TTIC COVID-19 Information and Resources
(Updated October 13, 2022)
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Autumn Quarter TTIC COVID-19 Protocols and Guidance
Self-Monitoring and Notification
Check-In and COVID Concern Reporting Forms
Mental Health and Coping Resources
At Home Testing Kit Information
If you come to TTIC, you are indicating that you agree to the safety protocols stated on this page.
You should not come to campus if you are not feeling well (with COVID-19 symptoms or others).
Autumn Quarter TTIC COVID-19 Protocols and Guidance
To promote a safe environment during the continuing pandemic, TTIC personnel and our visitors must understand and adhere to the following guidelines. Everyone in the TTIC community should become familiar with the responsibilities, requirements, resources, and safety protocols listed on this page.
In addition to our protocols, the institute is supplying K95 masks, hand sanitizer, and cleaning wipes, all stored in room 534 and for TTIC use only. At-home rapid tests are available upon request. To request a rapid test or if supplies need replenishing, please contact Jessica Jacobson.
For any questions regarding TTIC’s approach to providing a safe and functioning environment, please contact covid19@ttic.edu, which goes to the COVID-19 Response Group (via Adam Bohlander).
Vaccination and Testing Requirements
Members of the TTIC community and visitors to TTIC are no longer required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or agree to undergo weekly testing. Nevertheless, we strongly recommend that individuals continue to receive COVID-19 vaccines and boosters as recommended by the CDC, including the recommendation that people 12 years and older should receive an updated booster that targets the more recent Omicron subvariants.
Use of TTIC Facilities
When in the building, do not open windows. Proper ventilation is critical, and the HVAC system (with MERV 13 air filters) requires that the windows remain shut for air circulation. The building also has an outside air flushing program that will work intermittently during the day to purge indoor air and cycle-in fresh outside air.
Visitors
Every non-UChicago visitor to TTIC must have a host, responsible for the visitor’s understanding of the safety protocols and expectations for self-monitoring and notification on this web page. Visitors are required to follow TTIC’s COVID-19 guidance applicable at the time of their visit.
If a temporary working space is needed, please fill out the Guest Seating Request Form in advance of the visit.
Masking (face coverings)
Masks are optional at TTIC. We ask everyone to be courteous of others and respect their choices related to masking. Individuals who are unvaccinated or not up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering over the nose and the mouth while at TTIC if not eating/drinking or alone in a private space.
See the CDC guidance on masking depending on the community level and various situations. See the Self-Monitoring and Notification section on this webpage for guidance on masking for those who are exposed to or test positive for COVID-19.
Travel
Members of the TTIC community are directed to follow the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance for domestic travel and the CDC guidance for international travel.
Those with a UChicago ID may access pre or post travel COVID-19 testing on campus, once you have an active MyChart account. Arrange your appointment through the my.WellnessPortal or email the request to C19Testing@uchicago.edu. Expect at least 48 hours for test results.
Self-Monitoring and Notification
Full CDC guidance on quarantine and isolation for individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19, are experiencing symptoms, or test positive, is available here.
Anyone coming to campus is expected to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 daily and stay home if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have or tested positive for COVID-19. In these cases, students should call UChicago Student Wellness at 773-834-WELL, and employees may contact University of Chicago Medicine’s COVID-19 triage hotline at 773-702-2800 for screening and information on testing.
Send email to COVIDreport@ttic.edu if you test positive for COVID-19, (this goes to Jessica Jacobson and Matthew Turk), and notify UChicago at C19HealthReport@uchicago.edu if you have been on campus.
Resources:
Check-In and COVID Concern Report Forms
Check-In Form
If you have any needs related to COVD-19 that TTIC might be able to help with, if you have struggles you’d like to privately share, or if you have suggestions for TTIC management, you can submit comments via this check-in form. Submission is anonymous unless you elect to share your name or contact information. (The form is received by the TTIC COVID-19 Response Group.)
To Report Concerns or Incidents Related to COVID-19 Safety or Protocols
This COVID Concern Report form allows TTIC community members to report any safety concerns that come up regarding safety protocols or compliance. Submission is anonymous unless you elect to share your name or contact information. (The form is received by TTIC COVID-19 Response Group.)
All Illinoisans age 6 months and older are eligible for, and recommended to receive, a COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC recommends COVID-19 primary series vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older, and COVID-19 boosters for everyone ages 5 years and older, if eligible. You can find vaccination options near you at vaccines.gov.
Some further information about vaccination accessibility:
Mental Health and Coping Resources
Students
Campus Mental Health Services, 773-702-3625
Open 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
Any students seeking services can call campus Mental Health Services and speak to a clinician, who can assist with immediate support, as well as help plan for future support and services. Services are provided free of charge, covered by Student Services Fees (paid by TTIC). There are also available workshops on subjects related to academics and student stressors.
Faculty and Staff
Employee Assistance Program information, 800-450-1327
All employees (even if you are not covered under TTIC's health insurance) have access to Principal's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Magellan Ascend Healthcare. The EAP can help you and your immediate family with access to free confidential information and services, as well as referrals to supportive and community resources.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
If you have health insurance coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, you also have access to a plethora of mental health professionals that you can contact for services. Co-pays and insurance coverage will vary depending on your insurance plan. See the Summary of Benefits for your plan (HMO or PPO) to get an estimate of costs.
Online/Phone/Text Resources
References for COVID-19 Updates
City of Chicago COVID-19 Info Center
UChicago Student Wellness Services
Illinois COVID-19 Hotline (24 hours/day, 7 days/week): 800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov
Student Medical Care
UChicago Student Wellness (health, counseling and wellness services) is in full operation. We encourage any student who is not feeling well or who has questions or concerns to contact the campus Student Wellness at 773-834-WELL. You are encouraged to call before heading to the health center. Those enrolled in USHIP have access to remote telehealth options through healthiestyou.com or calling 855-866-0895. Full 2022-23 Wellness Center Services
Contact UChicago Student Wellness if you would like advice on seeking specialty care or for recommendations on medical or mental health providers outside of UChicago Student Wellness. More here.
USHIP overview & FAQs: student insurance and COVID-19.
At-Home Testing Kit Information
As of January 15, 2022, people with private health insurance are able to get FDA-approved at-home COVID-19 tests free of charge. Follow this link for more details, including information on COVID-19 testing kits available at TTIC.
Comfort Level Wristbands
TTIC provides Comfort Level wristbands in red, yellow, and green. Wearing a wristband shows others your comfort level with interaction (red means less comfortable and green means more comfortable). Wristbands will be in baskets labeled with the instructions in the 5th floor PPE supply room, #534.