Sorry you’re not feeling well and have tested positive for COVID-19. We want to make sure you understand your responsibilities and the resources available to you as a student.
Isolation
- Notify health services by completing the COVID Reporting Form. This is important so that a health services staff member can monitor for students who may benefit from treatment.
- Students living on campus will now isolate themselves in their own room, unless they want to go home or elsewhere.
- There are no automatic isolation spaces for resident students.
- If you have additional health concerns about yourself or your roommate please contact Health Services
- If you need help talking with those you live with about COVID, the staff of Residential Life and Housing is available to assist you.
- You are to remain in your own room except to use the bathroom, pick up food, go to a medical provider or other necessities.
- You should not go to classes, work, or participate in social activities.
- You should consider using a delivery service or enlisting the help of family and friends.
- You should avoid close contact with anyone inside/outside of your room. Try and maintain a distance of six feet between yourself and others, if possible.
- You are required to wear a well-fitting high-quality mask as much as possible and when around others.
- You should not attend class. Reach out to your professors to make plans for navigating your academic work while you are in isolation. If you need assistance with this please contact Martha Cedarholm, Director of Student Support and Advocacy.
Duration of Isolation
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.
- Afterwards, students are expected to use take-out dining and wear a high-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 six 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.
- Please work to communicate with each other to respect each other’s needs.
Picking up Food
Residents can pick up deliveries (GrubHub can be linked to PrattBucks). Those on a meal plan can use the GETapp to order food to go from the main Dining Hall. Please wear a KN95 mask when around others.
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 can help with coughs and nasal congestion
Be cautious mixing medications as some have multiple ingredients. We have some some cold kits available- call health
If you feel you need medical evaluation, please call Health Services 718.399.4542 during business hours. If Health Services is closed and you feel you need medical evaluation, please seek care at an urgent care center or Emergency room
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 Health Services to discuss if treatment may be an option.
Counseling 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. Learn more.
- 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 virtual appointment. In order to schedule an appointment, contact therapy@pratt.edu.