Quarantine and Isolation Resources

Please prepare the following items for your isolation period. You will not be allowed back into your assigned room until you are cleared to return. No personal items will be retrieved for you after you have moved into your isolation space. Please double check that you packed all your personal and academic needs as it may be up to a 9-day stay.  

Each room has a small refrigerator and microwave. Linens (including towels) will be provided.

Room needs:

• Pillow and pillowcase 
• Comfortable blanket
• Personal needs  
• Clean, comfortable clothing
• Slippers/house shoes are encouraged
• Water bottle
• Snacks 

Entertainment:

• Handheld gaming system
• Hobbies (knitting, puzzles, etc.)
• Coloring books
• Crossword puzzles or paper games
• Books

Toiletries:

• Shampoo/conditioner, body wash/soap, face wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, shaving razors/cream, etc.
• Eyeglasses/contacts and related supplies  
• Pre-packaged snacks/drinks you already have in your room  
• Medications  
• Thermometer 
• Hand sanitizer 
• Face Masks 

Academic needs 

• PSU ID, wallet with state/government-issued ID, health insurance cards  
• Laptop and charger  
• Phone and charger  
• Headphones  
• Textbooks, notebook, pens/pencils, and highlighters

All isolation spaces in Eastview Terrace have a private bathroom that is adjoined to the bedroom.  Each room has a desk, microwave-fridge, chest of drawers, a wardrobe, and a window.  

Transportation is not provided at this time. 

Staff will greet you and escort you to your assigned space, explain expectations, and discuss meal options. You will also be provided with contact information for staff should any concerns arise or if you need support.

All meals will be provided by Penn State Food Services. Residence Life and Food Services will work directly with you for meal delivery to your room as well as discuss any specific dietary needs. Students pay for their own meals in isolation with their meal plan, LionCash, or by having meals billed to their bursar account. 

University Park staff will work to deliver packages to your room in isolation. Please know that packages may arrive at your current location up to 24 hours after receiving the notification. Staff will knock on your door and leave your package outside of your room. Please remember to always wear a mask when you open your door. 

Students in isolation at other campus locations should inquire about package delivery during check-in.

During your isolation period, the Student Support Services team will reach out to you with an initial phone call and follow-up email(s). Student Support Services will also assist with notifying faculty members when a student is unable to attend in-person classes.

For students enrolled in in-person classes, Student Support Services will contact their faculty members and instructors to let them know the dates the student is not permitted to be in class, and the date they are cleared to return.

Faculty and instructors will not be told specific medical information, unless the student gives permission, about why a student will not be in class or if a student is in isolation. Faculty and instructors should not assume a student has COVID-19 or under any circumstance share the identity of the student with classmates. An email indicating the specified period of time a student can’t be in class does not equate to a positive COVID-19 case.

If a student intentionally comes to class during the time frame indicated in the notification, faculty and instructors will ask them to leave and refer the student to the Office of Student Conduct. Students will be held accountable if they knowingly put the health and safety of others at risk.

Talk to your instructor about how to handle missed work while in isolation. 

To support the privacy of those involved in the contact tracing process, the identity of the student or employee who tested positive or is presumed positive will not be shared with close contacts without permission. The University will provide confidential notifications to their faculty, instructors, or supervisors to enable accommodations and support. Instructors and supervisors will not share the identity of the individual with classmates or colleagues. Beyond these notifications, the University will only share information about an individual’s health status as needed and as appropriate if there is a concern for the safety of the campus community.

Faculty and instructors will not be told specific medical information, unless the student gives permission, about why a student will not be in class or if a student is in isolation. Faculty and instructors should not assume a student has COVID-19 or under any circumstance share the identity of the student with classmates. An email indicating the specified period of time a student can’t be in class does not equate to a positive COVID-19 case.

If you feel unwell or have health concerns

Students should not hesitate to contact a health professional if their symptoms have worsened or if there have other health concerns. 

• During business hours:
  • Contact University Health Services or your campus health service
  • Contact your primary care physician 
     
• After hours and on weekends:
  • Contact the nurse advice line at 814-865-4UHS (4847) (Press 3)

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need support

• During business hours:
  • Contact Counseling and Psychological Services or your campus counseling center
     
• After hours and on weekends:
  • Call the 24/7 Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400
  • Text the 24/7 Crisis Text Line: Text “LIONS” to 741741

Consider implementing the principles of  “AT HOME” during isolation to create an environment of consistency and awareness, and to maximize positive outcomes after quarantine. 

[A]sk for Help 

• Connect with, and reach out to friends, family, University resources, and other support channels 

• Inform others that if you are struggling, and allow them to help 

[T]ake Care 

• Take time for self-care basics such as getting enough sleep, eating nourishing foods, hydrating, and taking care of your body 

• Allow time to do special things for yourself that you enjoy 

[H]ave a Routine 

• Establish familiar patterns within the unfamiliar situation 

• Create a daily schedule that incorporates time for self-care 

• Create a balance between working and enjoying relaxing activities

[O]bserve Mindfulness  

• Set aside a few moments each day for quiet time and reflection

• Participate in a guided meditation, or listen to a mindfulness podcast 

• Download a mindfulness or meditation app  

[M]ove Your Body 

• Find ways to be active  

• Participate in a virtual fitness class 

• Try jumping jacks, squats, planks, crunches, or other movements that require body weight only 

[E]xplore Your Creativity  

• Express yourself through your favorite creative pursuit  

• Start a journal 

• Develop a blog/website 

• Spend time coloring, drawing, writing, or playing music 

If you are in isolation in an on-campus space, we are not able to respond to test results between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. You may need to stay in your isolation space for the evening and arrangements will be made in the morning.

Following isolation, continue to monitor your health and track your symptoms. If you develop new symptoms, contact University Health Services, your campus health center, or your primary care provider.