What’s in my bag: COVID-19 edition

COVID-19 cases are surging. Let’s be honest, some of us are trying our best, some of us not so much. 

Halloween happened a few days ago and you had to be the best space cowboy or cowgirl DuPage County has ever seen. We all know that some of you could not stay home, you went out with your friends and celebrated. 

You were exposed to, or test positive for, COVID-19. Now what? Whether you’re living at home or at the dorms, fear not. This quarantine must-have list is for you.

Even if you are trying your best to stay safe, potential exposure can still be possible, so preparing a quarantine bag can be handy in the case of needing to quickly get to a quarantine space. 

For those who are living in dorms, not many of you get time to pack up and take what you need to the isolated dorm rooms, so read up on these six things you need to make isolation a bit more bearable. 

Water and Snacks

• If you read our story interviewing students who have been isolated, you know that you will need this.
• Have as many snacks as you can — Hummus, crackers, health bars, Skinny Pop, pretzels, almonds (if you’re not allergic), granola, anything that you like. 
• Make sure you stay hydrated so try to take gallons of water.

The health kit

• Sanitizer and Wipes — This is a must, even if you’re already sick. Make sure you keep up with your hygiene and wipe the f*ck out of everything.
• Hand soap — One of the best ways to keep yourself safe from COVID-19 is to wash your hands with warm water for at least 20 seconds. Students have noted the lack of hand soap in the isolation dorms, so this is a must.  

• Try to have Tylenol in your bag, just in case you show symptoms. Make sure it’s not Advil!
• Tea — No, not gossip, actual tea. Try to have some green tea in your bag because trust me, you will need it. 
• Tissues for your issues — Make sure you have enough tissues for your droplets.
• Toilet paper — Please make sure you have a few rolls in your bag because you may not be provided with those and that would be bad.
• Vaporub — This stuff helps to decongest, go buy some. 
• Shampoo and soap — You need to shower, that’s all I am going to say. 
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste — Yeah, you need to this too. 

Blankets and Pillows

• You do not want to be freezing in your isolated room. 
• Bring a set of sheets and bedding to your isolation dorm to have a warm bed to sleep in for your isolation period.
• Especially if you show symptoms, you want to be as cozy as possible. 

School Essentials

• Phone — Do not forget your phone because you will not get through this without it.

• Your professors are expected to work with you during your time isolated so bring your technology to work on your classes so you don’t fall behind especially with finals season creeping around. 

Chargers

• Do not forget these, we all forget our chargers when we are scattering around, but make sure you have an extra for your quarantine bag. 

Extra clothes

• Do not forget to have an extra set of clothes in your quarantine bag. You do not want to be wearing the same thing for who knows how long. 

For those who are living at home, it will look a bit different, but do the same. Don’t be selfish, have a quarantine bag prepared as well. Do not expose the rest of your family. 

If you only have one bathroom or need to really go to the kitchen, then remember to wear your masks and sanitize whatever you touch. 

Even if you test positive, don’t make others test positive just because you were exposed. Stay safe.