By Emily Groseclose
Reporter
Attending college during a pandemic is scary, but it’s completely different when you are the only person who tested positive for COVID-19 out of 1400 people on campus.
Pacific Lutheran University has been transparent about its COVID-19 standing, but it has not informed the student body of the process through which a student undertakes when they test positive for Coronavirus. I had the opportunity to converse with the student in South Hall who tested positive two weeks ago.
This person would like to remain anonymous, so they will be referred to as “Student.”
Student received a call from Pierce County Department of Health two days after their test. The PLU Health Center was informed immediately as well, and Student received many calls about how to move forward.
Student was given the option to either go home or stay in a hotel room provided by PLU. The hotel room would include three meals a day and a snack. The hotel option would also include a ride in an ambulance from South Hall to the hotel, while the home option would include Student driving themself home.
Student came in contact with one other person on campus. This person began their quarantine the day after having had contact with Student and got tested a second time four days later. This person tested negative on September 8 and again (after exposure) on September 15.
Because Student had no symptoms, they isolated for 10 days per CDC guidelines. Student returned to campus after the 10 days had passed. They never experienced any symptoms. They continue to social distance and wear a mask whenever they leave their living space, as all students should.
If you or someone you know experiences any symptoms of COVID-19, including dry coughing, fever, difficulty breathing, or muted sense of taste or smell, please contact the PLU Health Center at (253)535-7337.
