What Happens When a Student Tests Positive

Testing Positive for COVID-19

Naturally, this is never the best news to receive, but what truly happens when a student gets this piece of information while living many miles away from home with potentially several roommates? The test results are first uploaded into the UCLA COVID-19 Action Center and the COVID hotline (310-206-6217), which is run by the UCLA Exposure Management team, is notified. Depending on the time of day the hotline is contacted, it is possible to have to leave a message and wait for a call back with further instructions, though the student needs to isolate immediately! Once the student is in touch with a representative through the hotline, they are given further info on next steps such as how to move into isolation housing and what to expect during their stay. Shortly thereafter, the positive student moves into isolation housing.

Isolation Housing

As unexciting as isolation housing sounds, the first impression isn't as bad as it seems. A room is provided in on-campus housing, which includes a private bathroom. It is stocked with basic necessities, such as towels, toiletries, a mini-fridge, a bed, a desk and storage for belongings. They are allowed to bring pretty much anything that they think they will need while in isolation, so long as it complies with UCLA Housing policies. They should bring along enough personal belongings for 10 days. Once they enter the room, they are unable to leave until cleared by UCLA isolation protocols. The keycard provided to enter the room is a one-way access card. Once it has been scanned for the first time, it will no longer work to open the door to that room should the student leave before they’ve been cleared to do so.

Meals

Since the majority of correspondence with the outside world takes place virtually, same goes for the meal order. Every day while in isolation, they are instructed to fill out a form containing different meal options, such as sandwiches and salads for lunch, pasta and chicken for dinner, and most importantly, big chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Along with every meal comes a side of fruit or chips and a massive bottle of water. Every day, a punctual knock is heard on outside the door signaling that the meal has been delivered: breakfast around 8 a.m., lunch around noon and dinner around 5 p.m.

Classes

Handling classes can be a bit tricky while in isolation, especially considering that the student probably isn't feeling very studious while they’re ill. However, many professors understand that this comes with the territory of having COVID. Given that the majority of assignments can be completed virtually, it is possible to still to keep up with schoolwork. It can vary by the type of class and professor, but many instructors have been very flexible and willing to work with students while they are ill in order to help prevent them from falling behind. Instructors are informed that students’ absences due to isolation or quarantine should not factor into any attendance component of their final grade.

Supplies

Aside from basic necessities listed above, students are responsible for bringing any supplies and items that they may need during their stay for up to 10 days. It is possible to receive deliveries from friends and family, like food, care packages or anything to help make your stay more comfortable, but this depends on staff capabilities and isolation capacity levels. During very busy periods, deliveries may be delayed.

Communications

Almost all communication students have with the outside world while in isolation is done virtually. The UCLA Arthur Ashe Student Health & Wellness Center (ASHE) checks in on ill students every few days and monitors their symptoms to the best of their ability. While there isn't any communication between housing floor mates in isolation, an orange door sign indicates that a room is occupied. This small piece of paper serves as a visual reminder that even though they are physically isolated during this period, they are not the only ones going through this experience.

Rules for Release

Students have to isolate for 10 days. However, there are certain instances where they can be released from isolation earlier than 10 days.

If they are symptomatic, they can be released early if:

• Their symptoms have improved

• They are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the help of any fever-reducing medications

• They take a rapid antigen test on Day 5 or later and receive a negative result

If they are asymptomatic, they can be released early if:

• They’ve remained asymptomatic

• They take a rapid antigen test on Day 5 or later and receive a negative result

Upon completing the 10-day isolation or qualifying for early release, they can confirm their completion through the UCLA COVID-19 Action Center form in order to receive clearance and resume normal activities on campus.

Sources:

Student testimonials

COVID-19 Information for Students

COVID Hotline Exposure Management

Reporting Positive Cases

Isolation and Quarantine Procedures

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