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COVID-19

On-Campus COVID-19 Isolation Housing

We’re sorry that you have tested positive for COVID-19. We’re sure that was not the information you were hoping for. Please know that we at Bentley University have a plan in place to help keep you and the community healthy. 

What happens next? 

Residential Isolation

 

Waltham Board of Health (WBOH)
  • You need to answer these phone calls! Not cooperating with the WBOH may result in referral to the conduct system.  
  • The WBOH is who determines your isolation dates and ultimately releases you from isolation. Please cooperate with them in this process.
  • Each case managed from the WBOH has a different contact number. If you need to reach them with questions, call the number that your original WBOH call came from.
  • The WBOH will not ask for sensitive information like your social security number.
Collecting a list of close contacts
  • You will be asked to provide a list of close contacts from the 48 hours prior to your positive test or symptom onset, whichever came first.

  • A close contact is someone with whom you were within 6 feet (whether masked or unmasked) for a cumulative total of 15 minutes while indoors over a 24-hour period.
  • Any close contact who is fully vaccinated will NOT be required to quarantine. They will instead be asked to monitor for symptoms for 14 days.
  • This information is vital to the health and safety of our campus populations and you are expected to cooperate with this process. The intention in gathering this information is to help quickly prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others. We are not asking for this information in order to get you or anyone else in trouble.  

Packing for your move to isolation housing
  • Clean bedding and towels will be available upon your arrival to isolation housing, along with some snacks and waters to supplement your meals. 

  • Laundry services will not be available, so it is important that you pack everything you will need for the duration of your time in isolation housing.

  • Suggested Packing List: Toiletries (shampoo/conditioner), phone charger, laptop and charger, medications, clothing, textbooks, menstrual hygiene products, personal snacks, razor brushes/combs, adapters, and water bottle.  

Meal delivery

Follow the steps below to secure meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner:   

  • You should have received a link from the Residential Center via email. Click on that link to order your meals. 

  • You can order your meals for the entire week. We recommend you submit orders for Saturday - Friday. At a minimum, all orders must be placed by 12:00 p.m. the day prior to your meal drop off date (For example, orders for Tuesday must be placed by 12:00pm on Monday). 

  • Select your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack options for each day of the week.

  • Orders, including your lunch, dinner and breakfast for the following day, will be delivered between 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. each day and left outside your main apartment door.

  • If you need to change/update your order or have any questions, use the Sodexo contact from your email.

How do you get released from isolation?
  • The WBOH will let you and Bentley know of your anticipated release date.
  • On your release date, the Residential Center will contact you with your release information and help facilitate your move back to your dorm room from isolation housing. 
  • Please be patient. They may be moving a lot of students out of and into isolation/quarantine that same day.
  • DO NOT LEAVE ISOLATION HOUSING UNTIL CONTACTED BY THE RESIDENTIAL CENTER.
Important policies during isolation:
  • No visitors or guests are permitted during your isolation period. 

  • You are required to be in isolation until cleared by the WBOH/CTC and contacted by the Residential Center. 

  • You may not leave your space unless directed by a university official or in case of an emergency. In the event of a fire alarm, you are required to leave isolation but must wear your facemask and maintain 6ft of physical distance. 

  • Failure to comply with the directive to remain inside your assigned temporary apartment will result in a violation of the Endangering Health & Safety Policy which will be processed through Student Conduct.  

Trash collection
  • Trash removal will occur on Tuesdays and Fridays. You may leave trash outside of your apartment door and Facilities will pick it up and dispose of it.    
Mail services
  • Mail Services will hold your mail while you are in quarantine/isolation. Should you receive any notifications from Mail Services, please send an email to sm_campusservices@bentley.edu to hold your packages, unless it’s essential.
  • You will be allowed to pick up the items being held at Mail Services once you have been released from isolation. 
How do I get packages while in isolation or quarantine?

If your friend/family wants to drop off a get-well kit, we are happy to make one delivery during your quarantine/isolation period. There are a few guidelines for you and your family/friends to follow:

  • The items can only be non-perishables.
  • The packaged delivery must be no larger than the size of one common carry-on luggage that an airline carrier would allow. This is typically 17x21x14. 
  • The package can be dropped off at University Police with the student name and ID number labeled prominently.
  • The university will only make deliveries of essential items or a care package to students on Wednesdays and Sunday each week. The delivery will occur between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.  

When you open your door to pick up your delivery, please make sure you have your facemask on and the person dropping off the package has left.

Subsequent testing
  • You will be excused from Bentley’s COVID screening test program for 90 days after your positive test.  
  • Cancel all screening test appointments during those 90 days on the Health Portal. https://bentley.medicatconnect.com
Important Bentley phone numbers
  • Residential Center: 781-891-2148 (M-F 8:30 a.m.  - 4:30 p.m.) 

  • Health Center: 781-891-2222 (M-F 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) 

  • Counseling Center: 781-891-2274 (M-F 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) 

  • University Police Emergency Line: 781-891-3131 (24/7) 

  • University Police Business Phone: 781-891-2201

If you have severe symptoms

If you have any severe symptoms, please call the Health Center immediately. If it is after hours, call University Police (781-891-3131). Examples of severe symptoms include: 

  • Fever over 101F (38.3C) that does not come down within one hour of taking 650-1000mg acetaminophen (also called Tylenol or Paracetamol) 

  • Chest pain/tightness 

  • Difficulty breathing, wheezing or restricted breathing 

  • Inability to speak in full sentences or walk to the restroom without gasping for breath, feeling weak, or needing to rest in order to catch your breath 

  • Uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea 

  • Extreme lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting. 

We know this is a stressful and difficult situation. We care deeply about your physical, emotional, and mental health. Please know that help is just a phone call or zoom call away.