URBANA, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Schools across the state are using COVID testing to bring back students for in-person learning. And on Monday, the University of Illinois honored its scientists in Urbana-Champaign, who developed the SHIELD COVID-19 diagnostic tests being used at 1,000 schools across the state.
UIUC Chancellor Robert Jones praised the 28 members of the school's SHIELD team.
"It has been the creativity, innovation, hard work, and collective genius of our SHIELD team that has allowed us to navigate COVID-19," he said.
U of I System President Tim Killeen gave presidential medallions to the 28 members, for what he called their incredible response to the pandemic.
"They have helped us track down and crush the virus, enabling uninterrupted hybrid instruction on our campuses last year, while some of our peers struggled," Killeen said.
The researchers, faculty, and staff created the saliva-based testing that the state is offering to all kindergarten through 12th grade public schools for free.
Governor Pritzker applauded them, calling them humble heroes of the pandemic.
"The shield teams deserve so much credit for what's going on. They've served the entire State of Illinois, including now more than 1,000 K-12 schools who utilize the tests that you developed," Pritzker said.
He credited the tests with allowing classes to resume in person.
"It's also ensuring that other colleges all across the State of Illinois and schools of every size and scope across Illinois give kids the safe, in-person experience that they deserve," Pritzker said.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is requiring unvaccinated students and staff to get tested at least twice a week.
Related
