DeKALB – NIU is advising on-campus students to return to their permanent residence and take their finals remotely after a rise of COVID-19 cases in students, according to a Wednesday email sent to students.

On- and off-campus students are advised to leave DeKalb this week and take finals remotely. Students who live on-campus should follow the instructions they received from Housing and Residential Services to schedule a checkout time in the next few days.

Students are also advised to take a SHIELD Illinois COVID-19 test before leaving campus. The testing center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Holmes Student Center. Test results are expected in 24 hours.

If students can’t leave campus until next week, the university recommends students to quarantine and only leave their residence hall for essential reasons such as in-person classes, groceries, doctor appointments or work, according to the email.

As of Wednesday, 61 students and two employees have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the COVID-19 dashboard.

Students who have experienced COVID-19 symptoms, or have been exposed to COVID-19 should complete the Protecting the Pack Checklist.