Quarantine and Isolation Checklist

Dear UM Students, 

As we continue to deal with the challenges presented by COVID-19, the University of Montana and Curry Health Center want students to have the tools they need to stay healthy and safe. With that in mind, we have created a “Quarantine/Isolation Checklist” to help you move through the experience of being placed in quarantine or isolation. Review these basic guidelines about feeling sick, being notified that you are a close contact and how to keep yourself and others healthy for the rest of the semester. 

If you feel sick: 

  • Stay home and away from others to reduce the risk of getting others sick. If your symptoms align with COVID-19 symptoms, call Curry Health Center to schedule a FREE COVID-19 test. Please quarantine yourself until you can be tested to reduce the risk of transmission.  

If you have been notified you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 by the Missoula City-County Health Department: 

  • Quarantine yourself as you wait to see if symptoms develop. Note when you think the exposure may have happened. Patients must wait five days after an exposure before testing to accurately screen for COVID-19. Self-quarantining during this time is the best way to keep from transmitting the virus to others. 

If you suspect you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19: 

  • Close contacts of individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will be personally notified by Missoula City-County Health Department. 
  • Monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID-19. 
  • Reduce your interactions with others and self-quarantine as you wait to hear from Missoula City-County Health Department. 
  • Remember: A close contact of a close contact IS NOT considered a close contact. If your friend’s friend has COVID-19 that doesn't’t qualify you as a close contact under health department guidelines.  

If you are going into quarantine or isolation, use the following list to prepare. 

Contact Your Family 

  • If you would like your family to know you are in quarantine/isolation, you must provide them with that information. If you are over 18 years of age, Curry Health Center and the University are unable to discuss your medical information with others, including your parents or family members unless you sign a release of information document.  
  • Family and friends can provide valuable support during quarantine and isolation. Make time to check in via phone, text or video chat. Your loved ones care about you and want to know how you are feeling.

Academics 

  • Inform your instructors that you may need to be away from classes for an extended time. You are not required to disclose your diagnosis. 
  • If a course you are taking is remote, online or blended, you may be able to take that course while in quarantine/isolation. Please check your syllabi in Moodle to see what options are available. 
  • If you have any courses where you must be physically present, you need to contact your instructor to see what options are available. Please check your schedule on your student profile page in CyberBear for your instructors’ names. 

 Employment and Finances

  • If you are going to be absent from your job because of quarantine or isolation, please inform your work supervisor.  
  • Ask if COVID-19 support is available for the period of time you will be unable to work. Some employers provide support for their employees because of COVID-19. Talk to your supervisor to find out what options are available at your place of work.  

  Housing and Dining 

  • On-campus students will receive specific guidance on quarantine/isolation from UM Housing. Read all the materials you receive and follow the guidelines provided to you. 
  • Stay connected with your UM contact. Reach out if you need help or support. 
  • Students officially entering quarantine or isolation on campus property will receive a seven-day supply of food that include snacks and beverages along with meals they can prepare themselves. In addition, they will have a hot lunch delivered every day. Along with the hot lunch, fresh foods and salads will also be delivered on a regular basis to supplement the seven-day supply. 
  • On-campus students who are vegan, vegetarian or have food allergies will have customized food supplies and hot lunches that work with their specific conditions or lifestyle choices. Students are encouraged to reach out to our registered dietitian if they have any questions. 
  • On-campus students will continue to receive food supplies and daily hot lunches as long as they are in quarantine or isolation. There is no charge to the students for this service. 
  • If you are in quarantine off-campus, reduce your time spent in groups by staying home, ordering grocery delivery or take-out, and - if possible - using a bathroom space that isn't’t shared with others. 
  • If you are quarantining/isolating at home find a space where you can isolate from housemates. Wipe down surfaces more than once a day that may be shared with others including door knobs, counters and other shared surfaces. Order contactless food delivery to reduce exposure to others. 
  • The CDC provides online guidance for shared or congregate housing

 Personal Health and Well-Being 

  • Curry Health Center provides counseling and health coaching for students in quarantine and isolation. Call 406-243-4712 if you are struggling or just need to talk about the challenges of being isolated. 
  • Curry Health Center Wellness has created online resources to support you during the pandemic including a Be Well At Home resource book, online meditations and a virtual stress busting kit. 
  • Make time to connect with friends and family either over the phone, via text message or through video chat.  
  • If you are feeling well and want to continue with an exercise program, consult with your coach or take online workout classes. 

 

Thanks and Stay Well UM, 

JEFF ADAMS MD 

MEDICAL DIRECTOR, 

DIRECTOR CURRY HEALTH CENTER