Quarantine is a public health strategy that is used to stop or drastically slow the spread of an infectious or contagious disease. Students will be placed in quarantine when they have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. While in quarantine, you must assume that you could possibly infect others with COVID-19 and therefore limit contact as much as possible.  

In order to control the transmission of COVID-19, the quarantine period lasts for 14 days.  This is the length of time needed to determine that you have not been infected with COVID-19. During this time, you will monitor yourself for symptoms and retest for the virus. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms during this time, you must contact CHWS immediately for further instructions. 

At the end of 14 days, if you remain symptom-free and have tested negative for COVID-19, your quarantine period will end. The steps you take during this time can drastically reduce the spread of the virus, so thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe!

What to Expect in Your On-Campus Quarantine Space (Todd Phibbs)

You will be assigned your own room in Todd/Phibbs Hall where you will have access to a communal bathroom. The room will be empty aside from sheets on the bed and a trash can with trash bags, a microwave, and a mini fridge. Below you will find more details on what you can expect for your stay. 

  • Security will meet you with the keys to your room when you arrive at Todd/Phibbs.
  • In the room will be an extra-long twin size bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, and bookshelf. Remember that this is an empty residence hall room, so bring any bedding and pillows you’d want to make the space more comfortable. 
  • Each room will have access to the campus wifi, but you can bring an ethernet cord for a stronger connection.
  • Dining and Conference Services does deliver meals, but the mini-fridge and microwave are available for any heat-and-eat meals or drinks you’d like to bring with you.
  • You will have access to laundry facilities. Please keep your use of this space to an absolute minimum by bringing an adequate amount of clothing. There will be laundry detergent available in the laundry rooms.
  • You will receive a care package containing a few snacks, a thermometer, hand sanitizer, tissues, etc., which you will keep and take home with you at the end of your quarantine period.

 

What to Pack

Keep in mind that this move is similar to moving into an empty room for a while. Think about what you will need or want with you. Consider what makes you most comfortable and what will help you pass the time while in quarantine.

  • Comfort items (favorite pillow, sweatshirt, or blanket)
  • Pillows and bedding (sheets will be provided)
  • Toiletries, towels, shower caddy, menstruation products, etc. 
  • Medications (prescription and over-the-counter medication) 
  • Enough clothes for 7-10 days
  • Masks 
  • Reusable water bottle and mug
  • Snacks and drinks (instant coffee, tea, etc)
  • Electronics, chargers, headphones, portable speaker, etc.
  • Schoolwork, books, etc
  • Any entertainment items: art supplies, musical instruments, games, yoga mat, etc.

 

Security and Safety

  • Call 253.879.3311 (x3311) for emergency response on campus.  
  • Notify the operator that you were in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and that you are in quarantine. Follow directions of the operator.
  • For an emergency in an on-campus building, you must call Security Services. The campus buildings do not have addresses, so if you call 911, they will have to call Security Services to locate you.
  • If the building fire alarm activates, evacuate to the designated gathering area.  Follow social distancing guidelines and wear your mask.
  • Contact Security Services during business hours if you have a vehicle on campus and need to park near your temporary residence.

 

Expectations for Quarantine

While in quarantine, we expect students to adhere to the following guidelines. These guidelines are in place not only to protect students, but ensure the safety of other members of campus who may be entering the quarantine building. Thank you for doing your part to protect the campus community.

Please:

  • Stay in your room as much as possible.
  • Wear a mask at all times unless you are in your room. 
  • If you leave to go on a walk, avoid all contact with others. 
  • Review the section "Keeping Your Space Clean" before exiting your room to ensure that staff are not present in the building.  
  • If you order food from a delivery service, select the “no-contact delivery” option and have your food delivered to the designated exit door of the hall. Do not use the parking lot to get food from third-party delivery services. (Ordering from third party delivery services is discouraged).

Please Do Not:

  • Leave your room except to use the bathroom, pick up your meals, or do laundry. 
  • Go to public areas or other campus buildings until your quarantine period is over. This is extremely important to the campus community’s well-being.
  • Meet up with or spend time with other people if/when you leave your room to go on a walk. Friends should not deliver items to you in person. They may leave things at the door of the building for you to retrieve once they have left.
  • Invite or allow others to visit you in quarantine. There should be absolutely NO visitors to or in your room during this time.

