On-Campus Isolation Information

Information

• After you have received a clinical positive COVID-19 test result from CU Boulder’s Public Health Clinic, you will be contacted by Health & Wellness Services within 1-3 hours about the isolation process. It is common not to remember all of this information, so it is also in the student’s MyCUHealth portal on the educational tab.
• Once a student relocates to their temporary isolation hall, they will receive a key to their room and a welcome letter that has information related to food/meals, safety and other housing related information. Some additional information can be found on this webpage.

Upon arrival in isolation space

• Start List for Contact tracing
  While you are insolation, a case investigator will reach out to obtain a list of individuals who may have been in close contact with you. Please begin to make your list. It is important that you provide accurate information. The people on your list will only receive general information indicating that they may have been exposed. Your identity will not be shared. 

• Health and Wellness Services will also ask you about your dietary restrictions (not preferences) at that time.

Outreach

Over the course of your stay in isolation, you will receive multiple calls, texts and emails with important information and checking on your well-being. These will include:

• Text and Email: Students will be notified by text and email of initial instructions and guidance on where to go, isolation expectations, and food delivery information
• Emails: Staff will send emails to students Mon-Fri checking in, sending any applicable updates, and highlighting virtual activities to ensure you stay connected while in isolation. Staff will also be able to answer any questions and assist in obtaining any resources during your stay.
• Phone: While you are in isolation, a contact tracer case investigator will reach out by phone to obtain a list of individuals who may have been in close contact with you. The people on your list will only receive general information indicating that they may have been exposed. Your identity will not be shared. 
• Peer Outreach: While in isolation, you have the option to connect with a peer. This is a HealthBuffs peer educator who is trained in a variety of health topics and is there to listen and support you.  You can opt to connect via text or Zoom.   

My symptoms are worsening

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, contact a health provider immediately. Students can contact the 24/7 Nurseline at 303-492-5101 (24/7 nurse line) for further assistance.

Seek emergency medical attention (Call 911) if you are showing any of the following symptoms:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

*This list does not cover all possible symptoms. Please call a medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Food

Day 0/Check-in Day

You will receive a food box when you first arrive; this box has food for a meal plus a snack. Most students move in the late afternoon hours. The first box ("prearrival" box) is shelf-stable and may not meet all dietary restrictions. Students need to fill out the survey to share their dietary needs and/or allergens so Campus Dining can adjust the contents to meet those needs.

Day 1-10+

Boxes will include a mix of freshly prepared items, assorted beverages, fruit, and snacks. These boxes are delivered each day of the week in the morning and provide food for 3 meals, and between 2,000 and 3,000 calories.

Examples:

• Vegetarian box with a hummus wrap, side salad, 3-4 beverages, apple, applesauce, kiwi, jicama salad, edamame, oatmeal, and snacks.   
• A standard meal box (no dietary needs or allergens) with spaghetti and meatballs, a meat-beans-rice entrée, a side salad, apple, 3-4 beverages, oatmeal, and snacks.
• Meals are delivered 7 days a week. If you have not received your meals and believe you should have, email dining@colorado.edu. 

3rd Party Food Delivery

While you are in isolation, if there is a comfort food or other items you need, you may order for delivery of restaurant, groceries, or other items with contactless delivery or ask a friend or family to deliver to you. It is important that you follow these directions: 

• Ask the individual who is delivering to call you when they arrive outside of your isolation hall. 
• When they call, wear a face covering and proceed to the isolation lobby. 
• A table will be outside of the main entrance. The delivery should be placed on the table when you are able to confirm delivery.
• You may proceed outside to pick up your item. It is important to maintain social distance. 
• After picking up your delivery, please go directly back to your isolation room. 
• Please note: CU staff is not able to pick-up a student’s mail and deliver it directly to the hall as there are federal laws regarding mail and delivery. Please ask a friend to pick up your mail and make a contactless delivery at the isolation hall.

