URBANA, Ill. — The University of Illinois will temporarily switch back to remote learning in January before students return to classrooms.
Students and staff in Champaign-Urbana and Chicago will also be required to show negative COVID-19 test results.
The Champaign-Urbana campus will go online Jan. 18-23, while the Chicago campus will be online for two weeks, beginning Jan. 10, with a few exceptions.
“With the omicron variant fueling a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases across Illinois and the nation, and a likely surge in the coming weeks based on the speed of transmissibility, holiday travel and gatherings, we decided to start the spring semester with two weeks of online instruction,” UIC administrators said in a letter to faculty, staff, and students.
“We anticipate the two-week period of online instruction will allow students to get booster doses, settle in and navigate any health issues without the concern of missing the beginning of the semester. In planning for these adjustments, please keep in mind that other operations, such as residence halls, student centers, dining services and the libraries, will remain open,” administrators said.
The COVID-19 vaccination rate at all of the University of Illinois’ campuses, including Springfield, is currently over 95%.