 

Health and Wellness

Monitoring Your Health

It is important to monitor yourself for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 (including but not limited to cough, sore throat, fever, loss of smell or taste), contact CWHS at 253.879.1555 (x1555).  If you need assistance on weekends or after 5pm, call the Multicare Consulting Nurse at 253.792.6411 (available 24/7). 

  • If you have severe symptoms and you need emergency medical assistance call Security Services at 253.879.3311
  • Security Services will help direct first responders to your location on campus.  Notify the operator that you are in quarantine.
    • Be aware of warning signs for severe complications of COVID-19. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately (This list does not include all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider or CHWS if you are experiencing any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.):
      • Trouble breathing
      • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
      • New confusion
      • Inability to wake up or stay awake
      • Bluish-colored lips or face
    • Create a symptom log to keep track of your temperature readings. Here is a Symptom Log Example from the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
    • Take and record your temperature at least twice a day
      • How to Use the Thermometer:
        • Carefully place the tip of the thermometer under your tongue.
        • With your mouth closed, leave the thermometer in place for ~1 minute until you hear the “beep.”
        • Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.
        • Record the value in your symptom log.
    • If you develop a low grade fever (99F-102.9F or 37.2C - 39.3C), notify CHWS of this change as soon as possible.
    • If you have a high grade fever (above 103F or 39.4C), immediately contact CWHS or the Multicare Nurse line for further instructions. 
    • You will have a consistent contact tracer who will be checking in with you during your time in quarantine. 

 

Food

All students in quarantine are required to have their meals delivered by Dining & Conference Services (DCS) from a limited menu. Please read the following information carefully:

  • When you arrive in quarantine, you will receive an email from DCS asking about food allergies and/or food preferences.  DCS will use this information to make meal/item substitutions as needed. 
  • Only the items listed under “Subgrub” are available for delivery.
  • Order and pay for your meals using the GET mobile app or GET website. Dining dollars, credit, or debit can be used for payment.  
  • Students without meal plans will need to use a credit or debit card to pay for meals.
  • All meals must be ordered between 3-6 p.m. for delivery on the following day. For example, all of your Tuesday meals must be ordered between 3 and 6 p.m. on Monday.
  • All meals will be delivered at once each day between 8 and 8:30 a.m.
  • You can pick up your meals at the tables marked “Subgrub” in Todd Foyer, if you are housed in Todd Hall, and Phibbs Foyer, if you are housed in Phibbs Hall.      
  • If you miss the 3-6 p.m. order time on your arrival day, DCS will choose and deliver meals to you for the following day.     
  • If you have questions or need assistance, email subgrub@pugetsound.edu. 

 

Exercise

Fresh air and sunshine (if available!) are important for physical and mental well-being. We want to encourage you to spend time outside safely by following these requirements.

  • Requirements for going outside:
    • Review the section "Keeping Your Space Clean" before exiting your room to ensure that staff are not present in the building.
    • Enter and exit the building through designated exits only. 
    • Wear a mask at all times.
    • Do not spend time with other people after you leave the building.
    • Do not enter other buildings on campus.

 

Mental and Social Health

CHWS Workshops, Groups, and Peer Support Group

Counseling, Health, and Wellness Services provides workshops, groups, and peer support groups to students. 

  • Workshops, which are available to students residing in WA and outside of WA, can be  joined at any time.
  • Groups are available to students residing in WA only. It is typically recommended that you join these groups near the beginning of the semester and attend consistently. However, sometimes it is possible to join a group midsemester, so we encourage you to reach out to a CHWS counselor by scheduling an R&R appointment, or talking to your counselor if you are being seen in CHWS, to learn more about the groups.
  • Peer Support Group is available to students residing in WA and outside of WA. The current group is All Addictions Anonymous (AAA) on Fridays from 12:15-1 p.m. Check the Support Groups webpage for our Spring 2021 offerings, group descriptions, and who to contact to join.

