IVCC Response to COVID-19

Please do not come to campus if you experience any of these symptoms.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as they learn more about COVID-19.

CDC COVID-19 Symptoms

Back to Top of Page ^^

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in order to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our campus community, guidance from the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois Board of Higher Education provides that student health screenings may be on an automated or self-monitoring basis. All students will conduct a daily health screening on each day prior to their arrival for work at any college building or facility and report consistent with the parameters outlined below, until otherwise notified by the college in writing.

Certification and Verification of Daily Health Screening

I will conduct a daily health screening of myself to determine if I have any of the following COVID-19 symptoms:

• Temperature of 100.4 (or greater) degrees Fahrenheit/38 degrees Celsius;
• Cough;
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
• Chills;
• Fatigue;
• Muscle and body aches;
• Headache;
• Sore throat;
• New loss of taste or smell;
• Congestion or runny nose;
• Nausea and/or vomiting;
• Diarrhea; or
• Any other COVID-19 symptoms identified by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

By reporting to campus on any given day, I am certifying and verifying that I am not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. If I experience any of the above symptoms at any time during my time on campus, I will immediately notify Kimber King, COVID-19 Coordinator, isolate myself away from others pending further direction from the college/university, and provide necessary information as requested.

If my daily health screening reveals that I am experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, I will notify the college in writing of my absence from campus and the symptoms I am experiencing by sending an email to covid@ivcc.edu, and provide necessary information as requested. I will also provide notice of my absence from campus and necessary information if within 14 days before any trip to campus, a member of my household has had “close contact” (definition below) with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, and my household member is also experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or has tested positive for COVID-19. I will await further direction from the college before coming onto campus.

For COVID-19, the CDC defines “close contact” as, any individual who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes (consecutive or non-consecutive within a 24 hour period) starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to positive specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated. Briefer periods of exposure may qualify an individual as a close contact if there is direct physical contact (kissing or hugging), eating or drinking utensils were shared, or the infected person sneezed, coughed or transferred respiratory droplets to the individual. Per the CDC, an individual that tested positive for COVID-19 within the past three (3) months may be excluded from the 14-day quarantine protocol for a “close contact.”

Certification and Verification of Other COVID-19 Related Exposures

I will notify the college that I will be absent from campus pending further direction from the college if: (1) I receive a diagnosis of COVID-19; (2) I am suspected of having COVID-19; (3) I come in close contact (definition above) with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 or is suspected of having COVID-19; or (4) I have traveled internationally. If college staff contacts me to gather additional information related to the reason(s) for my absence, I will provide necessary information as requested.

By reporting to campus on any given day, I am certifying and verifying that I am not presently subject to an isolation or quarantine protocol related to COVID-19.

Back to Top of Page ^^

Back to Top of Page ^^

Effective February 28, 2022, proper mask usage for all IVCC patrons will be optional but is strongly recommended in all public areas such as the Student Life Center, hallways, gymnasium, Fitness Center, Bookstore and Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre. Important: Other campus student service areas may still require masking.  Signage will be posted notifying you of departmental masking obligations.

If you fail to adhere to departmental masking obligations, our ability to provide service to you may be interrupted/altered and you may be referred to Student Services for possible student disciplinary action.

Faculty and staff members can make classrooms and office spaces mask-optional but we strongly encourage continued mask wearing.

For additional details, please review the COVID-19 Mitigation Protocol.

Back to Top of Page ^^

On August 29, 2021, the Governor of Illinois announced Executive Order 2021-20 (COVID-19 Executive Order 87, Section 4: Vaccination Requirements for Higher Education) mandating that all students, staff, and faculty of higher education institutions be fully vaccinated or be tested for COVID-19 weekly. 

Please provide Kimber King a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination card to covid@ivcc.edu. Without proof of vaccination, students will be enrolled in a weekly testing program through SHIELD Illinois or a different provider if allowable through this protocol.

Each fully vaccinated student will be given a $100 giftcard to the IVCC Bookstore.

