Campus update: Booster registration, masks and more

Jan. 5, 2022

President Steve Bahls and Dean of Students Dr. Wes Brooks held a campus briefing today to discuss ongoing COVID-19 guidelines and procedures.

Because of the rising numbers of cases due to the Omicron virus, they reiterated the need for students and staff to continue taking precautions:

• If you are not vaccinated, you are encouraged to do so.

• If you are vaccinated, get a COVID-19 booster shot. (CDC on boosters)

• If you have had a booster shot, register that vaccination with the college.

• Seek testing if you have COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of your vaccination status. Contact Public Safety, 309-794-7711, if you had a positive test or a close contact. 

Augustana is not requiring booster shots at this time, but community members are strongly urged to get a booster. The CDC recommends that everyone stay up to date with COVID vaccinations, which means having all the shots for which you are eligible. (See Stay Up to Date with Your Vaccines.)

The Augustana Convenient Care Clinic offers vaccinations, booster shots and COVID-19 testing. 

New masks coming

The college has placed an order for KN-95 masks for each student and employee, which should be available by week’s end. Given the transmissibility of Omicron, the current advice is to use KN95 and similar masks.   

If you don’t have a KN95 or comparable mask, and typically wear a cloth mask, consider double-masking in classes and other group settings for now.

Masking is required in all Augustana buildings for everyone, and masks should be worn properly by covering the nose and mouth. 

More information about getting a KN-95 mask and a new health-related app will be shared soon.