Q&I Guide

Quarantine and Isolation Guide

We are committed to providing you with resources and methods to meet your needs during your isolation/quarantine time.

Please read the following information carefully:

  • You may not host anyone in your space during isolation/quarantine periods. Instead, use FaceTime, Snapchat, etc. as ways to increase your social interaction with others.
  • You may not leave your room. Instead, find ways to stay entertained by using the internet, or by working on your homework.
  • You may not have outside food delivered. You may have food delivered to you through our dining services.

*Stay in your assigned room, do not leave unless it is an emergency or to use the restroom.

If you have questions:

  • Email or call the Student Health Center at renee_sprinkle@mhu.edu 828-689-1243 or 828-206-6543 (after hours).

*Violation of these policies will result in your suspension from campus.*

COVID-19 Important Information

The following does not include all possible symptoms or resources. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will continue to update COVID-19 information as disease research expands. For more information, visit CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov.

The CDC site discusses important information for:

  • Knowing what to do if you are sick
  • Caring for others
  • Cleaning and disinfecting
  • Identifying symptoms

Emergency warning signs

If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

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

Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility for: Any symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. Notify the operator that you are seeking care for you or someone who has, or
may have, COVID-19.

COVID-19 Symptoms

People with COVID-19 may have a wide range of symptoms – from mild to severe. Symptoms appear anywhere between 2–14 days after exposure to the virus.

Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions (e.g. heart or lung disease or diabetes) seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications.

Difference between Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19

Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is an infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and flu is an infection with influenza viruses. Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, making it difficult to discern between them, based on symptoms alone. Testing will confirm a diagnosis.

Symptoms to watch for:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion and/or runny nose
  • Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea

Staying Healthy

  • Eat regular, healthy meals and drink 8 cups of water a day.
  • Get at least 8 hours of sleep.
  • Find a way to keep active, even if it’s in your room. Consider yoga and other free, streamed, online exercise classes.
  • Open your windows and get fresh air as often as possible.
  • Stay in contact with friends and family via phone or online apps like Facetime/Skype/What’s App/etc.
  • Do not engage in the use of alcohol, recreational drugs, smoking or vaping.

Self Care

  • Complete health checks every morning and night and report the results in SportswareOnline (SWOL).
  • Record your temperature.
  • Write yes or no next to the question about whether you are coughing.
  • Write yes or no next to the question about whether you have any trouble breathing.
  • Note any other symptoms of concern.

Taking Your Temperature

  • Wait 30 minutes after eating, drinking, waking, or exercising.
  • Wait at least 6 hours after taking medicine that can lower your temperature (e.g. Acetaminophen/Tylenol, Ibuprofen/Advil/Motrin, Naproxen/Aleve, or Aspirin).
  • Let the Student Health Center know if you need a new thermometer.

Important Contacts

Athletics……………………………………………………….. 828-689-1219
Campus Security…………………………………………. 828-689-1230
Chaplain………………………………………………828-689-1664/1229
Chartwells……………………………………………………. 828-689-1221
Counseling Center………………………………………. 828-689-1196
Disability Services………………………………………… 828-689-1410
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion……………………….. 828-689-1366
Facilities………………………………………………………… 828-689-1246
Financial Aid………………………………………………… 828-689-1143
IT Help Desk…………………………………………………. 828-689-1444
Library…………………………………………………………. 828-689-1244
Mailroom…………………………………………………….. 828-689-1411
Residence Life………………………………………………. 828-689-1253
Student Accounts…………………………………………. 828-689-1100
Student Health Center…………………………..828-689-1243/1383
Student Life…………………………………………………. 828-689-1253

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to isolate or quarantine?

You have tested positive for, or have symptoms associated with, COVID-19. To slow the spread of COVID-19, MHU requires you to isolate or quarantine. This measure will decrease the risk of passing the virus to others.

Am I allowed to go out?

No. Do not go out. Do not go to work, school, church/worship, public events, dining halls, or group gatherings.

  • Do not go out for walks.
  • Do not have visitors.
  • Do not prop the door open.
  • Limit common area activity to bathroom use only.
  • If you must be in a common area, you must wear a face covering (e.g. scarf, mask) and wash your hands before and after.

What if I start to feel worse?

Do not go out in public.

Call the Student Health Center between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., at 828-689-1243.

If you cannot reach the Student Health Center, contact Mashburn Medical Center at 828-689-3531 and ask for the triage nurse.

Inform the person you speak with you are a student at MHU in isolation or quarantine and describe your symptoms.

If you are instructed by a physician to visit the Student Health Center, Mars Hill Medical Center, Urgent Care, or Hospital, call the facility before you present at the office for an appointment:

  • MHU Student Health Center: 828-689-1243.
  • Mars Hill Medical Center: 828-689-3507.
  • Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care Weaverville: 828-645-5088.
  • Emergency Medical Services: call 911.
  • Campus Safety: 828-206-1230.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency (severe shortness of breath, severe allergic reaction, or any symptoms that cannot wait for a return phone call), dial 911.

If you visit a medical facility, please notify the Student Health Center at your first opportunity.

Can I do laundry?

No. Do not leave your room to do laundry. Try to pack enough clothing for your isolation/quarantine period.

What about other cleaning?

Edna Moore residents, remember to clean the bathroom after each use, especially high touch surfaces (e.g. door knobs, sinks, counter tops). You will be given either sanitizing wipes or spray
cleaner (e.g. Lysol) and paper towels.

Close the lid on the toilet prior to flushing, if able. This decreases the spread of germs when flushing the toilet.

Place trash in a black trash bag. Place the full trash bag outside your door at lunch, every day. Volunteers will gather trash.

What will I do about meals?

A staff member will notify Chartwells of your current status in quarantine or isolation.

Volunteers will deliver your food and place the food outside your door around the appropriate meal delivery time.

Notify the Student Health Center if you have a meal allergy, sensitivity, or discrepancy.

Meals will be provided by Chartwells at these times:

  • Monday–Friday: Breakfast: 7:30 a.m.; Lunch: 11 a.m.; Dinner: 5 p.m.
  • Saturday–Sunday: Breakfast: 9:30 a.m.; Lunch: 12 p.m.; Dinner: 5 p.m.

Do not leave your room.

**Please notify the Student Health Center if you do not receive a meal.**

When can I leave isolation?

If you tested positive for COVID-19 you must isolate for 10 days from your test date and be asymptomatic for 24 hours.

If you have not tested positive, MHU guidelines to leave isolation require:

  • No fever for 24 hours without medication.
  • Resolution of all symptoms.
  • Clearance to return to regular activity from your physician, or the physician from the Student Health Center. The Student Health Center nurse will need a copy of your clearance documentation.

When can I leave quarantine?

If you were in contact with a person who is confirmed COVID-19 positive, you will need to quarantine for 14 days after your last contact with the positive case.

If you were in contact with a person placed in isolation pending COVID-19 test results, you will need to quarantine until that contact’s test returns negative and you have remained asymptomatic.

What if I have a repair issue in my room?

Call the Student Health Center and report any problems in your room.

If work needs to be completed outside your bedroom, we ask you to remain in your bedroom with the door closed for the duration of the work.

If work needs to be completed inside your bedroom, wear a mask and wait in an area away from your bedroom and any other areas facilities staff will need to access.

Am I required to isolate/quarantine on campus?

You are not required to isolate or quarantine on campus. If you decide to return home for the duration of your isolation/quarantine, please notify the Student Health Center or your Contact Tracer immediately.