A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second dose in a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use, licensed, or otherwise approved by the United States FDA, or two weeks after receiving a single-dose of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use, licensed, or otherwise approved by the United States FDA.

Back to Top of Page ^^

• COVID-19 Vaccination Exemption Process
• COVID-19 Medical Exemption Request Form
• COVID-19 Religious Exemption Request Form

Back to Top of Page ^^

Testing

All students, staff, and faculty members who choose to not provide evidence of full vaccination will be required to complete a SHIELD Illinois saliva test once weekly.

Tests from outside entities (hospital, pharmacy, grocery store, etc.) will not be accepted by the College as proof of negative test for students, unless they are being tested by another entity due to enrollment in a College program (i.e. nursing, CNA) or have a scheduling conflict and cannot attend on site SHIELD testing. Students that cannot test on campus due to travel or schedule reasons may submit a proof of negative test by email to covid@ivcc.edu.

Free SHIELD IL COVID-19 Testing is available at IVCC’s Main Campus.

       Monday:      10 a.m. to   1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
       Tuesday:       9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
       Wednesday:  9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
       Thursday:      1 p.m. to   7 p.m.

The testing will be held in the Cafeteria Area in the Lower Level of Building C. This space will provide ample room for social distancing during the testing protocol. The test is free, takes approximately 10-15 minutes, and results are returned within 24 hours of the sample reaching the lab.

Please create an account before SHIELD testing. Steps to create an account and other tips for SHIELD testing can be found in the section below. 

Corrective action will take place if a student does not comply with testing protocol.

For more information on corrective action:
COVID-19 Mitigation Protocol

 Back to Top of Page ^^

Assistance with each step is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling the SHIELD Illinois patient support line at 217-265-6059.

Appointments can be made within 5 minutes by doing the following:

• Go to shieldilportal.pointnclick.com
• Click on "Sign Up For Account"
• Type in the appropriate IVCC agency code listed below
  • Students: mza4zcz6-stu
  • Employees: mza4zcz6-emp
  • General Public:  mza4zcz6
• Click on SUBMIT

After submitting, you will receive a code via text message and asked to enter that code.  You will then be allowed to select a registration date and time.

Individuals should not eat, drink (including water), chew gum, smoke, or use tobacco products within 60 minutes of providing a saliva sample.  Doing any of these things could produce an inconclusive result and require a re-test.  Results will be posted in the patient portal.

If you are symptomatic, DO NOT have a SHIELD test administered on campus.  Instead, have a 15 minute rapid test administered at a pharmacy or healthcare facility.  Call your primary healthcare provide for that information.

For questions, email covid@ivcc.edu 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What rules should I follow prior to being tested?
  You should not eat, drink, or put anything in your mouth one hour prior to taking the covidSHIELD test. This includes smoking, drinking, chewing gum, using mouth wash, etc.
• Is there anything else I should do before taking the covidSHIELD test?
  Drink lots of water and if you are able, brush your teeth one hour prior to the test.
• Why should I not put anything in my mouth or ingest anything an hour before being tested?
  Substances put in the mouth may interfere with the test and cause the sample to be invalid (inconclusive) or rejected.
• My test came back invalid or inconclusive, What does that mean?
  These results typically occur when non-optimal saliva samples are submitted. Before your next test, be sure to refrain from eating, drinking, tooth brushing, mouth washing, or tobacco use for at least one hour prior to submitting your saliva sample.
• What should I do if my test is invalid or inconclusive?
  Retest the next available day.

Back to Top of Page ^^

• COVID-19 Vaccination Exemption Process
• COVID-19 Medical Exemption Request Form
• COVID-19 Religious Exemption Request Form

Back to Top of Page ^^

Isolation/
Quarantine

If you have tested positive for COVID or have been exposed to someone that has tested positive for COVID, please contact your local public health department and email Kimber King, IVCC COVID Coordinator, at covid@ivcc.edu. If you will be missing any classes due to isolation/quarantine time, immediately contact your instructor(s).

