The University of Illinois Urbana-Campaign has one of the most comprehensive COVID-19 response plans in the country. The university's three-pronged SHIELD “Target, Test, Tell” system incorporates frequent testing with data reporting, modeling and a smartphone app while working closely with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District for contact tracing, quarantine and isolation of individuals who test positive.
Testing
The COVID-19 testing protocol developed by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign directly detects the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 in saliva samples. All students, faculty members and staff who reside in the area are required to test.
University experts use data to create real-time models that identify emerging outbreaks. As a result, some undergraduate students are directly contacted and asked to test more frequently if they are believed to have a higher risk of recent exposure.
Safer Illinois app
The Safer Illinois app was built by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign experts to specifically support the university community during COVID-19. With nearly 50,000 users, the app assists in exposure notification, maintains building access status to university facilities and provides users with additional resources.
Safety protocols
To reduce the transmission of COVID-19, individuals must wear a face covering in any university building, facility and classroom unless they are physically isolated in a private space or room.
Collaboration with public health officials
One of the university top priorities from the very beginning of the SHIELD program was to ensure operations were in complete coordination and alignment with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD), the organization that has the ultimate authority in managing this public health crisis. This collaboration has been extensive and seamless, and CUPHD colleagues are involved in every significant university decision.
Learn more about COVID-19 response at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
