Items to include in college
students’ quarantine bags
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, AUG. 28-SEPT. 3, 2020
22
BTR
Millions of parents
dropped their children
off on college campuses
for the start of a new
school year in August.
While that might not
stand out in a normal
year, 2020 has proven
to be anything but normal.
Many colleges and
universities grappled
with how to approach the
2020-21 academic year
as the world continued
to battle the COVID-19
outbreak. Some schools
chose to offer only remote
learning and keep
kids off campus entirely,
while others offered in
person classes and welcomed
students back
to campus. Still others
created hybrid learning
plans that combined remote
learning with in
person sessions.
Regardless of which
option schools ultimately
chose, it’s fair
to say that many recognized
the potential
that the pandemic could
once again upset the
academic apple cart after
the semester began,
forcing students and
educators to adjust to
fully remote learning
in much the same way
they did back in March.
In addition to that potential
outcome, students
who returned to campus
must be prepared
to enter quarantine if
they or a friend, classmate
or roommate tests
positive for COVID-19.
In anticipation of that, it
pays for students to prepare
quarantine bags in
case they need to isolate
themselves at any point
during the semester.
CLOTHING
Few college students
have exclusive access
to washers and dryers
in their dorm rooms
or apartments. Shared
laundry rooms will
likely be off limits while
students are under quarantine,
so make sure to
pack enough clothing to
get through two weeks
of isolation. Take inventory
of your supply
of pajamas, underwear
and socks and purchase
more if necessary.
FOOD AND
COOKING SUPPLIES
College students accustomed
to eating their
meals at the dining hall
food may need to prepare
their own meals while
in quarantine. Stock up
on nonperishable items,
such as pasta, soup, rice,
and cereal, that can be
stored in your room
for long periods of time
without expiring. Bottled
water can help you
stay hydrated should
you feel ill, while decaffeinated
tea can help you
stay warm should you
feel chills. Bring along
a mini refrigerator, a
toaster or toaster oven, a
tea kettle, some pots and
pans, bowls and plates,
and utensils as well.
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
Extra masks are a
must-have when returning
to campus, and they
can help students make
it through quarantine
as well. Masks can be
worn when using restrooms
or showers, even
if students are attending
schools that plan to
isolate people who test
positive in buildings
that cannot be accessed
by non-infected community
members.
In addition to extra
masks, make sure you
have enough daily medical
supplies, such as
toothpaste, shampoo,
body lotion or soap, deodorant,
tissues, and
disinfectant, to last
through quarantine,
which is typically no
less than two weeks.
TECHNOLOGY
While in quarantine,
students will want
to stay connected to the
outside world and parents
will no doubt want
to check in as often as
possible to see how their
children are faring. A
reliable laptop, desktop
or tablet can ensure students
can chat with family
and friends and even
stay up-to-date with
their schoolwork via the
Zoom conferencing app.
A backup phone charger
also can make sure
students stay connected
throughout their quarantine
period.
Monsignor
Scanlon
High School
Msgr. Scanlan is on a beautiful 13
acre campus. We area Catholic college
preparatory co-educational program with
over 70 years of student achievement and
success!
Student safety is our main priority with in
person classes each day for all students with
a blended schedule.
Limited seats are available for the class of
2024 and for transfer students.
Class sizes will be 15 to 18 students. Partner
with us for a brighter future for your child!
www.scanlanhs.edu
Contact: Cfl orentino@scanlanhs.edu
Financial Aid and Scholarships available for qualifying students
Quarantine bags can help students returning to college campuses
this fall safely navigate their time in isolation.
/www.scanlanhs.edu
link
/www.scanlanhs.edu
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