Parents & Families Quarantine Information

Welcome to the Parents & Families COVID-19 information page. Here you’ll find details most pertinent to those parents whose students have entered into quarantine on the campus of Trinity International University. There are many, many ways that we strive to care for your student, not least when they are in quarantine. Please see the information below that highlights the processes and ways in which we care for your student while in quarantine.

To ensure the health and safety of your student, Trinity continues to closely monitor the outbreak of coronavirus/COVID-19. We will provide timely and useful information to the parents and families of those students who are in isolation or quarantine as it becomes available. We encourage you to check back often here and on our general COVID-19 Information page to stay up to date on the latest developments.

Dashboard: Weekly Quarantines, Positive Cases & Positivity Rates

At a Glance: Trinity’s Quarantine Process

Trinity’s Quarantine & Isolation Process

Here are the basic guidelines for student quarantines and isolations on Trinity’s campus:

  • Symptomatic, no known exposure — needs a negative PCR before release from quarantine with an improvement in symptoms
  • Symptomatic, known exposure — must complete a minimum of 10 days of quarantine and commit to self-screening for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 for 4 days after release from quarantine; with or without a negative PCR
  • No symptoms, known exposure — must complete a minimum of 10 days of quarantine and commit to self-screening for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 for 4 days after release from quarantine; with or without a negative PCR
  • Positive COVID-19 test, rapid and/or PCR — must complete a minimum of 10 days of isolation with 24 hours without fever and improved symptoms
  • If quarantine is broken (going to someone else’s room while quarantined), student will need to restart quarantine if anyone in the known “broken” quarantine group tests positive.

Once a student is confirmed as positive, or if they have come into contact with someone who is positive, the 10-day quarantine or isolation process begins:

Day 1: Intake Process for Quarantine:

Student receives communication from the Dean of Students about his or her quarantine:

  • If it is a team or larger group of suitmates, a Zoom meeting with them is organized; if it is an individual, a phone call is placed to the student by either the Dean and/or Res Life staff.
  • Q & A session is held to answer any questions the student may have.
  • A detailed email is sent to the student with all pertinent information related to their quarantine:
    • Submission of the Screening Form, which ensures meals are delivered and students are able to take classes remotely.
    • Information on testing options and recommendations from Lake County Health Dept.
    • How to get Laundry, packages from the mailroom and supplies
    • Introduction of the Wellness Coordinator-
    • Completion of quarantine at home
    • Health monitoring
    • Communication channels
    • Internet / Wifi Connectivity

Day 2–9: Daily

Students receive:

Meals delivered to their places of quarantine/isolation. The meal schedule is as follows:

    • Monday–Friday
      Hawkins Breakfast — 7:30 am–9:30 am
      Hawkins Lunch — 11:30 am–1:30 pm
      Hawkins Dinner — 5 pm–6:30 pm
    • Saturday & Sunday
      Brunch — 11:30 am–1 pm
      Dinner — 5 pm–6 pm
  • Laundry Services: Students may submit a request for laundry services here: Laundry is collected at dinner time and returned 24-48 hours later; depending on the volume of requests received
  • Regular Wellness Coordinator check-ins: A student will connect with a Wellness Coordinator by email, text or phone call, and express their desires for contact. The Wellness Coordinators introduce themselves to students, and it is then incumbent on the student to build that connection.
  • Garbage Collection and Cleaning: Custodial Services walks the hallways outside the quarantined areas daily, picking up garbage bags left outside the doors. Facilities Services also provided cleaning supplies to students upon entering into quarantine. Should any emergency repairs arise, Facilities will enter into the quarantined area with PPE and fix the issue.

