Dear residential students,
We are writing to provide information regarding 1.) our process for students who require isolation or quarantine and 2.) important updates for those currently in isolation or quarantine. Please read this information carefully and familiarize yourself with the resources available to you, even if you do not currently require them. As always, seek care immediately if you are experiencing symptoms that may be COVID-19 related and get tested.
What happens if I test positive for COVID-19 or have come into close contact with someone who has?
If at any point you are required to isolate, quarantine, or are identified as a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19, the message shared this week provides important information about what to expect. We recommend also familiarizing yourself with the isolation and quarantine protocol, which also outlines recommendations for packing a “Go Kit” should you need to isolate.
How will I be notified if I am required to isolate or quarantine?
If you are identified as needing to isolate or quarantine, you will receive a phone call and/or email from the Health and Wellness Center through the secure messaging portal with instructions and information. Residence halls where quarantining is occurring will have signage so other residents are aware and know the amenities, such as bathrooms, are limited to usage by the residents quarantining. For health and safety reasons, we continue to encourage all residents to limit bathroom and other usage of amenities to your assigned area/floor.
I’d like to speak with someone about my symptoms - who can I reach out to?
If you are concerned you have COVID-19 related symptoms and would like to speak with a nurse, please be reminded of the 24/7 line Lehigh University is offering in partnership with the Lehigh Valley Health Network, supplemental to the Health and Wellness Center. This resource will also be available during the week. Transportation to a LVHN Express Care Center will be made available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for students who are living on campus by calling 610-758-4295.
New information regarding meals for students currently quarantining:
In consultation with the COVID-19 Response Team and the Health and Wellness Center, effective Monday, 10/5/2020, all students quarantining in a residence hall or in Trembley Park—but NOT those in isolation—will be permitted to leave your residence hall to obtain meals on campus. This change from delivery to takeout was made possible by our wholescale shift to a takeout process for all students. This process is designed to minimize contact with others and follows all appropriate health and safety protocols, including limiting the number of students gathering and incorporating socially distancing queuing as necessary.
Please note the distinction between quarantine and isolation and always refer to the information provided to you by the Health and Wellness Center. Students who are isolating will continue to have meals delivered. Students who are quarantining may walk to a dining hall wearing a mask, retrieve a takeout meal, and immediately return to their residence hall. You may only leave your residence hall for this purpose. As always, we ask that all students continue to follow all safety protocols—including social distancing, wearing a face covering, and washing your hands.
Meals for students currently isolating:
Students who were told they must “isolate” and who were diagnosed with a positive COVID-19 test or awaiting a test result because of symptoms or a presumed positive case will continue to isolate in place and have meals delivered to you. You should always refer to the directions provided by the Health and Wellness Center to determine whether or not you are isolating or quarantining.
Support for those quarantining and isolating:
If you think it might be helpful to talk things through with a counselor, do not hesitate to contact our Office of Counseling and Psychological Services at 610-758-3880 or 610-758-5183. Even at a time when access to some campus facilities is limited, the center is open and counselors are available 24/7 to talk and provide support and assistance. Please visit our website at https://studentaffairs.lehigh.edu/content/ucps-services.
If you have any questions regarding your housing or dining needs during your isolation or quarantine, email inisohsg@lehigh.edu or call 610-758-3500. If you have questions related to specific medical concerns or symptoms, call the Health and Wellness Center at 610-758-3870 or contact us through the HWC secure message portal. In addition, students can contact the supplemental 24/7 MyLVHN Nurse Information line at 1-888-402-LVHN. For questions about surveillance testing next week, contact inopen@lehigh.edu.
DINING HALL HOURS:
Rathbone Dining Room
Monday–Saturday 7:30AM–8:00PM; Sunday 9:30AM–8:00PM
Brodhead Dining Hall (for Brodhead residents and those previously granted access to Brodhead)
Monday–Friday 7:30AM–8:00PM; Saturday-Sunday CLOSED
Cort Dining Room
Monday–Friday 7:00AM–8:00PM; Saturday-Sunday 11:00AM–7:00PM
Sincerely,
Ric Hall
Vice President for Student Affairs
David Rubenstein, Psy.D.
Executive Director, Health and Wellness Center