These FAQs are intended to answer common questions that have arisen regarding Governor Pritzker’s testing and vaccination mandates for Illinois institutions of higher education. Oftentimes, the FAQs simplify complex concepts contained in the executive order for ease of use by the majority of individuals. Individuals with particular concerns, including those who have a disability or a sincerely held religious belief or are learning/working exclusively remotely, are encouraged to read the executive order themselves or request specific guidance from the Office of the Dean of Students or Human Resources Department, depending on whether they are a student or employee, as needed.
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Vaccination Questions
Am I required to get vaccinated for COVID-19?
On July 11, 2022, Governor Pritzker issued Executive Order 2022-16, which repeals the section of previous Executive Orders regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and testing requirements for higher education. GSU strongly encourages all students and employees to be fully vaccinated, and to stay up-to-date with all applicable boosters. However, GSU will not require vaccination or testing for COVID-19, except for the Family Development Center, which remains subject to additional regulations.
How or where can I get vaccinated?
What does it mean to be “fully vaccinated?”
According to the CDC, individuals are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson. There is an increased emphasis on the importance of booster shots to remain maximally protected.
Testing Questions
I am not vaccinated. Am I required to get tested weekly?
On July 11, 2022, Governor Pritzker issued Executive Order 2022-16, which repeals the section of previous Executive Orders regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and testing requirements for higher education. GSU strongly encourages all students and employees to be fully vaccinated, and to stay up-to-date with all applicable boosters. However, GSU will not require vaccination or testing for COVID-19, except for the Family Development Center, which remains subject to additional regulations.
What should I do if I test positive?
If you test positive and are instructed to isolate by a medical provider or county health department, complete the online reporting form. Students who reside in Prairie Place must isolate in their residence hall room. University Housing will provide additional instructions/support for these students and their roommates. Roommates will be required to quarantine.
Employees who test positive should not come to campus. They should advise their supervisor that they will be absent from work due to illness. You may be eligible for COVID-related payroll benefits and should consult with HR. You are asked to complete the online reporting form. Employees should not return to work until they obtain medical clearance from their health care provider.
Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
Free or low-cost COVID-19 testing is available to everyone in the U.S., including the uninsured, at select pharmacies, retailers, and health centers nationwide. Check your local health department and local news for additional testing sites in your area.
Visit HHS.gov for more information.
COVID-19 tests are also available at your local:
- • CVS Health
- • Local independent pharmacies
- • Rite Aid
- • Walgreens
- • Walmart in partnership with Quest Diagnostics
Get free at-home COVID-19 tests:
- • Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order a third round of free at-home tests. Visit COVID.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
- • At-home tests are available for sale around the U.S. Check with local retailers and pharmacies to see where at-home tests are available.
- • Insurance Reimbursement for At-Home Tests:
- • If you have health insurance through an employer or Marketplace, your insurance will pay you back for 8 at-home tests each month for each person on your plan.
Face Mask Questions
How can I get a KN95 or an N95 mask?
Do I have to wear a mask to be on campus?
The guidelines for wearing masks and other mitigations are described in the GSU Operating Plan. The Public Health Precaution Levels of green, yellow, and red involve a range of procedures that must be used on campus, depending on the level of community risk. When GSU is in a yellow or red precaution level, masks must be worn in classrooms by students and faculty but are not required in most spaces on campus. We ask everyone to be respectful of those who choose to wear a mask on our campus. Please check the Public Health Precaution level on the GSU COVID-19 Website.