If you test POSITIVE for COVID-19 (Isolate)

• Everyone, regardless of vaccination status..
  • Stay home for 5 days.
  • If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your home
  • Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.

If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.

If you were EXPOSED to someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine)

• If you have been boosted, have completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months, or completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last 2 months..
  • Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5, if possible.

If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home.

• Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted,
  completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted, or are unvaccinated..
  • Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
  • If you can’t quarantine you must wear a mask for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5 if possible.

If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home

CDC COVID-19 Symptoms

Back to Top of Page ^^

Please do not come to campus if you experience any of these symptoms.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as they learn more about COVID-19.

CDC COVID-19 Symptoms

Back to Top of Page ^^

Back to Top of Page ^^

Effective February 28, 2022, proper mask usage for all IVCC patrons will be optional but is strongly recommended in all public areas such as the Student Life Center, hallways, gymnasium, Fitness Center, Bookstore and Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre. Important: Other campus student service areas may still require masking.  Signage will be posted notifying you of departmental masking obligations.

All Faculty members have the discretion on whether to require mask usage within the classrooms.  A Faculty member must notify the students of this requirement.  The requirement must be applied equally to all in the classroom, including the Faculty member or any other instructor in the classroom in addition to students.  If a student fails to wear a properly fitted mask, Security will be notified and the student will be removed from the class until such time as the student complies with the Faculty member’s classroom expectations.  Any student who fails to comply with a Faculty member’s classroom expectations may be referred to Student Services for possible disciplinary action.

Faculty and Staff who regularly meet with students or others in office spaces may require those who come into the office to wear a properly fitted mask.  Similar to the classroom expectations, this requirement must be applied equally to all.  Security will be notified should any person fail to comply.

A Faculty and/or Staff member may opt to make classrooms and office spaces mask-optional but strongly encouraged at his/her discretion. 

Signs indicating that a location in the campus still requires masks are available to all.  Please use the designated signage provided.  The signs are available through Fran Brolley’s office.

For additional details, please review the COVID-19 Mitigation Protocol.

Back to Top of Page ^^

On August 29, 2021, the Governor of Illinois announced Executive Order 2021-20 (COVID-19 Executive Order 87, Section 4: Vaccination Requirements for Higher Education) mandating that all students, staff, and faculty of higher education institutions be fully vaccinated or be tested for COVID-19 weekly. 

Please provide Kimber King a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination card to covid@ivcc.edu. Without proof of vaccination, employees will be enrolled in a weekly testing program through SHIELD Illinois or a different provider if allowable through this protocol.

A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second dose in a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use, licensed, or otherwise approved by the United States FDA, or two weeks after receiving a single-dose of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use, licensed, or otherwise approved by the United States FDA.

Because we respect an individual's right to privacy, IVCC discourages employees from asking individuals about vaccination statuses.

Back to Top of Page ^^

• COVID-19 Vaccination Exemption Process
• COVID-19 Medical Exemption Request Form
• COVID-19 Religious Exemption Request Form

Back to Top of Page ^^

Testing

All students, staff, and faculty members who choose to not provide evidence of full vaccination will be required to complete a SHIELD Illinois saliva test once weekly.

Faculty and Staff may provide testing results from outside agencies by sending test results to covid@ivcc.edu. Self-tests by Faculty and Staff will not be accepted as proof of negative testing.

Free SHIELD IL COVID-19 Testing is available at IVCC’s Main Campus.

       Monday:      10 a.m. to   1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
       Tuesday:       9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
       Wednesday:  9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
       Thursday:      1 p.m. to   7 p.m.

The testing will be held in the Cafeteria Area in the Lower Level of Building C. This space will provide ample room for social distancing during the testing protocol. The test is free, takes approximately 10-15 minutes, and results are returned within 24 hours of the sample reaching the lab.

Please create an account before SHIELD testing. Steps to create an account and other tips for SHIELD testing can be found in the section below. 

