North Central College implements new COVID-19 test through SHIELD Illinois

New saliva-based test increases testing capacity; narrowing virus exposure on campus

In December 2020, North Central College announced that a new saliva-based, on-campus diagnostic testing program will be used for the spring 2021 semester. It is offered under the name SHIELD Illinois and uses a highly accurate saliva-based test created by researchers at the University of Illinois. The tests are easy to administer and results are expected to be available within 24 hours. This will enable the College to increase its testing capacity and narrow the window for COVID-19 exposure by more quickly identifying and isolating positive cases.

North Central College received some media recognition for this new campus safety measure:

• WGN (12/18/20)
• ABC 7 Chicago (12/19/20)
• ABC 7 Chicago (12/20/20 at 5:05 a.m.)
• ABC 7 Chicago (12/20/20 at 6:05 a.m.)
• ABC 7 Chicago (12/20/20 at 8:05 a.m.)
• FOX 32 Chicago (1/5/21 web link)
• FOX 32 Chicago (1/5/21 at 5:32 p.m.)
• FOX 32 Chicago (1/5/21 at 9:42 p.m.)
• FOX 32 Chicago (1/6/21 at 12:45 a.m.)
• FOX 32 Chicago (1/6/21 at 4:45 a.m.)
• WBBM-AM (1/11/21 at 10:05 a.m.)
• WBBM-AM (1/11/21 at 2:10 p.m.)
• WBBM-AM (1/11/21 at 2:50 p.m.)
• WBBM-AM (1/11/21 at 3:48 p.m.)
• WBBM-AM (1/11/21 at 6:11 p.m.)
• WBBM-AM (1/11/21 at 7:11 p.m.)
• WBBM-AM (1/11/21 at 9:20 p.m.)
• WBBM-AM (1/11/21 at 11:28 p.m.)
• WBBM-AM (1/12/21 at 2:11 a.m.)
• WBBM-AM (1/12/21 at 4:11 a.m.)
• NBC 5 Chicago (1/12/21 at 5:35 a.m.)
• Daily Herald
• Naperville Sun
• NCTV