Day 10: Completion of Quarantine:

Persons can discontinue quarantine at 10 days only if the following criteria are also met:

  • No clinical evidence of COVID-19 has been elicited by daily symptom monitoring during the entirety of quarantine up to the time at which quarantine is discontinued; and,
  • Daily symptom monitoring continues through quarantine Day 14; and,
  • Persons are counseled regarding the need to adhere strictly through quarantine Day 14 to all recommended non-pharmaceutical interventions. They will be advised that if any symptoms develop, they should immediately self-isolate and contact the local public health authority or their healthcare provider to report this change in clinical status.

As students complete their quarantine, they receive communication from the Student Life Office on their last day, covering the following items:

  • Students may move out of their quarantine space and back to their own room after 7:00 pm on the evening of their last day of quarantine. If they were able to quarantine in their own room, they are asked to remain under the quarantine protocols until 7 pm on the last evening of their last day of quarantine.
  • Students are asked to complete a Quarantine Checkout form prior to ending their quarantine. This report confirms that they have been in quarantine all this time and have had no symptoms in the past 10 days.If a student has developed symptoms during this time, we ask them to note that on the form, send an email to [email protected], and contact his or her GRA. They’ll of course need to remain in quarantine until they are contacted for follow-up testing.
  • We then ask students to notify his or her RA about exiting quarantine, so they know to remove the student from the meal delivery list starting the next day
  • At this time, we are not requiring a negative PCR test if a student has no symptoms. While it is not mandatory, students are encouraged to get one if he or she is able to. Students may get a PCR test from their healthcare provider. They may also get one, at no cost, at 102 W. Water Street, Waukegan, IL, 60085. More information about this community-based testing site can be found here.

How Trinity Cares for Your Student While They Are in Quarantine

We’re so grateful for these teams and their desire to minister to students in need.

 

  • Health & Wellness: We have a Health Services Coordinator and two athletic trainers providing oversight for health and wellness, providing rapid antigen tests if a student has symptoms and monitoring the general welfare of those in quarantine.
  • Faculty & Academic Support: The office of the Dean and the faculty are working closely with students who are making transitions to remote learning.The Thrive Center is on hand to help students who are having challenges with their academic load.
  • Residence Life Staff: These are continuing their daily care for students in the residence halls in quarantine and those who are well. They are also helpful in moving students to their locations for quarantine/ isolation and moving them back to their rooms once they are cleared.
  • Meals: Students are receiving meals in their rooms. Each meal contains an entree, starch/vegetable, fruit, dessert, and water. Athletes receive two entrees (protein). We are also catering for students who notify us of food allergies. We regularly include additional snacks in their meal packages.
  • Wellness Coordinators: each student is assigned a staff member, outside of the Residence Life Staff, who regularly checks on students via email, phone call or text. These are faculty, staff and administrators.
  • Counseling Center: they are providing Telehealth Services to students who are seeking it, and also provided a list of tips for surviving quarantine.
  • ResLife Buddies: these are additional workers supporting ResLife to meet felt needs such as delivering meals and doing laundry.
  • Student Groups: under the direction of College Union and SGA have made arrangements for students to share notes, engage in activities and be connected to one another.
  • Athletic Coaches: they have continued to hold meetings and Bible Studies; one coach arranged for drill time in clusters of suites, others have online workouts.
  • Friends of TIU: Some friends of TIU have organized treats and meals and care packages. Wellness Coordinators have bought treats for students. These include parents, churches, volunteers and spouses of our faculty. There are also many staff who are showing personal care for students.
  • Deans and Student Life Staff: Coordinating specific requests such as the need for extensions, move to remote classes, choosing to quarantine at home and other needs affecting their daily lives.

 

Sample of Student Communications from Quarantine Start to End

Quarantine Intake: Tuesday, January 5, 2021

The following message was sent on Jan. 5 to students beginning their quarantine from the Student Life Office:

 

Dear Student,

We know that being assigned to the 10-day quarantine period is difficult and frustrating for you. However, it is very important to understand that, once you have been exposed to a person who has the virus, you can develop the virus in your own body any time up to 10 days after that exposure. In order to protect you and the rest of the community, you are required to quarantine and carefully monitor your health during that time.

