Two University of Louisiana at Lafayette students have tested positive for COVID-19. The students shared an on-campus apartment.
Once the diagnoses were made, the University’s COVID-19 Student Affairs Response Team activated protocols that outline student care while also protecting the health and safety of the campus community as a whole.
Student Health Services and the Office of the Dean of Students, in cooperation with the Louisiana Department of Health, established these protocols in March as the number of COVID-19 cases grew in the state and region.
The guidelines allow affected student residents to choose whether they isolate on campus or elsewhere. Those who remain on campus receive written instructions and items to assist them in caring for themselves while in isolation.
In addition, a member of the COVID-19 Student Affairs Response Team will contact the student twice daily and deliver three meals to their door each day. Student Health Services staff will act as a resource for the student as well.
The protocols require affected students to:
- remain in their rooms at all times for a minimum 14-day isolation period;
- monitor symptoms, and contact Student Health Services if their symptoms worsen; and
- continue to practice good personal hygiene and keep their surroundings clean.
One of the affected students has moved off campus. The other has chosen to stay on campus and will remain in isolation for 14 days to reduce the possibility of transmission to others.
At the end of 14 days, the COVID-19 Student Affairs Response Team and Student Health Services will consult with health officials before the student is permitted to leave isolation.
No visitors will be allowed in an on-campus residence where a student was isolated until it is professionally cleaned.
Public health officials have been in touch with other members of the University community who may have had direct contact with the affected students.
Those individuals are being asked to follow guidance from the Louisiana Department of Health, which is to self-quarantine, monitor their own health for 14 days, and seek medical care should they develop symptoms.
The University will provide updates as needed.