By Gurjot Kang
Over the past few weeks, I’ve seen plenty of instances of misinformation spread online about the coronavirus. Just a quick scan through any social media feed will reveal numerous occurrences of COVID-19 myths—and I get it, people are getting overwhelmed and bombarded by a lot of information right now.
With multiple news media outlets providing 24 hour news coverage on the global pandemic, it’s sometimes hard for students to distinguish what information to take in and what to throw away.
So, to help provide clarity to confused and worried Lutes about resources and ways to stay healthy and safe during this time, I reached out to Elizabeth Hopper, Clinical Director of PLU Counseling, Health and Wellness Services, MN, ARNP, to answer a few questions.
Kang: What are some tips and techniques students can follow if they are staying at PLU, or going back home, to stay healthy and safe from the virus?
Hopper: Wherever you find yourself, here or home, please continue to use preventive hygiene practices, as we have described in multiple communications to you. There is a new directive to limit gatherings to 50 people or less, much less is better if possible, and try to keep your meal time groups to five or less, as you continue to practice physical distancing of six feet. If you are traveling by air or train to return home, use sanitizing wipes (alcohol based) to cleanse tray tables, armrests and seat belt buckles. Around campus, generously use the hand sanitizing stations that are around the AUC and in other campus buildings, as you enter and exit, especially after touching doorknobs and handles. Open windows for fresh air and circulation on your rooms, especially when the sun is shining.
Kang: What are some common misconceptions you’ve seen about the Coronavirus that students should know are not true?
Hopper: ‘I’m young and healthy and I won’t get sick.’ Young healthy adults are at slightly reduced risk but the risk you carry is that you may pass the virus, without having symptoms, to family members or friends who would be at increased risk of severe illness with COVID-19.
‘I had a flu shot, so I won’t get sick.’ Most health experts now realize that the annual flu shot doesn’t protect, even in a small way, from COVID-19. It will reduce your chances of serious flu illness, so if you haven’t had a flu shot yet, I recommend one.
‘Standard wet wipes are strong enough to clean surfaces.’ Sanitizing wipes must be alcohol based. Most have labels describing what bacteria and viruses they kill, so read labels.
Kang: What resources on campus can students access if they are not feeling well or sick? Is there testing available, or will there be in the future?
Hopper: The Health Center will remain open and staffed by the nurse practitioners and medical assistants, Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., so if you are not feeling well, please call for an appointment.
Enroll in Lutes TeleHealth (link to this is on the CHWS webpage) and that will provide you with virtual advice and assessment. There is an after-hours Nurse Consulting Line also at 253-792-6410.
The Health Center has not been given the necessary supplies to perform COVID-19 testing. These tests are being distributed to larger area clinics and medical facilities. If you have symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, we will refer you to one of the new area testing clinics. These have been opened by the CHI Franciscan Medical Services and locations and more information can be found at https://www.chifranciscan.org/patients-and-visitors/covid-19.html
Kang: Are there any other online or in-person resources/updates students can utilize during this time?
Hopper: The PLU COVID-19 webpage is full of online resources and information as well as a message board where you can ask questions about the virus or other concerns, FAQs and information related specifically to the PLU community. The Tacoma Pierce County Health Department and the Washington State Department of Health, as well as the CDC and WHO websites can provide resources and education.
Kang: For students struggling with anxiety and depression, social distancing and online learning can be quite difficult. What recommendations and resources are available at this time to aid those students?
Hopper: The PLU Counseling Center is open for in-person visits, as well as virtual care. Their hours are the same as the Health Center, M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Lute Tele-Health has a long list of therapists that you can connect with virtually. Look for mindfulness apps, and exercise routines online to help manage stress.
Kang: Anything else you’d like to add?
Hopper: During this stressful and uncertain time on campus, and for your families and friends, maintaining social contact is strongly encouraged. Texting, chatting, Instagram, Facebook, FaceTime, and Skype are some of the ways to maintain emotional connection while following the recommendations for physical distancing. Two to three people meeting for a walk around campus, sharing a picnic style meal or joining a virtual book group can be ways to stay physically and mentally active, when it might otherwise be tempting to withdraw from those around you. Consider informal volunteering: noticing an elder struggling to get groceries into their house or car, asking a busy mom in the store if you can fetch some of the items on her list for her, even being considerate about not overstocking your apartment or home with toilet paper or bottled water.