TESTING: You are encouraged to get a PCR gold standard test with Lake County. This is for those who were exposed and tested negative, or those with no symptoms who have not been tested yet. Please note the following information:

Location:
Waukegan Community-Based Testing Site
102 W. Water Street, Waukegan, IL

Appointment: Daily. 8am- 4pm.
Please read this information for more details.
https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4435/COVID-19-Testing

If you did not complete the Covid-19 Screening form, please complete it immediately. This form will set up your meal delivery options for your 10-day quarantine and confirm to your professors that you will be taking classes remotely. You will not be charged for meals while you are in quarantine.

The Lake County Health Department (LCHD) strongly recommends that you stay on campus for your quarantine period. There is evidence that the virus can be spread to a student’s family members when quarantined college students have returned to quarantine at home. You can expect to receive a phone call from contact tracers from the Lake County Health Department to participate in their symptom monitoring program, which will provide you with a “release from quarantine” letter after your quarantine period is completed. You will need this letter to return to classes and on-campus activities.

1. Please remember this important information: Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. Quarantine requires that you:

  • Stay in your room for 10 days. Do not hang out in common areas such as suites.
  • No visitors are allowed.
  • You can go for a run or exercise outside only if you are not near others (wearing a mask).
  • You cannot go to any stores, so meals will be delivered.
  • You may need to order other needed supplies, delivery can be arranged.
  • Quarantine is essentially isolation with a tiny bit of freedom.

2. Packages, Deliveries: If you received an email from the campus post office informing you of a package delivery, you may authorize another person to pick up your behalf. Here is what you need to do:

  • Ask permission from someone you trust to pick it up
  • Copy and paste this template email (below) and send it to: [email protected]

When the Post Office has approved your request, you may notify your trusted volunteer to pick it up. A residence life staff staff member can help deliver it if your friend picks it up.

Hello,

My name is _________, and I am a student at Trinity International University (ID# _______). I received notice that I have a package at the campus post office, but I am currently unable to retrieve it myself as I am in quarantine. I would like to authorize _________ my roommate/RA/GRA/friend to pick up my package on my behalf. Please let me know if you can approve this request.
Thank you,

____________

 

3. Daily Life

Schedule: Make A Daily Schedule Consider including Devotion Time, Meals, Study, Relaxation, Exercise, Personal Care, Social Contact

Meals: You will not be charged for meals during your isolation/quarantine. You will receive up to 3 meals a day, with 2 meals on Saturday and Sunday

4. Wellness Coordinator: We have assigned a staff member outside of the Res Life team to be your Wellness Coordinator. This person will reach out to you on a regular basis, to check up on you, find out your needs and experiences and be someone to encourage you and find creative solutions to the challenges you may have. You will receive an email, from your Wellness Coordinator, introducing themselves to you soon.

5. Laundry: We have streamlined the process of getting your laundry requests. Please submit your laundry request here This form will help us serve you better and faster.

6. Communicating Feedback: We would love to continue to connect with you and to find ways to solve the challenges you may experience in quarantine or isolation. If you have a question or concern, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] You may also contact your GRA with questions that you may have. Your Wellness Coordinators are also very happy to assist with getting your questions answered.

7. Internet Connection: If you have any questions or concerns about the Internet in your room, please send an email to the [email protected] Please leave a phone number they can reach you at to help navigate your needs.

8. Health & Safety: As always, we ask that you maintain the quarantine expectations. You should not be visiting each other’s rooms and suites. You should also not be receiving visitors in your room. Please continue to wear your masks whenever you open the door to receive your meals or when you go out for a walk or run. If you are feeling ill or have any symptoms, please email [email protected]

9. Supplies: If you have needs such as tissue paper, toilet paper, paper towels, soap, sanitizer, trash bags, etcetera, please fill out a work order from mytiu.edu (MyTIU>Campus Services > Request Services)

10. Completing your quarantine or semester at home: Some of you have indicated that you want to go home and finish your quarantine or semester there. Please send an email to [email protected] if you decide to go home.

