COVID Update - Vaccine State Mandate Lifted

On Wednesday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker rescinded Section 4 of Executive Order 2021-22, which mandated that all higher education students enrolled in on-campus classes and all university personnel participating in on-campus activities receive a COVID-19 Vaccination. As a result, the following COVID-19 mitigation policies and procedures for Lewis University are in place and effective immediately.

Vaccination Strongly Recommended

We strongly recommend that all members of the Lewis Community be up to date with COVID-19 vaccination. We will continue to follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, and vaccination status will continue to be a factor in isolation, quarantine, and other outcomes for exposed or infected individuals.

Students and employees are strongly encouraged to submit their COVID-19 vaccination status to the MyLewis App or online at the Student Link and the Faculty/Staff Link. This information is useful in helping us assess levels of protection within our campus community.

Resident Students Required to Report Vaccination Status

Prior to moving into a residence hall for the Fall 2022 semester, resident students are required to submit their COVID-19 vaccination status to the MyLewis App or online.

The Office of Residence Life will communicate additional details to resident students in the upcoming weeks.

Weekly Testing is Recommended for Unvaccinated Individuals

Unvaccinated Lewis University students enrolled in on-campus classes and unvaccinated university personnel DO NOT need to submit weekly COVID-19 test results to the MyLewis App.

Although weekly testing is no longer required, testing is still available on campus and recommended if you are not up to date with vaccinations, have been notified of an exposure, have any symptoms, or are in high-risk situations. Testing is a crucial tool to identify a COVID-19 infection so that treatment, isolation, and contact notification may begin as soon as possible.

PCR COVID-19 tests are available from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays in Memorial Hall on our Romeoville Campus. There are no out-of-pocket costs with insurance or use of federal programs for the uninsured. Students, faculty, and staff should visit the Lucid Laboratory Services website to register for a test. Walk-ins will be accepted.

Individuals who are not students or employees can visit Romeoville Community PCR Appointment Signup Link to register for a test. Visitors who are on campus for testing should park in Parking Lot GG.

Report Positive COVID-19 Tests

Please continue to report positive COVID-19 tests to the MyLewis App. The Lewis University COVID-19 Hotline Team is available at covidhotline@lewisu.edu and provides resources when a positive test is submitted.

All Other Current COVID-19 Mitigations Still in Place

Lewis University is a mask-friendly campus, a place where individuals feel comfortable wearing a face covering for any reason. Lewis University is mask-optional in all spaces unless posted signage indicates face coverings are required, such as in the health center and testing area.

If you have symptoms and are waiting for test results, it is recommended that you wear a face covering.

ALL VISITORS need to submit a Visitor Health Screening before arriving on campus.

Additional information on mitigation efforts for the Fall semester is forthcoming. In the meantime, thank you for all your efforts in keeping our community safe and healthy.