DeKALB – In response to Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s stay-at-home advisory, NIU will continue to operate as normal, according to a university statement. 

On Monday, a new stay-at-home advisory will take place in the City of Chicago for the next 30 days. Lightfoot advises that residents don’t leave their homes unless it’s essential – work, school, medical care, groceries or pharmacy. 

Restrictions to groups of 10 people or less are also advised, which would cancel any Thanksgiving traditions, Lightfoot said Thursday. 

The university will continue to closely monitor the increase in COVID-19 cases throughout the state and work with the DeKalb County Health Department to determine the best courses of action for the university, according to the statement. 

“At this time, in-person classes will continue at the discretion of faculty and our residence halls will remain open to serve our students,” the statement reads.

On Thursday, the Illinois Department of Public Health advised residents for the next three weeks to work from home, if possible, to participate in essential activities only and to limit travel and gatherings.

The university advises students to prioritize their individual health and the community’s by following public health guidance. This includes wearing a mask, maintaining physical distancing, washing hands, avoiding gatherings and using good judgment to stay healthy.