I was in isolation for four days at my university. If I’m being honest, I didn’t necessarily need to be there since I only had sniffles that went away overnight. Was it caused by the season change? Probably, but it’s better to be safe than sorry! (Please continue to practice safe methods).
Anyway, the moment that I had called about my sniffles, I had to immediately go into isolation. No, you can’t even finish the rest of your evening, you have to go straight to the isolation site. Luckily for me, I stayed on campus in an apartment-style residence hall that was specifically reserved for “people with COVID-like symptoms”. I was told to bring enough clothes for ten days and to email my teachers about my current status. Transportation was provided, but I just had a friend escort me. When I got there, there was food outside my door waiting for me. When you go into isolation there are a few things you usually do:
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Get tested for COVID twice (at the same time)
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Talk to a doctor and nurse about results and status of symptoms regularly (They were super friendly)
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Enjoy all that space you have to yourself!!!
What To Expect
There are food and snacks delivered to your door each day. You get your own bathroom, and in my case, your own living room and kitchen. They provide blankets, furniture, bowls, and plates. It felt like I was in a hotel on vacation, I didn’t want to leave and downgrade to my tiny shared dorm. It was pretty much the introverted dream. I never felt lonely because everyone was worried about me and would spend hours on the phone with me (that doesn’t happen often). I sang as loud as I wanted, danced around, and forgot all about needing to use my ID card each time I needed to use the restroom.
Downside
The only downside was that it was so hard to focus on my work when I had a “hotel mentality”. Unless I really concentrated on homework, I wouldn’t do it. I was too busy napping on my large bed and watching NetFlix on the couch. I knew that I didn’t have long there, since I tested negative both times, so I wanted to enjoy it while I could. Also, it was a bit hard not getting any choice in what to eat for lunch or dinner. Yes, I had a lot of tasty snacks that they provided, but I didn’t always like the lunch and the dinner that was given. This was the moment where I actually really missed Butterfield and the Ram’s Den.
When I Returned
As with everything in life, isolation came to an end since I had no symptoms nor had I tested positive. I was really scared that all of my friends would be afraid to be near me and I would be ‘the freak who was isolated and might’ve had COVID’. Only one person freaked out, but most people were just happy that I was back safe and sound. Some were even curious about how the whole process went. While it certainly was abrupt, I enjoyed my time alone. I know it might be hard for some people to be away from human contact, but my introverted self thought it was relaxing and peaceful. Now that I’m back, it’s easier for me to stay focused on my work, but I get to say that I was isolated and well pampered for four days.
