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MACOMB, IL (BCJ 430) - Western Illinois University moved to Stage III of its unify campus plan due to declining numbers of Covid-19 cases and trends related to the pandemic.

"I think overall we've done pretty well," Dr. Michael Waters, Medical Chief of Staff for Beau Health Center, said. "If you would've asked me at the beginning of last semester if we wouldn't have needed to go online exclusively I would've said no."

Stage III began on Feb. 15 and allowed students to eat in the dining halls and union food court.

Campus gatherings are also allowed to have 50 people.

“We’ve been pretty lucky so far, this semester has started off much better than last semester,” Dr. Waters said. “I was just looking at the dashboard and we’ve only had 26 (Covid-19) cases so far this semester, which is down a lot. So we are doing much better, as far as numbers, and hopefully it will continue that way.”

Before the switch to Stage III, students had to eat in their residence halls and only 10 people were allowed for on-campus gatherings.

Dr. Waters said those on campus must continue to wash their hands, socially distance and avoid large gatherings.

"The more you're around large groups particularly in confined spaces, the more likely you are that you'll catch COVID-19," Dr. Waters said.

One of the main reasons for the eased restrictions on campus is the increased availability of vaccines.

'I'm optimistic and very happy that a lot of our students that are eligible are getting it done," Joe Roselieb, WIU Executive Director of Auxiliary Services and Risk Management, said.

Since the vaccine is more readily available, more residents are also becoming eligible to receive it. Roselieb said he hopes to get more faculty and staff on campus vaccinated because of this.

"I know it seems pretty anxious and people are excited to get it," Roselieb said. "However, just be patient."

The university hosted a vaccine clinic earlier in April for those a part of the university community.

In Illinois, anyone who is 16 and older is eligible to receive the vaccine.

Over 17,000 people in McDonough County have received at least one shot of the vaccine. Of those people, just over 8,000 are fully vaccinated.