Eastern to no longer utilize SHIELD COVID testing

Isai+Morales%2C+a+freshman+biology+major%2C+tests+at+Eastern%E2%80%99s+Student+Recreation+Center+Court+5+for+COVID-19+on+Monday%2C+Jan.+10%2C+2022.+Eastern+University+President+David+Glassman+sent+out+an+email+stating+that+%E2%80%9Call+EIU+students+and+employees+are+expected+to+complete+on-campus+SHIELD+testing+upon+their+return+to+campus%E2%80%9D+for+the+spring+semester.+

Rob Le Cates

Isai Morales, a freshman biology major, tests at Eastern’s Student Recreation Center Court 5 for COVID-19 on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022. Eastern University President David Glassman sent out an email stating that “all EIU students and employees are expected to complete on-campus SHIELD testing upon their return to campus” for the spring semester.

News Report

Starting Monday, July 18, Eastern will no longer utilize the SHIELD COVID-19 testing system.

After the cut-off date, students and employees who are unvaccinated, not fully vaccinated or haven’t submitted their vaccination status are required to take weekly self-administered rapid antigen COVID-19 tests.

Individuals are required to report their results between 12:01 a.m. Monday and midnight the following Sunday.

The university will provide tests for those who do not have personal ones. Individuals are not limited to using Eastern’s rapid tests; personal tests may be used. To place an order for free, at-home tests visit COVID.gov.

The tests may be attained once a week by visiting one of four on-campus locations including Booth Library’s circulation desk, Housing and Dining’s office in the MLK Jr. University Union, the Health Education Resource Center in Blair Hall or Facilities at 408 West Hayes Ave.

Employees may administer their test while working on-campus or off-campus, during their own time. 

COVID-19 vaccines are available by appointment at the Medical Clinic or at local providers like Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Walgreens and CVS.

Once individuals submit their vaccination via PAWS, they will be taken off the mandatory testing program. 

This is done by logging into PAWS with your Eastern credentials, selecting the “MyHealth” tab and selecting the “COVID Vaccination Verification Form.”

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