Classes

• If you have in-person classes or labs while you are in isolation, you may not attend them in person. Contact your faculty members and work with them to let them know you cannot participate in person. 
• If you have reached out to faculty and still aren’t sure what to do or if your symptoms become more acute and you are looking into additional academic options, please fill out the SSCM referral form and a Case Manager will reach out to you directly to provide assistance and/or connect you with additional support resources.

Rules/Conduct

While in isolation, you must continue to follow campus COVID-19 policies and guidelines, as well as local public health orders and recommendations. 

Any serious public health violations by students, like hosting or attending large gatherings, including in your isolation hall, or breaking isolation guidelines, will result in an immediate 10-day suspension pending adjudication through Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. If found responsible, the likely consequence will be a suspension for the remainder of the semester.  

What to do

We understand that isolation can be lonely and boring. While you are in isolation, here are a few ideas to keep you entertained:

When to leave your space

You may leave your assigned room for the following reasons. When you do, you must wear a face covering and maintain physical distance of at least 6 feet from others. Please keep the door to your room or apartment closed. You may open exterior windows.

Restroom

If you do not have a private restroom, you may leave your room to use the facilities designated for your isolation space.

Water

You may use water bottle refill stations.

Meal Pick-Up

Students may leave their rooms to pick-up meals each day.  Please reference information above and in your isolation email about details of meal delivery from Campus Dining Services.

Delivery pick-up

While you are in isolation, you may order for delivery of restaurant, groceries, or other items with contactless delivery or ask a friend or family to deliver to you. It is important that you follow these directions: 

• Ask the individual who is delivering to call you when they arrive outside of your isolation hall. 
• After they call, wear a face covering and proceed to the isolation lobby. 
• A table will be outside of the main entrance. The delivery should be placed on the table when you are able to confirm delivery.
• You may proceed outside to pick up your item. It is important to maintain physical distance. 
• After picking up your delivery, please go directly back to your isolation room. 

Laundry

You may use the laundry facilities in your assigned building. If you do leave your room to do laundry, please wash your hands, wear a face covering, and either avoid contact with others or maintain physical distancing of six feet or more.

Building

You may not leave the building, unless it is to grab items from the delivery station or because of an emergency, like a fire. Do not go out for walks.

Medical Care

Students who need medical care may leave isolation spaces. 

Prescriptions

• Contactless pick-up options are available for students through the Apothecary at Wardenburg.
• Courier service is available for most prescriptions, with some restrictions for controlled substances or refrigerated medications.  Most over-the-counter and retail items are available too.  Students must contact the Apothecary at Wardenburg to arrange payment and request contactless delivery.  There is a fee for this service, which generally ranges between $5-8.  

Feeling lonely/Mental health

For many, being in isolation can feel very lonely, frustrating and can impact mental health. Please know that you are not alone, and while the next 10 days may be difficult, we hope you will take care of yourself. We are also here to support you.

Coping Tips

• Keep in touch: Reach out to your family, friends, classmates and colleagues. If you’re struggling, identify someone close to you who you trust to talk through your situation. While you are in isolation, call a friend and reminisce about a great weekend or talk to your family about your favorite experiences. 

Stay Active

• Physical activity and movement are great ways to relieve stress, if you are feeling up to it. While you cannot leave your space, there are great virtual fitness classes and outdoor program workshops offered through the Recreation Center. Find activities that work for your schedule and make you feel good.

Practice Self Care 

• Drink water throughout the day
• Meditate
• Unfollow or mute accounts that are too much for you right now
• Practice gratitude
• Continue or start with tele-health counseling appointments

Resources

• Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) staff are available to speak with you 24/7, 365 days a year. Many of our services are now available via telehealth. In addition to counseling and mental health resources, CAPS offers various groups and workshops via electronic means. Call 303-492-2277 to speak with a staff member or visit colorado.edu/counseling for more information.
• The Office of Victim Assistance (OVA) provides free and confidential information, consultation, support, advocacy and short term counseling services to University of Colorado Boulder students, graduate students, faculty and staff who have experienced a traumatic, disturbing or life-disruptive event. More information is available through their article “Ways to cope if the pandemic is bringing up past trauma”.
• SilverCloud SilverCloud is a confidential online portal that offers secure, immediate access to online programs for stress, anxiety and depression

Cleaning

Trash will be collected on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Students will need to place their trash outside of their door by 10 a.m.

