Campus briefing Jan. 29, 2021

Campus briefing Jan. 29

Farrah Roberts, director of student well-being and resiliency, has been working as a COVID-19 contact tracer and shared tips and observations:

• Small gatherings or parties of even three or four people in a TLA or off-campus house seem the most likely settings where COVID is spread. Keep your friend groups very small and wear masks, even at off-campus apartments and houses.

• Be aware that what may feel like allergies or a cold could actually be symptoms of COVID-19.

• When you go for a car ride with others, wear your mask. And when possible avoid car rides with others altogether, especially if they're going to be longer than 15 minutes. A ride in the car with four others, including someone who unknowingly has COVID, could quickly put all five people into quarantine.

• If and when you've been exposed to someone who has tested positive or if you even suspect you have been, stay where you are and call Public Safety at 309-794-7711. If you're home for the weekend and a member of your household tests positive, for instance, don't just start driving back to campus — call Public Safety first.

• Take sequester, quarantine and isolation protocols seriously. If you have been quarantined by one of our contact tracers, it could be tempting to continue with your regular life off campus and simply just avoid campus for 10 to 14 days, but that could be harmful. Take responsibility.