You Test Positive and Must Isolate In Place

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  3. You Test Positive and Must Isolate In Place

We are sorry to hear that you are not feeling well and have tested positive for COVID-19. 
We want to make sure you understand your responsibilities at this time and the resources available to you.

Isolate in Place

  • You are to isolate in place, remaining in your assigned residence.
  • You are to remain in your assigned room except to use the bathroom, pick up food, and isolated outdoor time.
  • You should avoid close contact with anyone outside of your room.
  • If you are out of your assigned room, you are required to wear a well-fitting mask (like a medical mask or a KN95 mask) except when you are showering, bathing, brushing teeth, shaving and sleeping.
  • You should not attend class — reach out to your dean and your professors to make plans for navigating your academic work while you are in isolation. 
  • You should not go to work.
  • You should not attend social activities.
  • If students test positive we ask you to contact the Student Health Services Office so staff members can monitor for high-risk students who might benefit from treatment.

Duration of Isolation and Leaving

Students who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to isolate for five days after their symptoms first appear (the day symptoms start is day zero).

  • Students may exit isolation and return to classes on day six if their symptoms have improved and they are fever-free for 24 hours without taking medication to suppress the fever.
  • Students are no longer required to test negative or receive permission from Student Health Services (SHS) to exit isolation.
  • Students are expected to use grab-and-go dining and wear a medical-quality mask when outside of their room for a full 10 days after the onset of COVID-19 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.
  • Open the window as long as the weather allows.
  • A HEPA filter can be requested for your room for the duration of your isolation by contacting healthandsafety@colgate.edu.
  • Please work to communicate with each other to respect each other's needs.

To-Go Dining

Chartwells will permit people to pick meals up for students in isolation from Frank Dining Hall, using to-go containers, or they will prepare to-go containers for students who pick meals up for themselves. Students can order in advance from Frank, the Coop and Donovan’s Pub via the Boost mobile ordering app. More information on campus dining options and the Boost mobile app can be found online here.

Students Picking Meals Up for Themselves

  • Call Frank Dining Hall at 315-228-6553 15 minutes before you want to pick up your meal.
  • Inform the dining associate about any dietary restrictions.
  • The dining associate will assign someone to prepare a to-go box for pickup.
  • Pick the meal up from the register stand at Frank Dining Hall 15 minutes after your call.
  • Return the to-go box the next time you go to Frank Dining Hall.

People Picking Meals Up for Other Students

  • Ask the student about any dietary restrictions.
  • Go to Frank Dining Hall and inform a dining associate that you are there to pick up a to-go box for a student in isolation.
  • Give the dining associate the student’s name and pick up a to-go box.
  • Fill the to-go box with items from any station, asking dining personnel about dietary restrictions if necessary.
  • Deliver the to-go box to the student.
  • Ask the student to return the to-go box the next time they go to Frank Dining Hall.

Symptom Management

  • Manage your symptoms the way you would a typical illness.
    • Do not take any medication to which you have a known allergy
    • Examples of self care medications:
      • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) per package instructions for management of fever, headache, sore throat, aches and pains unless you are allergic.
      • Honey and lemon for cough.
      • Over-the-counter medications like Delsym or Robitussin can help with coughing.
      • Over-the-counter decongestants like Sudafed for nasal congestion.
      • Be cautious mixing medications as some have multiple ingredients.
  • If you feel you need medical evaluation, please call Student Health Services 315-228-7750. If Student Health Services is closed and you feel you need medical evaluation, please seek care at Urgent Care (315-648-6411) of the Emergency Department at Community Memorial Hospital (315-824-1100).

Antiviral Treatment

  • Antiviral treatments are available for those that are at high risk for severe complications from COVID 19.
  • You may be eligible for treatment with an antiviral medication if you have a medical condition that is associated with a higher risk for severe COVID 19.
  • If you have any of these medical conditions, please contact Student Health Services to discuss if treatment may be an option.

Counseling and Psychological Services

We know that isolation can be difficult and stressful.

Tips for Mental Wellness During Isolation:

  • 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 a telehealth appointment. These are conducted through Zoom. In order to schedule an appointment, please call 315-228-7385 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.
    • Once your appointment is scheduled, you will be emailed a confirmation email with a link to the necessary paperwork and a Zoom invitation.
    • Students must be in New York state for this service