Corrective action will take place if an employee does not comply with testing protocol.

For more information on corrective action:
COVID-19 Mitigation Protocol

Back to Top of Page ^^

Assistance with each step is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling the SHIELD Illinois patient support line at 217-265-6059.

Appointments can be made within 5 minutes by doing the following:

• Go to shieldilportal.pointnclick.com
• Click on "Sign Up For Account"
• Type in the appropriate IVCC agency code listed below
  • Students: mza4zcz6-stu
  • Employees: mza4zcz6-emp
  • General Public:  mza4zcz6
• Click on SUBMIT

After submitting, you will receive a code via text message and asked to enter that code.  You will then be allowed to select a registration date and time.

Individuals should not eat, drink (including water), chew gum, smoke, or use tobacco products within 60 minutes of providing a saliva sample.  Doing any of these things could produce an inconclusive result and require a re-test.  Results will be posted in the patient portal.

If you are symptomatic, DO NOT have a SHIELD test administered on campus.  Instead, have a 15 minute rapid test administered at a pharmacy or healthcare facility.  Call your primary healthcare provide for that information.

For questions, email covid@ivcc.edu 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What rules should I follow prior to being tested?
  You should not eat, drink, or put anything in your mouth one hour prior to taking the covidSHIELD test. This includes smoking, drinking, chewing gum, using mouth wash, etc.
• Is there anything else I should do before taking the covidSHIELD test?
  Drink lots of water and if you are able, brush your teeth one hour prior to the test.
• Why should I not put anything in my mouth or ingest anything an hour before being tested?
  Substances put in the mouth may interfere with the test and cause the sample to be invalid (inconclusive) or rejected.
• My test came back invalid or inconclusive, What does that mean?
  These results typically occur when non-optimal saliva samples are submitted. Before your next test, be sure to refrain from eating, drinking, tooth brushing, mouth washing, or tobacco use for at least one hour prior to submitting your saliva sample.
• What should I do if my test is invalid or inconclusive?
  Retest the next available day.

Back to Top of Page ^^

• COVID-19 Vaccination Exemption Process
• COVID-19 Medical Exemption Request Form
• COVID-19 Religious Exemption Request Form

Back to Top of Page ^^

Isolation/
Quarantine

If you have tested positive for COVID or have been exposed to someone that has tested positive for COVID, please contact your local public health department, immediate supervisor, and email Kimber King, IVCC COVID Coordinator, at covid@ivcc.edu.

If you test POSITIVE for COVID-19 (Isolate)

• Everyone, regardless of vaccination status..
  • Stay home for 5 days.
  • If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your home
  • Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.

If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.

If you were EXPOSED to someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine)

• If you have been boosted, have completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months, or completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last 2 months..
  • Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5, if possible.

If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home.

• Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted,
  completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted, or are unvaccinated..
  • Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
  • If you can’t quarantine you must wear a mask for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5 if possible.

If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home

CDC COVID-19 Symptoms

Back to Top of Page ^^

Work from Home COVID-19 Quarantine Protocol PDF

Please contact your immediate supervisor or Leslie Hofer with any questions.

Back to Top of Page ^^

Please do not come to campus if you experience any of these symptoms.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as they learn more about COVID-19.

CDC COVID-19 Symptoms

Back to Top of Page ^^

Back to Top of Page ^^

Effective February 28, 2022, proper mask usage for all IVCC patrons will be optional but is strongly recommended in all public areas such as the Student Life Center, hallways, gymnasium, Fitness Center, Bookstore and Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre. Important: Other campus student service areas may still require masking.  Signage will be posted notifying you of departmental masking obligations.

Spectators to events at the College or participants in non-College sponsored events will be required to follow all masking protocols currently in place. Unless a spectator or other participant are in an area marked as “mask-required” by Faculty or Staff, masks will be optional but strongly recommended. Spectators and other participants in non-College events specifically include patrons at music, theater, and other productions, outside groups who rent the facility for gatherings, and patrons or officials who assist with sporting events.

