Story by Kathryn Steel, Reporter

Photo courtesy of Pexels.com

As of Sept. 15, 2020, Aquinas College has had a total of 10 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases reported since Aug. 1, according to its COVID-19 dashboard. Some of these cases evolved on campus while others off campus. A student who wishes to remain anonymous has shared the story of their quarantine experience with The Saint.

This source had to quarantine for 14 days after being exposed to a person who tested positive for COVID-19. The student learned that the Kent County Health Department directs quarantines, not the College. The student was told that the Health Department would contact them, but the student was not given a call until two days after the end of their quarantine. 

Residence Life reached out to the student regularly during quarantine. They offered breakfast, lunch and dinner on the weekdays and brunch and dinner on the weekends. There was also an option to make your own sandwich or a daily special for lunch. For dinner, they have these two options and a “comfort food” meal. 

The student assumed that their meals were being provided by the school during quarantine, but swipes were taken out of the meal plan. If they were given the information beforehand, the source said, they would have asked a friend to drop off food outside their door instead of ordering it from the school. 

After the first half of quarantine, the health department allowed the student to go outside, but they had to stay near the building, wear a mask the whole time, and were not allowed to interact with anyone. The student said they “felt a boost of energy,” but were still “bummed” they could not interact with their friends in person.

 They also took their classes online during this time. Both the registrar and the student contacted their professors.

If you know anyone that experiences any type of symptoms (coughing, flu, fever, etc.) make sure that you are not close to them. If you feel as if you were exposed to someone with COVID-19, get tested and follow all COVID-19 procedures.