11. Communication: I will continue to provide you with regular updates by email in regards to information about your quarantine.

I am attaching two very important documents for your perusal: Tips from the Counseling Center and the Student Care Plan. Please review them carefully and consider using the Counseling Services during this time of quarantine/isolation.

Please know that we are praying for you and that we are working to become better at the way we are serving you. Any areas that are less than ideal, are not due to a lack of care for your welfare, but a rather steep learning curve. We ask for your continued grace as we navigate this time together. Please let me know how I can be of help to you. Send me an email, or call me.

Please be assured of our love and prayers for you.

Best wishes,
Amanda
For the Student Life Team

—
Amanda Onapito
Student Life
Trinity International University

Quarantine Update: Wednesday, January 6, 2021

The following message was sent on Jan. 6 to students in quarantine from the Student Life Office:

 

Dear Student,

I am writing to provide a short update.

As you know, we hope to receive results from the PCR test starting tomorrow. We have been made aware that you will receive your PCR results directly and not through Trinity. We will provide a link for you to report your results tomorrow morning. Please look out for it in your email.

I trust that you are connecting well with your Wellness Coordinator. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to serve you.

Please know of our prayers for each one of you, especially for your physical, emotional and psychological health. By the grace of God, we will overcome.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust” (Ps. 91:1-2).

Best wishes,
Amandaa

—
Amanda Onapito
Student Life
Trinity International University

Quarantine Update: Thursday, January 7, 2021

The following message was sent on Jan. 7 to students in quarantine from the Student Life Office:

Hello,

I hope you know that we in Student Life are praying for you. I wanted to provide two updates.

1. Testing

If you have not taken a PCR test, PLEASE DO SO. Visit https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4435/COVID-19-Testing for more information. You can get tested at:

Waukegan Community-Based Testing Site
102 W. Water Street, Waukegan, IL

They are open daily from 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

2. Questions to Lake County Health Department:

If you have questions for LCHD, Please submit them through this form. We will then email them out on Monday October 19, 2020.

All PCR test results will be submitted to you directly. Once you get your result, please fill out this form.

Please know that we are praying for you. If you decide to go home and quarantine, please send an email to [email protected]

Best wishes,
Amanda

—
Amanda Onapito
Student Life
Trinity International University

Quarantine Update: Friday, January 8, 2021

The following message was sent on Jan. 8 to students in quarantine from the Student Life Office:

Dear Student,

I do pray that your week started off well. A couple of updates for you:

1. PCR Test Results for those who took a test on Thurs., October, 19, 2020:
Lake County has informed us that a majority of the results from last week’s PCR test were negative. Trinity does not have the details of the results. You will receive a phone call from Lake County with your results. We are thankful to God that many of you have a negative result. I am sorry that I do not have any other news at this time.

2. Response to Questions:
I did speak with Lake County Health Department on the phone about the questions you submitted. They decided to answer the questions over the phone as opposed to contacting you directly. Please the responses below:

    1. When can we expect our results back? We thought we’d have them by Saturday, but no one has gotten theirs yet, and it’s already Sunday afternoon. The LCHD says that it takes a minimum of 2 days for test results to come back. We have been informed that a majority of the students have a negative PCR result. Students will receive their results by a phone call.
    2. The COVID contact guy promised us a link that would give us access to forms that we could give our jobs due to our absence. We have not received that link- how do we get access? Lake County says that you will receive communication about the symptom monitoring program in 1-2 days. They said that it does take time for them to turn around the data received.
    3. If someone we were in quarantine with previously tests positive, do we have to restart our quarantine? Will you contact trace that person? What if they say my name but I wasn’t with them for 15 minutes within 6 feet? Can we dispute that claim? Lake County says that if you were quarantining with someone who tests positive, your own quarantine would restart to complete the 10 days required. Disputing the claim that you may have been exposed is handled on a case by case basis, by the Lake County Health Dept.
    4. When will we find out others’ tests results/if we need to restart our quarantine? I’m supposed to be out on Wednesday, but it would be helpful to know if I need to stay 8 days longer than expected. If you have been exposed while in quarantine, Lake County will inform you directly. They were not able to specify when that would be.

