Public health guidance, COVID-19 testing requirements and restrictions are constantly changing. The Indiana Daily Student has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about IU’s response to the pandemic, vaccines and more.
Have a question about COVID-19? We’d love to hear from you. Send us an email at AskIDS@idsnews.com.
Jump to:
COVID-19 data
- What’s the state of COVID-19 in Indiana?
- How many COVID-19 cases have been reported at IU?
IU updates its COVID-19 dashboard every Wednesday for the previous week. Read our recap of the latest data.
- What does Indiana’s color-coded map mean?
The Indiana State Department of Health uses a color-coded map to measure the current status of COVID-19 on a county-by-county basis and recommend restrictions based on a county’s blue, yellow, orange or red status.
The state uses the following chart to give each county a score on a weekly basis:
Metric
Blue (0 points)
Yellow (1 point)
Orange (2 points)
Red (3 points)
Seven-day positivity rate
Less than 5%
5 to 9.9%
10 to 14.9%
More than 15%
Weekly cases per 100,000 residents
Less than 10 cases
10 to 99 cases
100 to 199 cases
More than 200 cases
For example, if a county had a seven-day positivity rate of 6% and 143 cases per 100,000 residents, it would have 3 points. The state divides that number by two, which gives our example county a score of 1.5. This would mean the example county would be in yellow.
- What are the current restrictions in Bloomington?
As of March 1, the following restrictions are in place in Bloomington:
- Private gatherings are limited to 15 people or less.
- Masks and social distancing are required.
- Bars and restaurants must close by 1 a.m.
- Who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine?
First responders, healthcare workers, people who come into contact with COVID-19 materials and people who are 16 or older are currency eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Teachers and high-risk individuals are also eligible for the vaccine.
- When will I be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine?
Indiana is currently expanding vaccine eligibility based on age. Hoosiers 16 and older are currently eligible.
- How do I schedule a COVID-19 vaccine?
Hoosiers can book appointments through ourshot.in.gov or by calling 2-1-1 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. for assistance registering. Indiana residents can choose from 536 vaccine sites from around the state.
- If I am vaccinated, do I still have to participate in mitigation testing?
No, mitigation testing is no longer required for vaccinated students and staff, Dr. Aaron Carroll, IU’s director mitigation testing, said.
Vaccinated people should report their vaccination to IU.
- I’m an out-of-state student. Can I get vaccinated in Indiana?
Yes. Monroe County Health Department Administrator Penny Caudill said out-of-students will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, despite guidelines from the Indiana State Department of Health saying otherwise.
“If a student falls in the eligibility category that we're in, and they can show that they are in fact living here, then they would be eligible,” Caudill said. “So maybe they have an apartment or live on campus.”
- I’m vaccinated. Do I have to quarantine after COVID-19 exposure?
No. IU announced people who are vaccinated will not have to quarantine following expsore.
Vaccinated people should report their vaccination to IU.
- What percentage of Hoosiers are vaccinated?
Testing
- I’m not affiliated with IU. Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
A community testing site is open at 640 S. Morton St. People can schedule appointments at scheduling.coronavirus.in.gov. Walk-in testing is available as time allows, according to the county.
COVID-19 testing is also available at the National Guard Armory. People can schedule appointments for this site at lhi.care/covidtesting.
- Where can I get a rapid COVID-19 test?
Rapid COVID-19 testing is available in Bedford, Indiana, at First Care on 2418 16th St.
- Will there be in-person graduation?
IU is planning on it, according to an email from IU President Michael McRobbie. The ceremony will be limited to 2020 and 2021 graduates. No family or other guests will be allowed.
IU-Bloomington’s graduate ceremony is May 7 and its undergraduate ceremony is May 8. Students who want to participate are asked to fill out an interest form.
- Does IU know what next semester will look like?
IU campuses should see “mostly normal” operations by the fall, according to an email from McRobbie. The three-week period between Thanksgiving and winter breaks may be hybrid depending on the state of the pandemic, he said.
Spring 2021
Summer and fall 2021
What do you want to know about COVID-19? Let us know by emailing askIDS@idsnews.com.
This story will be updated on a regular basis.
- I’m not affiliated with IU. Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
