College Student Leadership Can Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19

By Uloop Staff on November 23, 2020

This year, college life is not at all what students expected thanks to COVID-19. Throughout the Fall semester, many campuses and/or surrounding communities have had COVID-19 outbreaks. More often than not, people are quick to blame the students. Students, they said, have off-campus parties, don’t physically distance, and don’t consistently wear masks. While sometimes that is true, the vast majority of students follow the public health guidelines and genuinely care about the health and safety of themselves and others. As we enter the Thanksgiving and holiday season, you may wish there was something that you could do to reduce your personal risk, protect the health of your family and friends, and send a positive, health-affirming message to your campus community (and your country). Well, there is, according to a recent press release.

The American College Health Association is asking for students’ help and leadership as we move through this pandemic by:

? Taking the time now to develop a health and safety plan to reduce your personal risk and protect the health of your family and friends. If you don’t know where to start, review ACHA’s brief “Considerations for Institutions of Higher Education as Students Return Home.”

? Considering staying on campus and not traveling for Thanksgiving. If you have an option to remain on campus or in the surrounding college community, do so. It will reduce the risk of spreading the virus to both you and your family and friends at home. This is particularly important if you have loved ones who are elderly and/or have significant risk factors for COVID-19. Consider a “Friendsgiving” on campus instead.

? Reducing the number of people with whom you have close contact prior to traveling if you plan to do so. Any interactions with persons outside of your campus household or “living cohort” will increase your risk of illness. The more you can stay away from others, the safer you are to travel and arrive at home.

? Not traveling if you are sick or exposed. This is simple and vitally important. Follow the guidance from your healthcare provider regarding the recommended isolation and quarantine periods. Do not travel until it can be done safely.

? Getting an influenza vaccination (flu shot) prior to travel. While the COVID-19 vaccine is not yet available, influenza is preventable and like COVID-19, influenza presents a major risk to the elderly and persons with high-risk conditions.

? Getting tested before you leave. While it is not foolproof and only represents a single moment in time, if surveillance testing is available to you (check with your college health service), getting tested before you leave makes sense.

? Following CDC and public health guidelines to reduce your risk of infection while traveling. Reduce the number of stops on the trip. Take a direct flight if possible, and if driving, pack food/snacks for the trip. Wear a mask, frequently wash your hands, and carry and use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Sit as far apart from other travelers as possible. Carefully wipe down common surfaces with disinfecting wipes in the plane or vehicle in which you are traveling. Choose a window seat if possible and open the overhead air vents to increase circulation. If driving with others, wear a mask and, if weather permits, open the windows.

? Considering a modified self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving home. “Modified” self-quarantine means eating meals in a private space or outdoors, with family at least 6 feet apart; using separate utensils, glasses, and plates; if possible, using a separate bathroom from other family members; avoiding physical contact including hugging, kissing, and shaking hands; wearing a mask and maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet when in the presence of others; and restricting movement within and outside the home.

? Maximizing ventilation and reduce numbers at family events. If you must eat indoors, open windows (as much as the weather allows) and get cross ventilation. If possible, bundle up and eat outside.

? Paying careful attention to the mental health of yourself and others. Reach out for help or guidance from your primary care provider, psychologist/mental health clinician, or your college health and counseling center if you, a friend, or a family member are feeling depressed, anxious or hopeless over the holidays.

? Becoming a vaccine advocate. Learn as much as you can about the efficacy and safety of the vaccines for SARS CoV-2 (the virus that causes the disease COVID-19) and tell family and friends what you have learned. When your priority group is selected to receive the vaccine, get vaccinated.

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