COVID-19+

UIC Rockford guidelines for respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19

Updated September 25, 2025

Note: The following guidance is intended for UIC Rockford campus members not affiliated with UI Health and who do not have clinical duties, such as patient- or study-participant-facing duties.

UI Health faculty and staff, and students who are currently on clinical rotation at UI Health, should follow the guidance provided by University Health Services for the clinical setting.

Academic Professionals and Civil Service Employees:

Staff who are ill with respiratory illness, including COVID-19, should follow the departmental call-in procedure and utilize sick leave benefits to cover absences.

Stay home until both are true:

  • symptoms are getting better (including no wet symptoms of runny nose or productive cough)
  • no fever without the use of fever-reducing medication for at least 24 hours.

Academic & Civil Service employees who test positive for COVID- 19:

  • Isolate for at least 3 days, counting the day you began feeling sick or the day of your positive test, whichever comes first, as day zero.
  • You can return to work on day 4 if symptoms have resolved/improved (no wet symptoms or fever as listed above).
  • Wear a face mask for source control in all areas of the facility (e.g., breakrooms, dining rooms, hallways) for at least 10 days after symptom onset or positive test.

Obtain your health clearance through EHS before returning to work.

Please email or call UIC Rockford Employee Health Services if you have been gone for more than 3 days at

Policy 10 Sick Leave, Rule 10.01 for Civil Service Employees:

The employee may be required to provide evidence to substantiate the reason for their absence, including a physician’s certification or FMLA medical certification, if applicable, if the absence exceeds three (3) consecutive work days.

Students:

Please isolate per the guidance above and contact UIC Rockford Student Health and Wellness at 815-395-5870 for continued care, detailed directions on isolation, and a school clearance notice for missed classroom/rotation responsibilities.

Students on clinical rotations at UI Health Mile Square Health Center-L.P. Johnson in Rockford should adhere to UI Health's healthcare guidelines. Students on clinical rotations at organizations outside of UI Health should follow the guidance of the host organization while on their premises.