Let’s address the elephant in the room: as you prepare to return to Winona State, consider that you may contract COVID-19 at some point during the school year. Although this may sound harsh, it’s the truth about our new reality.
Because of this, the first two weeks back on campus are the most critical. It’s important that you bring enough supplies to last you in quarantine or isolation if you become sick and need to take care of yourself. These supplies will also help prevent COVID-19 from spreading even further.
Curious what you should do to plan for the pandemic on campus? We’ve got you covered.
1. Disinfect Every Day
Clean your belongings and other high-touch areas against COVID-19 every day. Use the EPA’s product guide to know which are the best at disinfecting.
2. Bulk Up
Buy cleaning supplies in bulk or travel size when you can. The best way to ensure your personal safety against the pandemic is always having cleaning products accessible, whether that means keeping wipes in your backpack or disinfectant spray in your car.
3. Make a Pandemic Plan
In case you become ill, gather your health information and insurance cards, and write down important accounts and phone numbers. Compile an emergency contacts list of family, friends, healthcare providers, teachers, & employers. Also include resources for food and essential supplies.
If you live alone, you may want to arrange regular check–ins with a friend or relative. Be prepared to record your temperature and symptoms every day as well.
4. Ask for Help & Help Others
Once arriving to campus, you may be required to fill out a daily self-assessment for COVID-19. Attend Welcome Week festivities at an appropriate distance to make friends. Find a support circle to help you in case you must isolate and need help getting your essential needs. Also remember to be a good friend to others in their time of need and lend a helping hand.
5. Separate Everyone’s Belongings & Spaces
Living off campus with roommates? Designate dishes, towels, bedding, and (ideally) a separate bedroom and bathroom for anyone who’s ill. Healthy roommates–and pets–should stay away from anyone infected.
6. Assemble a COVID-19 Care Kit
You’ll want to have a kit handy in case you need to treat not only minor injuries at home and avoid trips to the pharmacy and clinic, but also any symptoms of COVID-19 if you become ill.
Here’s what we recommend packing:
COVID-19 Care Kit
Cleaning Supplies
- Disinfectant Wipes
- Disinfectant Spray
- Laundry Detergent
- Soap
- Small Bucket
- Sponges or Rags for Cleaning
- Gloves
- Paper Towels
- Toilet Paper
- Kleenex
- Garbage Bags
Medicine
- Daily Vitamins (Vitamin C)
- Pain Relievers
- Prescription Medication
- Cough Drops
- Cough Syrup
- General Cold & Flu Medicine
- Allergy Medication
- Chloraseptic Spray
- Hydrocortisone Cream
- Triple Antibiotic Ointment
- Antifungal Cream
- Anti-Diarrheal Medication
- Saline Nasal Spray
- Eye Drops
- Tums
Household Essentials
- Bed Sheets
- Towels
- Disposable Utensils & Dishes
- Water Bottle/Water Filters
- Notebook
Groceries
- Healthy Ready-Made Food & Meals
- Soup
- Crackers
- Water
- Electrolytes
- Juices
- Teas
Pharmacy
- Thermometer
- Tweezers/Nail Clippers
- Hand Sanitizer
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Band Aids & Other Bandages/Gauze
- Cotton Balls
- Heating Pad
- Cold Pack
- Chapstick
- Lotion
- Sunscreen SPF 30
- Bug Spray
Although there’s a chance you’ll contract COVID-19 while on campus, we’re dedicated to helping you power through the pandemic. We want you healthy & Warrior Strong!
– Amy Nelson ’19