Covid-19 cases are spiking here in Berrien Springs. The most recent data on both positive and probable cases released by the Berrien County Health Department notes a significant rise in individuals with Covid-19, especially after the return from winter break. Overall, the Omicron variant is rampant both here and around the rest of the country, so what changes has the Andrews University campus made to promise student safety?
While students everywhere may be exhausted by the constant vigilance of Covid-19’s preventative measures, this semester is not the time to relax. As of the publishing of this article, the school is still requiring students to wear masks during in person classes and around the dorm when in the presence of people who are not roommates. Vaccines are not required for those on campus, however they will be required by the school to engage in randomly selected monthly testing. Otherwise, students are required to follow the same protocols from last semester which can be read more about here in the “campus protocols” website.
If those are the preventative measures taking place on campus, what are students doing when they come face-to-face with Covid-19? "The Student Movement" reached out to multiple Andrews students and asked what their experiences were like with testing and quarantining:
Alannah Tjhatra (junior, biochemistry)
Tjhatra tested positive for Covid-19 and quarantined on campus.
“Thankfully my quarantine did not take place on any days I had labs. So overall it wasn’t too difficult. My zoom classes ran smoothly, and although I did have to make up an in-person quiz, everything else went well.
I read a lot–I finished a book, read some news articles and essays, and also read a bunch of my friend’s fiction. I called friends and family quite a bit. I also wrote a lot and finished a TV show. I would’ve liked to go on outdoor walks, but it was cold and I made the bad decision to not bring my winter jacket with me to the place I was quarantining at. So I ended up walking indoors to practice social distancing. Food was delivered to my door and there was no physical contact between me and anyone else over the course of my quarantine.
Honestly, I think quarantine should be longer. Don’t get me wrong, I am definitely thankful to be out. But if the school actually wanted to be sure that people were staying safe and not spreading anything, I think they should require self-isolation for at least 7 days, for people who tested positive and had symptoms. But overall, Andrews has a pretty good system going. The isolation rooms aren’t bad; they call you every day to make sure you’re okay and they deliver food to your door.”
Karenna Lee (sophomore, English and business)
Lee was exposed to someone with Covid-19 and chose to quarantine on campus while it was not necessary for her to do so.
“Thankfully, my professors were very communicative and accommodating, but Zoom is always difficult. It's hard to stay engaged, and especially in classes when the professor moved away from the mic, I could barely hear them.
While quarantining, I worked on school work, called friends, and decorated my dorm. After a few days, it did get boring.
I wasn't officially told to quarantine, but I ate for around an hour with someone who tested positive, so it was likely I got exposed. Still, the school was extremely unhelpful when it came to procuring a test. I was told to find a ride with a friend who I would've exposed to COVID if I'd driven with them, pay for AU transportation, or order them from Amazon. I understand that the school cannot control the nationwide shortage of tests, but they need to have better systems in place.”
Solana Campbell (sophomore, business)
Campbell had tested positive for Covid-19 while staying at home away from campus.
“Luckily, my professors were very accommodating and most of my quarantining took place during the snow day/over the weekend. I was able to quarantine at home, so I spent most of my time doing homework and watching Netflix. However, the Covid team’s instructions were very inconsistent and difficult to follow. They were also pretty much inaccessible 24/7 and you could only reach them if they called you. They did not communicate guidelines consistent with the CDC, and told me that, although I had symptoms and had been exposed, I could continue going to class. I decided to follow CDC guidelines and isolate anyway, but this caused problems when I was trying to get my classes excused, which was frustrating. I wish the campus had been more prepared for the onset of Covid, with N95 masks and clear instructions for quarantining, as well as a Covid team who responded in a timely fashion.”
Zoe Shiu (junior, psychology and music)
Shiu was exposed to someone with Covid-19 and chose to quarantine.
“Since I didn’t attend rehearsals, I actually had more time to work on my classwork and it ended up actually being one of my least stressful weeks.
I read a lot and FaceTimed my friends. I also just kept myself busy with research or music projects.
If Covid tests were provided for anyone who has reason to think they may have Covid–without the hurdle of having to get approved by the Covid management team–we would catch cases sooner, allow people without Covid to live normally sooner, save time, and reduce anxiety about finding places to test. Furthermore, if a vaccine pop-up was offered on/near campus, it would become feasible for those of us without cars to get vaccinations and boosters.”
If you have Covid-19 or think that you have Covid-19, contact the Case Management team at 269-815-8892 or covid19@andrews.edu.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.