We are sorry to hear that your roommate isn’t feeling well. We know this can be a stressful time for you as well, and we want to make sure you understand your responsibilities at this time and the resources available to you.
You do not need to quarantine
- You are able to go to classes, to work, and attend on-campus activities.
- You should wear a well-fitting mask (a medical mask or KN95) for 10 days anytime you are out of your room.
- You may continue to get your meals the way you normally do. We encourage grab and go dining or maintaining distance during dining to decrease your risk of spreading the virus, if you develop symptoms.
Strategies for minimizing contact with your roommate
- Keep 6 feet of distance as much as possible.
- Arrange the room and beds, so that sleepers' heads are as far apart as possible.
- Study and do work at the library or in other locations as much as possible.
- Open the window as long as the weather allows.
- A HEPA filter can be requested for your room for the duration of your roommate’s isolation by contacting healthandsafety@colgate.edu.
Please work to communicate with each other to respect each other's need
Length of Isolation
- Based on the current variants, anticipate your roommate’s isolation to last 5 days.
Symptom Monitoring
- Monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, fatigue, headache, etc.
- If you develop symptoms:
- Do not go to class, work or social activities.
- Do a home COVID-19 test if you have one. If you do not, please contact student health services.
- If you develop symptoms and feel you need medical attention, contact student health services. If it is after hours or the Student Health Center is not open, please seek care through Community Memorial Hospital Urgent Care or Emergency Department.
- Please do not go to Urgent Care or the Emergency Department just to get a test.
Testing
- If you do not have any test kits in your room, please consider reaching out to the local pharmacy proactively. You can visit the local pharmacy in person or consider calling them to see if you can have those tests delivered to the Student Health Center, so you can pick up the tests here.
- If you do test positive - please begin isolation in place (no classes, no work, no social events- wear a mask when out of your room except to shower, shave, brush teeth, get grab and go food or when sleeping ) and follow these protocols.
Counseling and Psychological Services
We know that all of this can be difficult and stressful.
Tips for mental wellness:
- Keep a schedule that includes a good amount of sleep and regular activity.
- Use positive coping strategies, such as meditation or mindfulness, reading, listening to music, and journaling.
- Attend to your wellness needs and prioritize your mental health. Find new ways to cope with new situations.
- If you are experiencing mental health issues, consider contacting the counseling center for an appointment. Call 315-228-7385 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or walk in for an appointment during those times.