Lake County will not be able to conduct a meeting with all students in quarantine. If you do have any other questions, please submit them here and I will pass them along.

Please be sure to let your Wellness Coordinator know how you are doing. If you decide to go home to complete your quarantine, please send an email to [email protected], indicating when you would like to leave. If you develop symptoms or have health related questions, please send an email to [email protected]

I have you in my prayers. Let me know if you have questions.

Best wishes,
Amanda

—
Amanda Onapito
Student Life
Trinity International University

Quarantine Update: Sunday, January 10, 2021

The following message was sent on Jan. 10 to students in quarantine from the Student Life Office:

 

Dear Student,

Here are some updates:

1. Leaving Quarantine:
Some of you have reached the end of your quarantine/isolation. There has been a general delay from Lake County Health Dept to clear students who have completed quarantine. We will be working to contact those for whom today is the last day of the quarantine, over the phone. Lake County will provide guidance for those finishing in the next few days. Hang tight!

2. Mask Wearing / Social Distancing:
Please remember to wear your mask and practice social distancing. Please do not hang outside your room, unless you are going out to exercise. Please always answer the door with your mask on. This is for your safety, as well as those who are caring for you while you are in quarantine. Avoid hanging out in common areas in your suite, even if you are all quarantining together.

3. Symptoms & PCR Testing:
As of today, we do not have PCR testing on campus, but you can go and take a free test at 102 W. Water St, Waukegan, IL 60085. There is a significant wait time, so be mindful of that. Lake County advises that you take the test approximately 5 day after exposure to someone who tested positive for Covid19.

If you have symptoms, please fill out the screening form, so that we can provide you with a rapid test. We will not be providing rapid tests to students who do not have symptoms. If you have any health related questions, please email [email protected]

4. Post Office:
Please note the corrected email address for requesting items from the post office:
If you received an email from the campus post office informing you of a package delivery, you may authorize another person to pick up your behalf. Here is what you need to do:

  • Ask permission from someone you trust to pick it up, (e.g., roommate/RA/GRA)
  • Copy and paste this template email (below) and send it to: [email protected]
  • When the Post Office has approved your request, you may notify your trusted volunteer to pick it up. A residence life staff staff member can help deliver it if your friend picks it up.

Hello,

My name is _____, and I am a student at Trinity International University (ID#_____). I received notice that I have a package at the campus post office, but I am currently unable to retrieve it myself as I am in quarantine. I would like to authorize _____ my roommate/RA/GRA to pick up my package on my behalf. Please let me know if you can approve this request.

Thank you,
_____

5. Custodial Update:
Lake County Health Dept (LCHD) has instructed that custodial staff refrain from entering premises where students are isolating or quarantining. This means that custodial staff will not be cleaning the bathrooms of areas in which students are quarantining or isolating. We encourage you to be mindful and clean up after yourself as they will not be entering the suites.

That’s it for today.
As always, you are in our prayers.

Best wishes,
Amanda

—
Amanda Onapito
Student Life
Trinity International University

Quarantine Update: Monday, January 11, 2021

The following message was sent on Jan. 11 to students in quarantine from the Student Life Office:

 

Dear Student,

As we go into the weekend, I wanted to provide some quick reminders:

Meals: The Meal hours are as below: please note that even as distribution starts, our Res Life team will work as quickly as possible to bring your meal to you. Our weekend hours are as follows:

Saturday & Sunday
Brunch = 11:30 am – 1 pm
Dinner = 5 pm – 6 pm

Laundry: If you have needs for laundry, please fill place a request here and our Res Life team will work to get your laundry done in 24-48 hours.