It is important that you follow these directions:

• ALL trash needs to be bagged.
• Remove all items from the meal box before placing the box in the trash.
• If food is shelf-stable (not perishable), please keep the item(s) in the room.
• Break down any boxes and place in large trash bag.

4-5 large trash bags are provided inside the room. Additional large trash bags and sanitizing wipes are located in the hallways and near the lobby table.  

We have also provided cleaning supplies in your isolation space, so that you can wipe down common areas while in the space

If you are in a space with a private bath, your bathroom will not be cleaned during your isolation period. We will provide you with cleaning products, and the CDC recommends that sick individuals clean the bathroom after use.  If your isolation space has a community bathroom, the bathroom will be checked daily and trash will be removed.  It will be deep cleaned twice per week.  Cleaning products are available as well. 

One set of linens will be provided upon arrival. This will include sheets, towels, washcloth, blanket and pillow.  Spare linens are available at the entrance of each building.  

Safety

For your safety and security, CUPD will make rounds and patrol the building.

In case of a fire alarm, you should:

• Grab your access card and a face covering/mask. Do not stay in your room.
• Cover your nose and mouth with your face covering
• Quickly exit the building through the nearest door
• Walk away from the building and follow instructions from staff and emergency personnel
• Wait outside the building and socially distance until instructed to safely return. Do not leave the area.

Families with student in isolation

We want to support you and your students throughout the isolation process. Please take a look at this page to better understand the process. If you need additional help or have questions, please contact 303-492-5101. Please know, while we want to be helpful, we may not be able to answer all of your questions due to FERPA and HIPAA regulations.

Who to contact

Clinical/Health Related Questions

• If you have any clinical questions, please email Health & Wellness Services for additional support: healthinfo@colorado.edu or call the nurse line at 720-412-4007.
• Note: We also have a 24/7 nurse line for clinical consultation should your symptoms worsen. The nurse line is unable to answer questions pertaining to housing, facilities, or dining related needs. 

Facilities Questions

• If your room is too warm or cold or if something is not working correctly, please go to https://fixit.colorado.edu/ and submit a work order, so that the issue may be addressed immediately. In the case of an emergency, residents can call 303-735-5555.

Locked out or lost access card

Whether you have locked your access card in the room or lost your access card, contact the for assistance:

• Reed or Crosman: 303-492-6849 
• Darley: 303-492-0000
• Hotel: front desk
• You do not need to share your health status, but we will ask that you wear a face covering and maintain social distance policies. Please note, a lost card will cost $5 to replace. You must report your card missing immediately. 

Mail and Packages

Whether receiving your mail or a package while you are in isolation, it is important that you follow these directions: 

• The package or mail item needs to be addressed to your permanent hall.
• Connect with a friend or family member that is able to pick up your package.
• Send an email to the UPS store email address (store6439@theupsstore.com) stating the following:
• Example: I, (first name, last name), allow (first name, last name) to pick up package at The UPS Store on (applicable date). 
• Ask the individual who is delivering to call you when they arrive outside of your isolation hall. 
• After they call, wear a face covering and proceed to the isolation lobby. 
• A table will be outside of the main entrance. The delivery should be placed on the table when you are able to confirm delivery.
• You may proceed outside to pick up your item. It is important to maintain physical distance. 
• After picking up your delivery, please go directly back to your isolation room. 

If you are not able to connect with a friend or family member who can pick up your mail or package, please follow these steps:

• Email reslife@colorado.edu with the following information:
• Example: I, (first name, last name), allow a Residence Life staff member to pick up package at The UPS Store on (applicable date). 
• Original hall assignment (where you lived before isolation)
• Delivery location (name of isolation hall)
• Cell phone number
• A Residence Life staff member will contact you via the phone number provided and coordinate a drop off time.
• Packages will be delivered with social distancing protocols in place.