Northwestern COVID-19 update

Dear students, faculty and staff, 

Last week, the City of Evanston raised its COVID-19 community risk level to “high,” while Chicago’s risk level remains at “medium.” In alignment with the cities’ public health guidance, Northwestern continues to strongly recommend indoor masking in areas where distancing is not possible. Masking is proven to be an effective personal tool to protect against COVID-19 transmission during periods of higher community transmission.

Free surgical masks remain available in the entryways of most campus buildings and free KN95 masks, designed to further reduce individual risk of contracting COVID-19 and other communicable diseases, are available at the front desk of the Norris University Center and in the lobby of the Chicago testing site at 345 E. Superior St.

As a reminder, free asymptomatic COVID-19 testing is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at our sites in Evanston and Chicago through the remainder of the academic year. Symptomatic testing is available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday through a separate entrance on the northwest side of the Jacobs Center in Evanston. Northwestern encourages students, faculty and staff to test on campus before and after they travel or attend large events or gatherings.

Please review the “Spring update on COVID-19” message that was sent to the University community May 5 for more details on our approach to guidelines and resources through the end of the academic year.

Thank you,

Luke Figora
Vice President for Operations