College Health Alliance packet v2 - SMU

[Pages:14]Returning To Campus In The Age

Of COVID

WELCOME

2020 BACK

PACKET

COLLEGE HEALTH ALLIANCE

OF TEXAS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Introduction 2 COVID-19's Impact 3 Health Safety Protocols 4 COVID-19 Exposure 4 Signs and Symptoms 5 Off-Campus 6 COVID-19 Etiquette 7 Making the Best of Quarantine 8 Online Classes 9 Mental Health Resources 10 Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress

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Introduction

This guide is for students by students. The responsibility to keep our campus safe starts with each and every one of us. We are providing up to date information on Coronavirus sourced, in part, from the CDC (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) as well as student insights on how to approach this semester We are excited to have the opportunity to begin the fall 2020 semester this year despite much uncertainty due to developments of the Coronavirus pandemic over the last few months. We are also thrilled to introduce you to the College Health Alliance of Texas.

MISSION STATEMENT

The purpose of this alliance is to serve as the voice of our generation and stop the spread of COVID-19. Our goal is to effectively communicate the importance of public health guidelines, to actively engage students to do our part, and to facilitate collaboration with health and administrative officials

The peer-elected student leaders in the TCHA are from:

? Texas A&M University ? University of Texas at Austin ? University of Houston ? Texas Tech University ? Texas State University ? University of North Texas ? The University of Texas at Dallas ? University of Texas Rio Grande Valley ? The University of Texas at El Paso ? Baylor University

? University of Houston-Downtown ? Tarleton State University ? Southern Methodist University ? Texas Christian University ? Rice University ? West Texas A&M University ? Abilene Christian University ? Dallas Baptist University ? Trinity University ? Dallas Baptist University

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COVID-19's Impact

Every generation has its defining moments; the COVID-19 pandemic is one of ours. This pandemic has and will continue to impact our present and future, because the pandemic is a clear and present threat to our education. A successful and sustainable reopening of our schools depends on us. It will come down to our collective engagement in best safety practices, and we control the continuity of our education. Our actions will ultimately dictate whether we can stay on campus. How we manage the risk of COVID-19 transmission on our campuses will profoundly impact our country. This is our choice; it is about our future. We have much to lose if we do not step up to the challenge. When entering college, many of us had a general idea of what we planned on doing after graduation. Finding work post-graduation has always been a bit daunting; however, due to COVID-19, employment opportunities are increasingly scarce, and it is harder than ever to secure traditional jobs. For some, COVID-19 has completely derailed meticulously set plans and demotivated and discouraged many others. Each of us must recognize the power and responsibility we have in this moment. We defeat this virus one way: Together.

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Health Safety Protocols

Below are the best safety protocols from the CDC to ensure the safety of yourself and those in your community:

WEAR YOUR FACE MASK

Your mask protects me. My mask protects you. Our masks together protect our future. The CDC recommends that people wear a mask in all public settings

WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN

Wash often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

USE A HAND SANITIZER

that contains at least 60% alcohol. If soap and water are not readily available,

6FT

SOCIAL DISTANCE Avoid close contact outside your place of residence: Put six feet of distance between yourself and others

CLEAN AND DISINFECT FREQUENTLY

touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets,, and sinks.

BE ALERT FOR SYMPTOMS.

Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of Covid-19. if symptoms develop.

TAKE YOUR TEMPERATURE

STAY HOME IF YOU FEEL SICK. Do not attend class.

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COVID-19 Exposure

IF YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO COVID-19:

HOME QUARANTINE

CONSULT A DOCTOR

? Familiarize yourself with testing protocols and processes on campus

? Stay home and self-quarantine according to the guidance of your school

? Keep track of your symptoms

? Take care of yourself. Stay hydrated and rested

? Stay in touch with your doctor and professors

You test positive for COVID-19, what next?

If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or test positive, our education continuity depends on you following the contact-tracing and quarantine guidelines of your school. ? Inform everyone with whom you have been in contact about your results ? Self-quarantine according to the guidance of your school ? Contact your doctor ? Contact your professors

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Signs and Symptoms

FEVER

DRY COUGH

HEADACHE

SORE THROATR

UNNY NOSE

People with Covid-19 can have a wide range of symptoms or even be asymptomatic but carrying the virus. Symptoms can appear anywhere from 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus and according to the CDC, can include:

? Fever or chills

? Cough

? Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

? Muscle or body aches ? Headache ? Loss of taste or smell ? Sore throat

? Congestion or runny nose ? Nausea or vomiting ? Diarrhea

For more information: coronavirus/2019-ncov

Seek emergency medical attention if you have:

? Trouble breathing ? Persistent pain or pressure in the chest ? New confusion ? Inability to wake or stay awake ? Bluish lips or face Whether you are positive or been exposed, you will feel the fear of missing out (FOMO) for the time you are quarantined. However, a brief episode of FOMO is nothing compared to the consequences your entire campus will feel if you do not follow the contact-tracing and quarantine guidelines.

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Off-Campus

Over the summer, our individual schools have worked hard to ensure the necessary on-campus safety measures are in place.

They need our help. We must recognize the individual power that each of us has and also make the appropriate sacrifices to follow all safety measures off-campus. Our actions off-campus will be the true test of our generation's willingness to take lead. It is what we do when no one is watching that is the true test of our character.

Social-distanced activities to do with your friends

While being back on campus with all of our friends after months of isolation sounds like the perfect reunion, we need to prepare for a new normal when interacting with our peers. It may seem that nothing can compare to the old ways of kicking back with loved ones and having a good time; however, these activities below may make adapting to this "COVID phase" a bit easier:

? A socially distanced picnic.

? Talking a walk outside.

? Going for a bike ride.

? Socially distanced reading/study group.

? Playing non-contact sports.

? Grabbing a bite to go (or properly distanced at a dining hall/restaurant).

GO FOR A WALK

GO BIKE RIDING

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When planning an event where multiple people may be in attendance, consider following the guidelines below to ensure it is a safe and comfortable environment for everyone involved:

Require everyone wear masks at all times.

Start by limiting attendance and hosting a smaller group.

If possible, host your gathering outdoors.

If seating or tables are involved, disinfect and set them up at least 6 feet apart prior to the event starting.

Limit any reason or need for standing in line and use multiple entrances and exits if possible, to avoid any congregation.

Provide physical markers such as tape on floors or signs on walls to gently remind people to keep their distance from one another.

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