (NEWS3) — As students, faculty and staff begin the Spring 2021 semester, COVID-19 protocols continue to be implemented at Western Illinois University, including new information on vaccine distribution.
Before returning to WIU in January, all students living on campus were required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken after Jan. 6. Faculty, staff and off-campus students were not required to show proof of a negative test, but were still encouraged to complete a test as a precautionary measure.
In accordance with the state vaccination schedule, Illinois is currently in phase 1B, which includes people aged 75 years or older and non-health care frontline essential workers. Phase 1A included health care workers and long-term care facility residents. Joe Roselieb, WIU’s Executive Director of Auxiliary Services and Risk Management, said different university populations will be notified when they have the opportunity to receive a vaccination.
“At this time, it is up to the individual whether or not they wish to receive a COVID-19 vaccine,” Roselieb said, in response to a submission to WIU’s online COVID-19 question form.
The WIU Office of Risk Management said more information on additional testing schedules, changes in campus policies and vaccine distribution will be shared at a later date. For more information on vaccination at WIU, visit http://www.wiu.edu/vpas/risk_management_and_emergency_preparedness/coronavirus/campus/vaccine.php.