 

Therapy Assistance Online (TAO)

TAO is a program CHWS utilizes for telehealth services. TAO provides students with 24/7 access to a variety of wellness-based learnings modules and workshops. All students have access to TAO at taoconnect.org.

 

Counseling Services

For students searching for an on-campus counselor, contact CHWS at 253.879.1555, Monday-Friday between 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. If your call is not answered, please leave a message with your name and phone number.  Your call will be returned within one business day.  If you do not hear back within the allotted time it means that there has been a glitch somewhere and you should call back. The staff at CHWS genuinely want to support Puget Sound students and encourage them to be persistent in advocating for their health and wellness.

For students searching for an off-campus counselor, contact the Student Assistance Coordinator, Alonna Mitz, at amitz@pugetsound.edu and/or complete the Student Assistance Intake Form. To access the form online:

  • Log into the CHWS Communication Portal.
  • Create a new Secure Message.
  • Select Student Assistance Intake Form.
  • Complete form and submit.

 

Keeping Your Space Clean

Our goal is to maintain a balance between the cleanliness of the quarantine space and staff health/safety. Every three days a building specialist will enter Todd/Phibbs Hall around 11 a.m. to collect trash/recycle, disinfect the laundry rooms, and clean the bathrooms. Please avoid being in the halls at this time and promptly return to your room when you notice staff members present.

Trash and Recycle

When your trash or recycling needs to be taken out, tie the trash bag and leave it in the hallway. Facilities will pick it up at predetermined times that will be communicated to you. 

 

Laundry Room Use

Please try to limit your laundry room use while in quarantine and disinfect any surfaces you come in contact with after use.

 

Bathrooms

If you happen to be in the bathroom when a staff member arrives to clean, please ensure you're wearing a mask, and make your way back to your room as quickly as possible. Be careful to keep your distance from the staff member upon exiting. 

 

Mail and Package Delivery

Call the mailroom at 253.879.3315 and request for your mail to be picked up by Security Services and delivered to the quarantine space. Mail and packages will be delivered once per day at approximately 3:30 p.m.

 

How Do You Know It’s Okay to Leave Quarantine?

The CHWS staff will work together with you to determine when you may stop living in quarantine. The following guidelines are used to determine when people can finish quarantine, but each timeline may be different.  You must fulfill ALL of the following requirements:

  • Fourteen days have passed since close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19.
  • You have tested negative for COVID-19.
  • You have not developed any symptoms of COVID-19.

 

Checking Out of Quarantine

  1. A CHWS staff member will contact you 24 - 48 hours before the end of your quarantine period.  The staff member will ask you some questions and determine if you are able to end your quarantine. If you have not heard from a CHWS staff member, and you believe your quarantine will be ending soon, please contact CHWS at 253.879.1555.
  2. After you have been cleared by CHWS, ResLife will contact you to help facilitate the move out process. 
  3. Contact Security Services at 253.879.3311 to inform them that you have been cleared to leave quarantine.
  4. Pack up all your belongings and return to your residence.
  5. Leave the room key on the desk in your quarantine space when you exit.

 

Important Contacts While in Quarantine 

  • Counseling, Health and Wellness Services (CHWS): 253.879.1555 (call if you develop symptoms or with other health questions/concerns)
  • MultiCare Consulting Nurse (Available 24/7): 253.792.6411 (call after 5 p.m. and on weekends for medical advice)
  • Residential Life contact: 253.879.3317 (call with questions about the check-in or check-out process, issues with your room, or general questions)
  • Mailroom: 253.879.3315 (call for package or mail delivery services) 
  • Student Accessibility and Accommodations 253.879.3399, saa@pugetsound.edu (call  if you need support communicating with your professors)
  • Emergency Response On Campus 253.879.3311 or Ext. 3311

 

How Can We Improve This Resource?

Please contact Alonna Mitz (student assistance coordinator) at amitz@pugetsound.edu with any questions or feedback about this page. We are learning about COVID-19 at the same pace as the rest of the world and would appreciate students bringing to our attention ways in which we can improve this overwhelming experience for everyone.