Isolation Resources
Each person is responsible to contribute to the health and safety of our campus community, and this includes isolating when you're sick. So, what is isolation? Isolation means separating people infected with COVID-19 (showing symptoms or not) from those who are not infected.
We hope the following will give you some helpful guidance on what isolation looks like at WSU and how we will support individuals during a most inconvenient and uncertain time.
What to Expect
- Answer your phone. Staff from WSU Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) will be in touch regularly. They will gather important information related to your health and the health of others. The faster the team can contact students , the more we reduce the risk of exposing others.
- Be honest. It’s important to be truthful and direct in your communication with WSU EH&S and all medical staff. Openly sharing all your activity and contacts is central to this being successful.
- Privacy is important. EH&S will maintain your anonymity, and only share your identity when you provide permission. Please know that allowing EH&S to share your name with on-campus support services ensures those resources may be delivered quickly and efficiently.
- Isolation duration. EH&S will provide information abouthow long you must avoid contact with others, and the many resources available to you.
The Office of the Dean of Students provides support in navigating all aspects of your WSU experience and serves as a centralized hub in directing you towards your campus resource needs. See the resources section toward the bottom of this page.
While You’re Self-Isolating
- Avoid all contact with others as much as possible.
- Wear a mask if you have to be around others.
- Only leave for essential errands such as medical care or getting food. Opt for curbside pickup or delivery when available at grocery stores and restaurants.
- Connect with friends and family virtually, instead of meeting in person.
Things You Can Do
- Exercise on your own. Check out UREC's virtual fitness opportunities.
- Go outside as long as you wear a mask and do not interact with others.
- Virtually connect with someone close to you every day
- Stay in a routine
- Meditate
- Catch up on your favorite shows
- Read a book just for fun
- Start a journal or blog
Accommodations for On-Campus Residents in Pullman
WSU staff will provide access to:
- A temporary residence in McEachern Hall with a dedicated restroom.
- Meal delivery.
- Weekly laundry service.
- Sanitation products to maintain a hygienic space.
- Help moving your items to your temporary residence, if necessary.
- A parking permit or a vehicle to move your items if you can drive.
Accommodations for Off-Campus Residents on all Campuses
Contact your local and regional health authorities to see what resources and accommodations are available.
We care about the mental health challenges you’re facing, and we’re ready to provide support when you need it most. During self-isolation, you may feel:
- Anger or resentment
- Uncertainty
- Loneliness
- Boredom and frustration
- Sadness and depression
- Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
Please contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 509-335-4511 with any mental health questions or to schedule an appointment. Crisis support is also available by phone after hours at 509-335-2159.
Prepare a “Go Bag”
It’s good to have the following items pre-packed and readily available:
- Digital thermometer: for monitoring your symptoms
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfectant wipes
- Water bottle
- Self-monitoring log
- Two re-usable cloth masks
- Cell phone charger
- List of important phone numbers
- List of allergies
- Clothes and pajamas for 2-3 days
- Medications
- Snacks
- And something you keep you occupied like books or a deck of cards
If you need help procuring any of these items, please contact WSU Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) at 509-335-3041.
Know the Symptoms
Common symptoms* of COVID-19 include:
- Fever (defined as >100.4 ⁰F)
- Chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Nausea or vomiting
- New loss of taste or smell
- Diarrhea
- Congestion or runny nose
*This is not an exhaustive list. See the full CDC symptoms list for more guidance.
Remember, people can still spread the virus when pre-symptomatic (before showing symptoms) or asymptomatic (not showing symptoms).
Cougar Health Services – Call first for all appointments: 509-335-3575. For emergencies: Call 911 or Pullman Regional Hospital at 509-332-2541.