Rock Valley College

Rock Valley College COVID-19 Response

The College’s main goal is to prevent the spread of COVID and to maintain safe, in-person operations. While an Executive Order is not a law, when one is issued by the Governor, a state’s Executive Branch has the authority to issue sanctions to organizations that receive state funds. If Rock Valley College does not follow the Executive Order, we risk sanctions by the state.  
 

On August 26, 2021, Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker issued a statewide mandate requiring all college students and employees to either receive the COVID-19 vaccine or get tested weekly for COVID-19. Since that announcement, the RVC Incident Response Team has been meeting daily. While the mandate was initially to go into effect on September 5, 2021, the Governor’s office released late last week that the date was changed to September 19, 2021.

Rock Valley College is currently operating under Reopening Plan Phase 5.2.

COVID-19 Self-Reporting

The COVID-19 Self-Reporting form is for sharing information regarding students and/or employees who have experienced a positive diagnosis or exposure to someone with Covid-19 or are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms. This may require an individual to self quarantine for an extended period of time as determined by the Emergency and Risk Management Coordinator. By reporting, the Dean of Students and/or Human Resources will communicate any quarantine requirements and request reasonable accommodations.
 
 
 

COVID-19 Guidelines for Visitors to Campus

After consultation with local and state public health officials, Rock Valley College will implement a testing/vaccine verification system for all Rock Valley College events beginning September 20. 

Visitors over the age of 18 will be asked to complete a Contact Tracing questionnaire and attest that they have either been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a negative COVID-19 test result within 7 days of the event they attend. Those that are unable to attest to being fully vaccinated or a negative COVID-19 test, should not come to any of the Rock Valley College campus locations. Additionally, if visitors have tested positive for COVID-19 and have proof the infection date was at least 14 days prior to this event date, they may attend the event if they attest that they exhibit no symptoms and have been cleared to return to public activities by either their health care provider or their local health department.

On the day of the event, visitors will need to access and fill out the Contact Tracing questionnaire. Visitors will also be able to access the questionnaire via their smartphone using the QR codes on signage as they enter the facility or event space. Visitors will need to complete the questionnaire for every Rock Valley College event or game they attend. 

Also, under new guidelines issued by the State of Illinois, RVC will enforce a mask mandate for visitors at all indoor events, and outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained, regardless of vaccination status, effective immediately. Exceptions to the mask requirement may include events that offer food or drink in a socially distant, safe manner.   

Community Testing Information

Free community-based testing sites are available in our community. Anyone who needs a test can get tested regardless of symptoms. 

State COVIDShield Community-Based Testing site - Rockford 

1601 Parkview Ave., Rockford, IL - Park in the south parking lot and check in at the tent for PCR saliva testing. Individuals being tested should not eat, drink, use tobacco, brush their teeth, or use mouthwash 60 minutes prior to submitting a sample. There is no minimum age requirement to participate in SHIELD testing. All visitors must wear a mask as they enter and leave the testing site. Pre-register for testing here. Walk-ins are welcome but may have increased wait times.

Hours:

  • Monday through Wednesday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Thursday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

 

State Drive-Thru Community- Based Testing site - Rockford

1321 Sandy Hollow Rd., Rockford, IL - Drive-up outside by the tents. Individuals being tested should not eat, drink, use tobacco, brush their teeth, or use mouthwash 60 minutes prior to submitting a sample. There is no minimum age requirement to participate in SHIELD testing. All visitors must wear a mask as they enter and leave the testing site. No appointment needed. You can pre-register for testing at this site which will make your test result available to you electronically through a patient account.  Pre-register here for drive-thru testing. 

Hours:

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

 

Pharmacy-based Testing 

Many local pharmacies also offer COVID-19 tests. Pharmacies require appointments that can be scheduled online. Please reach out to your local pharmacy for more information.

Most COVID-19 testing does not require any out of pocket payment at this time. Do not pay a fee for a COVID-19 test.

 

Confirmed COVID Cases

Rock Valley College will provide a weekly update on confirmed COVID-19 cases of RVC students and employees.

About this data:

  • Only students and employees who have been on campus are included in this chart. For example, a student who is completely online this semester or an employee who is 100% working from home who tests positive would not be included in this data.
     

Positive means had a positive COVID test using viral or molecular testing.  Confirmed COVID-19 cases are confirmed in consultation with the Winnebago County Health department/or by self-disclosure via established college protocols.

 


Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

updated: 10/18/21

  
  Week of 10/4/21 - 10/17/21 Cumulative (since 8/14/21)
Students 7 79
Employees 1 3
Total 8

82

 

View CDC COVID Tracker here.