In student residences, not only have spaces been adapted and security measures been applied to protect everyone’s health, but protocols have also been developed so that students who test positive for the virus or suspect they are infected can remain isolated while they overcome the disease.

Find out what it means to live in confinement in student residences:

Relocating residents

When a student begins to have symptoms of COVID-19, they should call the building reception for the staff to take the necessary security measures. One of the most important is the relocation of the student and fellow residents.

Everyone should move into individual rooms, as they are likely to have been infected. To prove or rule out disease, everyone must be tested, and only those who receive a negative result can be released from confinement.

Restricted access to common spaces

All residents who have received a positive COVID-19 test result, or are awaiting the result, are prohibited from leaving their rooms.

This means that they cannot leave their room until the symptoms have passed or the disease has been ruled out. And for this, they must receive permission from the staff in charge of the residence.

Generally speaking, when a student has been in contact with someone with COVID-19, they must remain confined for 10 days due to the incubation period of the virus.

During that time, they might develop symptoms that confirm infection or, failing that, take a test to detect the presence of the virus in their body. 

On the other hand, when a positive result is already obtained, it is estimated that the student must isolate himself for a minimum of 10 days. If after this time the symptoms still persist, then they should be confined until they are sure of being well again.

Rooms equipped for confinement

In individual rooms, students have different equipment and objects that make their stay more comfortable, including:

• Private bathroom
• Mini fridge
• Microwave 
• Hydroalcoholic hand gel
• Masks
• Bottled water
• Bed linen
• Towels
• Toilet paper
• Thermometer
• Pillows
• Blankets

Items needed during confinement

It is recommended that residents who need to isolate themselves for several days in individual rooms take the following items:

• Mobile, personal computer and chargers
• Books, notebook and everything needed to keep up with their studies
• Personal hygiene items such as deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.
• Medication, if needed, to treat COVID-19 symptoms
• Soft drinks or favorite foods to complement meals provided by the residence
• Enough clothing to wear during this period of time

If the student leaves any important belongings in their initial room, they can contact the building reception for a manager to take them.

Food delivery

To prevent infected or suspected students from visiting the dining room, the staff is responsible for delivering the three daily meals to the door of each room.

This service is carried out by leaving the food in closed containers in front of the door. Then the student just has to go out to pick them up.

In this way, the personnel in charge are prevented from having contact with microorganisms that may be harmful to their health. Also, if the student needs water or anything else in connection with their meals, they can call reception from their room.

Receiving packages 

If students receive a package while they are confined, the residence staff will be responsible for receiving it.

Subsequently, a manager will communicate with the student by phone to arrange a delivery at the door to their room.

As with meals, the packages are left in front of the door so that the student can go out to collect them.

Communication channels

When confined students need something from outside, they should call the building reception to make their requests. They can also send an email, especially when the request is not urgent.

Room cleaning

While students are isolated, cleaning staff cannot enter their rooms, especially because of the risk that this would pose to their health.

Inside the rooms, however, residents will find large plastic bags in which to place any waste.

To request the collection of this waste, they must call reception and place the bag outside their door. Staff will then collect it later.

Likewise, in case a student needs some extra cleaning item or equipment to clean their room, they can request it by calling reception.

By applying these security protocols, student residences become safe places for residents and everyone involved.