Back to Top of Page ^^

Visitors are not required to share proof of vaccination to visit any IVCC Campus or event.

Back to Top of Page ^^

Testing

There are no testing requirements for visitors.

Free SHIELD IL COVID-19 Testing is available at IVCC’s Main Campus.

       Monday:      10 a.m. to   1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
       Tuesday:       9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
       Wednesday:  9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
       Thursday:      1 p.m. to   7 p.m.

The testing will be held in the Cafeteria Area in the Lower Level of Building C. This space will provide ample room for social distancing during the testing protocol. The test is free, takes approximately 10-15 minutes, and results are returned within 24 hours of the sample reaching the lab.

Please create an account before SHIELD testing. Steps to create an account and other tips for SHIELD testing can be found in the section below. 

Back to Top of Page ^^

Assistance with each step is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling the SHIELD Illinois patient support line at 217-265-6059.

Appointments can be made within 5 minutes by doing the following:

• Go to shieldilportal.pointnclick.com
• Click on "Sign Up For Account"
• Type in the appropriate IVCC agency code listed below
  • Students: mza4zcz6-stu
  • Employees: mza4zcz6-emp
  • General Public:  mza4zcz6
• Click on SUBMIT

After submitting, you will receive a code via text message and asked to enter that code.  You will then be allowed to select a registration date and time.

Individuals should not eat, drink (including water), chew gum, smoke, or use tobacco products within 60 minutes of providing a saliva sample.  Doing any of these things could produce an inconclusive result and require a re-test.  Results will be posted in the patient portal.

If you are symptomatic, DO NOT have a SHIELD test administered on campus.  Instead, have a 15 minute rapid test administered at a pharmacy or healthcare facility.  Call your primary healthcare provide for that information.

For questions, email covid@ivcc.edu 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What rules should I follow prior to being tested?
  You should not eat, drink, or put anything in your mouth one hour prior to taking the covidSHIELD test. This includes smoking, drinking, chewing gum, using mouth wash, etc.
• Is there anything else I should do before taking the covidSHIELD test?
  Drink lots of water and if you are able, brush your teeth one hour prior to the test.
• Why should I not put anything in my mouth or ingest anything an hour before being tested?
  Substances put in the mouth may interfere with the test and cause the sample to be invalid (inconclusive) or rejected.
• My test came back invalid or inconclusive, What does that mean?
  These results typically occur when non-optimal saliva samples are submitted. Before your next test, be sure to refrain from eating, drinking, tooth brushing, mouth washing, or tobacco use for at least one hour prior to submitting your saliva sample.
• What should I do if my test is invalid or inconclusive?
  Retest the next available day.

Back to Top of Page ^^

Isolation/
Quarantine

If you have tested positive for COVID or have been exposed to someone that has tested positive for COVID, please contact your local public health department.

If you test POSITIVE for COVID-19 (Isolate)

• Everyone, regardless of vaccination status..
  • Stay home for 5 days.
  • If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your home
  • Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.

If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.

If you were EXPOSED to someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine)

• If you have been boosted, have completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months, or completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last 2 months..
  • Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5, if possible.

If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home.

• Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted,
  completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted, or are unvaccinated..
  • Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
  • If you can’t quarantine you must wear a mask for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5 if possible.

If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home

CDC COVID-19 Symptoms

Back to Top of Page ^^

IVCC is currently in Phase 5 - Restored.
Should we re-enter another phase, an updated Operations and Safety Plan will be posted here.

For further information regarding the most current plan, click on the link below:

IVCC Operations and Safety Plan
Updated August 12, 2021

Back to Top of Page ^^

COVID-19 Work Group                                                                                                                         

Back to Top of Page ^^

Some information listed below may be in a PDF format.  PDF documents require the free ADOBE Acrobat Reader application to view & print.  Download a free copy of Acrobat Reader from Adobe.

Back to Top of Page ^^

Find additional COVID-19 vaccines near you

Back to Top of Page ^^