University of Mary Washington

Return to Campus — Fall 2021

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Isolation and Quarantine Planning Guide for Students

University of Mary Washington will use the key public health tools known as isolation and quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among the campus community. Because there is typically little time to prepare for isolation or quarantine when instructed to do so, UMW has developed this planning guide to help students prepare to isolate or quarantine. This guide is for students who live on campus as well as students who live off-campus.

What is the difference between isolation and quarantine?

Isolation

Isolation is the separation of someone who is ill with or has tested positive for COVID-19 from people who are not sick. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 typically isolate for at least 10 days (the duration of the infective period) from the time they are tested or symptoms first appear but could be isolated for longer periods if symptoms persist. Students in on-campus housing must be relocated from their residence hall room during isolation to minimize the risk of spread to peers in their hall.

Quarantine

Quarantine is the separation of someone exposed to a COVID-positive individual from those who are not sick or exposed, in case the exposed person becomes sick or tests positive for COVID-19. A typical quarantine period lasts 14 days (the duration of the incubation period). Students in on-campus housing must be relocated from their residence hall room during isolation to minimize the risk of spread to peers in their hall.

Do I need a plan for isolation and quarantine?

All students living on campus should have an isolation and quarantine plan. We recommend that students who can travel safely in a private vehicle conduct their period of isolation in their home. For all other students, UMW has identified isolation and quarantine spaces which will be made available at no additional cost to our students for the duration of their quarantine/isolation period.

During quarantine or isolation (QI) on campus, meals will be delivered daily, and all other campus services are accessible to students virtually. Ongoing telehealth visits and virtual check-ins will be conducted by staff of the Student Health Center.  There will also be an opportunity to be paired with a QI Buddy, a fellow UMW student who will interact with you virtually throughout your quarantine.  

All students living off-campus are strongly encouraged to have an isolation and quarantine plan. UMW will not provide isolation or quarantine housing or meal service for off-campus students or those who have remained in their permanent residence. Campus support services will be available virtually.

How will I be supported if I am in isolation or quarantine?

Telehealth visits will be available through the Student Health Center. Students should call 911 for any life-threatening emergencies; when calling, please inform the dispatcher that you are in isolation or quarantine.

A variety of peer and staff-led supports are available for students in isolation and quarantine:

The Talley Center is available to provide mental health resources and counseling services Students can request an appointment by (540) 654-1053 between the hours of 8-5 pm, Monday-Friday.

We recognize that this is an anxiety-provoking time and we encourage students and members of the UMW community to reach out to friends, family, or colleagues during this time. It is encouraged to do so by phone or online to promote social distancing to reduce the spread of COVID-19

The following resources remain available for 24/7 Support:

How do I prepare for isolation or quarantine?

Communicate With Your Family/Support System

Discuss the following with your family before coming to campus:

  • With consideration to known health and mental health factors, have you considered the impact of potential on- or off-campus isolation/quarantine on your physical and emotional wellness?
  • In anticipation of possible quarantine/isolation, or potential campus closure, have you considered packing light for the Fall 2020 semester?
  • If you live within driving distance, are you be able to return home in a private vehicle? If you are instructed to isolate or quarantine, you cannot travel on any public transportation (bus, train, plane, Uber, Lyft, taxi, etc.) as you may expose others.
  • If someone from your family plans to pick you up from campus to take you home to isolate or quarantine, how much time will they need to arrive—hours or even a day or two?
  • Are you able to distance yourself from others in your home to keep other family members safe?
  • For students not in on-campus housing: If you cannot isolate or quarantine at home, do you have an alternate location where you can conduct isolation/ quarantine?
  • If you must quarantine/isolate on campus (or the location designated by the college), how will you maintain your emotional and physical wellness?
  • Do you have a thorough working knowledge of your health insurance policy?
  • Have you fully considered all Fall 2020 alternatives and implications associated with each as they relate to isolation/quarantine (i.e., remaining home to study online, commuting, on-campus housing)?

Assemble an Eagle-Kit

If you are asked to isolate by the Student Health Center or the Department of Health, you will not be able to leave your isolation or quarantine space during isolation/quarantine. To prepare for this, assemble an Eagle-Kit before you arrive on campus.

UMW will provide 2 disposable masks, sanitizing wipes, meal delivery, some self-care medications and the use of a digital thermometer, if needed.  There will also be a micro-fridge provided for reheating and preserving food delivered by UMW Dining.

Supplies for Your Eagle-Kit

  • Self-care medications: Pack fever/pain reducers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin). Do not use multi-symptom medications in combination with these, as it can be easy to take too much. You may want lozenges for sore throats or cough medications.
  • Prescription Medications: Pack several days’ worth of any prescription medications you need. Speak with your provider about how you would access medications if you are in isolation/quarantine.
  • Comfort Food: Pack your favorite comfort snacks and drinks, along with a reusable water bottle. Although the college will ensure meals are delivered to those isolating or quarantining on campus, your favorite snacks can sometimes provide comfort. Off-campus students should maintain a supply of food at home and be knowledgeable about ordering food delivery from their local grocery store.
  • Comfortable Clothes: Pack a few days’ worth of comfortable clothes, including two weeks’ worth of undergarments. Don’t forget your favorite sweatshirt or robe, and slippers.
  • Hygiene Supplies: Pack shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine products, etc.
  • Pillow, towels, bed linens and favorite blanket
  • Phone Charger
  • Self-care items to support your overall well-being: art supplies, puzzles, crafts, playing cards, portable exercise equipment (like fitness bands, hand weights, or yoga mat), books, etc.

In addition to your Eagle-Kit, you should ensure your academic materials (laptop, books, etc.) should be readily acces­sible to be brought with you.

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