Illinois colleges and universities continue to tackle COVID-19

Posted on September 10, 2020
Illinois State University is one of several institutions across the state dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. (WJBC file photo)

 

By Neil Doyle

NORMAL – Central Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) thinks most colleges and universities are doing what they can to handle COVID-19.

Davis told WJBC’s Scott Miller he has three kids at Illinois State University and he believes the school is actively doing the right thing.

“I know our administrators are doing the best they can in a very challenging and difficult environment. I certainly hope those college students that are infected remain asymptomatic like I was, and we work our way through this and don’t shut down our local economies,” said Davis.

Some have been critical about ISU’s handling of the coronavirus, but president Larry Dietz Wednesday announced that students who are caught at large parties will face penalties, which could include suspensions. ISU officials have also noted that many students are following the safety guidelines and most of those who have tested positive live off-campus.

Davis added that it’s not just ISU that has seen high case numbers.

Bradley University issued a mandatory two-week quarantine for students. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has imposed more restrictions and Northern Illinois University saw cases double over the Labor Day weekend.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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