Life in Quarantine: Preventing the Spread of COVID-19

Reported by: Bryn Heikes

Photographed by: Imogene Eagan

We wear masks, stand six feet apart, and apply hand sanitizer more liberally than we probably have in our whole lives. Of course, this is all in a unified effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus on campus, protecting both ourselves and our peers. But what happens when a student does catch COVID-19, despite the precautions?

To prevent the infected student from passing the virus to anyone else, George Fox University (GFU) asks for those who test positive to isolate themselves for 14 days. For on-campus students, specific locations throughout campus are designated for isolation. Additionally, the student may choose to return to an off-campus residence. This prospect of isolation may seem daunting and potentially anxiety inducing, causing questions to arise. The GFU COVID FAQ page provides a wide variety of information, but leaves the reader with a few lingering questions. Kayin Griffith, Associate Dean of Student Life Operations, helped fill in the gaps.

According to Griffith, the specific isolation areas include Beebe Suites, Willcuts Suites, Lewis Apartments, Weesner Village Apartments, and Woolman Apartments. Before moving to the isolation location, students have time to pack a few belongings. Griffith provided a comprehensive list of must-haves to bring along for their two week stay, which can be found at the end of this article.

According to the GFU FAQ page, an Office of Student Life representative will check in with the on-campus isolated individual daily, and food will be provided for the duration of their isolation.

Those who have been in contact with an individual who tests positive must undergo a mandatory quarantine, remaining in their place of residence for the recommended two weeks. Kayin clears up a few misconceptions concerning quarantine: “One continual place of confusion is that often a close contact thinks they don’t need to quarantine if they test negative. This is not true, many times a close contact might test negative initially but later tests positive. CDC recommends that a close contact be on mandatory quarantine for 14 days from last exposure. We have this same policy.”

This was the experience of Kathryn McMullen, a non-resident junior at GFU. She had direct exposure to an individual with COVID-19, and underwent the two week quarantine. McMullen lives with her grandparents and is in a high-risk group herself, so her exposure to the coronavirus was a source of anxiety as they waited to see if any symptoms developed.

“Obviously, we had been doing everything possible to avoid bringing COVID into our household in order to protect my grandparents’ health … but also my own as an immunocompromised person,” says McMullen. “Naturally, it was very stressful for all of us when I found out I was exposed.”

During her period of quarantine, McMullen exhibited an abundance of caution. “I stayed isolated in my bedroom, and wore a mask anytime I needed to be in the common areas of the house, although I tried to leave my room as little as possible. I sanitized everything I touched.” McMullen was tested twice over the course of 14 days, and each test result came back negative. However, even after the second test, she remained cautious to ensure her grandparent’s safety.

Completing school work posed a bigger challenge than usual during quarantine, says McMullen. “... I was really anxious throughout my entire isolation. I ... didn't have the energy to do assignments sometimes. I felt so unproductive and defeated, and this was very challenging for me.” Since McMullen has been attending school online from the beginning of the year, her class structure remained the same and no accommodations were needed. However, she noted the kindness of her teachers during her quarantine period. “My professors did know I was quarantining, and understood I was very stressed,” McMullen said.“They were all exceptionally nice and concerned for my well-being over any coursework during that time.”

Finally, McMullen combated feeling isolated with consistent digital communication with friends. “FaceTime was definitely my saving grace to stay connected outside my immediate family!”

As of October 8th, GFU had a total of five cases campus-wide.

Must-Have Items

Chargers for phone and electronics
Laptop, iPad or tablet
Phone

School Supplies

Textbooks
Pen & Paper
Headphones

Hygiene Supplies

Hairbrush
Hair ties
Lotion
Shampoo & Conditioner
Bodywash
Feminine Hygiene products
Toothbrush / toothpaste
Bath towel

General Items

Comfortable clothes (plan for at least 10 days)
Pajamas (plan for at least 10 days)
Slippers
Socks
Underwear