Today, Illinois enters the “Bridge to Phase 5” of the Restore Illinois plan, which further relaxes COVID-19 restrictions. This is a welcome development indicative of important progress in our pandemic journey.

The COVID-19 Rapid Response Team and Chancellor’s Cabinet have developed a summer operational plan (attached) that aligns with Illinois’ Bridge Phase. These updates allow for greater capacity limits in most settings, although not every situation aligns with the capacity thresholds set by the State of Illinois. In some circumstances, specifically in our larger event spaces, UIS has decided to operate at a lower capacity threshold for at least the next six weeks.

Please note the following:

• Until UIS has time to further review its approach to vaccinations, capacity limits will not be affected by an individual’s vaccination status unless otherwise directed by the summer operational plan or the CRRT.
• Anyone planning an on-campus gathering with 50 or more participants must still fill out the On-Campus Gathering Request Form. Otherwise, the expectation is that the group planning the gathering will operate within the established campus guidelines. Any questions should be directed to the CRRT at covid19@uis.edu.
• UIS guidelines for testing, face coverings and social distancing still apply. UIS leadership is evaluating state and local health guidance in response to the updated CDC guidance regarding mask wearing and testing for vaccinated individuals and will issue our own university-specific guidance as soon as possible; until then, face coverings are still required on campus for everyone just as they have been for the past academic year, and our weekly testing requirement remains in effect.

As we look forward to Phase 5, which could be in place as early as mid-June, the CRRT and UIS leadership team will be closely monitoring guidance from state and local health authorities and making decisions accordingly that continue to prioritize the health and safety of our university community.

Let’s do everything we can to continue being United in Safety, including getting vaccinated if you are able.

Please email covid19@uis.edu if you have questions.

United in Safety,

Karen M. Whitney, PhD
Interim Chancellor University of Illinois Springfield