Health & Wellness: Your Wellness Coordinators will continue to call on you. If you are not feeling well, please fill out the Health Screening Form and send an email to [email protected] If it is an emergency, please remember to call 911.

Free PCR testing:
Sunday, 10/25, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Deerfield High School
1959 Waukegan Rd., Deerfield IL

It is advisable to take a PCR test if you are experiencing symptoms, or at least 5-7 days after exposure. More details of what you will need before you go can be found here.

I hope that you are doing well under the circumstances. I know that quarantine or isolation is not easy and is not something you would choose. But, I pray that you find comfort in knowing that your quarantine is about ultimately protecting others and stopping the spread of Civd19. You indeed are serving others, even as you opt to follow the guidelines of your quarantine.

As always, we have you in prayer! If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. You may also speak to your coach, your GRA or any of the other Deans.

Best wishes,
Amanda

—
Amanda Onapito
Student Life
Trinity International University

Quarantine Update: Tuesday, January 12, 2021

The following message was sent on Jan. 12 to students in quarantine from the Student Life Office:

 

Dear Students,

Trash:
A quick reminder from the custodial crew: students can leave their trash tied up outside of the door. Custodial crew will come pick up in the evenings or as needed. We would love for you to live in a hygienic environment.

Meals:
Remember you can choose to opt out of the current free meal delivery plan and have your meals delivered by a buddy using your own meal swipes if you are in quarantine. Just fill out this form.

Laundry for students in quarantine can be taken care of by filling out this form.

Praying for you, as always. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I know that your Wellness Coordinators are also in touch with you, so you can share your experiences with them too. We desire to serve you well and your feedback is much appreciated.

Also if you do not feel well, email [email protected] and/or [email protected] You may also notify your GRA. Of course, if it is an emergency, please do call 911.

Best wishes,
Amanda

—
Amanda Onapito
Student Life
Trinity International University

Completing Your Quarantine: Thursday, January 14, 2021

The following message was sent on Jan. 14 to students finishing their quarantine from the Student Life Office:

 

Dear Student:

I am writing to provide an update on completing your quarantine successfully.

Here are a few important things that you need to do:

1) Note that you may move out of your quarantine space and back to your own room (if applicable) after 7:00 pm on the evening of your last day of quarantine. If you were able to quarantine in your own room, please remain under the quarantine protocols until 7 pm this evening.

2) Complete this Quarantine Checkout form prior to ending your quarantine. This report confirms that you have been in quarantine all this time and have had no symptoms in the past 10 days. If you have developed symptoms during this time, you can note that on the form. You’ll need to remain in quarantine until you are contacted for follow up testing.

3) Notify your GRA (via text or email) that you will exit quarantine at 7pm on the last day of your quarantine, so they know to remove you from the meal delivery list starting the next day.

4) At this time, we are not requiring a negative PCR test if you have no symptoms. While it is not mandatory, you are encouraged to get one if you are able to. You may get a PCR test, which is considered the gold-standard test for Covid19 from your health provider. You may also get one, at no cost, at 102 W.Water St, Waukegan IL, 60085. More information about this community based testing site can be found here.

Let me know if you have any questions. You are in our prayers!

Best wishes,
Amanda

—
Amanda Onapito
Student Life
Trinity International University

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Archive of Latest Developments

Trinity’s past decisions in response to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 will be posted for reference on our Archives page.

Find Answers (FAQs)

Browse our Frequently Asked Questions on health concerns, campus events, academics, work-related issues and more.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR COVID-19

How to Self-Isolate

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)

Lake County Health Department

Cares Act Grant Funds Affidavit & Information

Overseas Advisory Council

CARES Act Reporting–Institutional HEERF Allocation