Protect the Nest Weekly Update for Students – November 13, 2020

Posted Nov 13, 2020

This weekly update is intended to keep you informed of the latest developments from our Protect the Nest Team. Please visit www.otterbein.edu/covid19/ for additional general and student-related information. If you have questions or concerns, contact the COVID Hotline at 614-823-1586 or covid@otterbein.edu.

Reminders

  • The Counseling Center offers year-round psychological healthcare to our students. There is no charge for appointments. Call 614-823-1333, email counseling@otterbein.edu, or visit 146 W. Home St. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5p.m.
  • Flu shots are FREE for ALL current students at the Student Health Center! Shots are given by appointment only; no walk-ins will be accepted. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday. Call 614-823-1345 to make your appointment. Students are asked to provide a copy of their insurance card if they have insurance or inform the student Health Center when making an appointment if they do not have insurance.

TWO Weeks Left – Stay Vigilant!
There’s only TWO weeks left in the semester! And there is good news to celebrate. First, the number of our students who have tested positive remains low. That includes asymptomatic testing — of 293 randomly selected students who have been tested as part of our asymptomatic program, only FOUR came back positive. Additionally, only three employees have reported a positive test result since the start of the semester. Those numbers prove that you have done an incredible job of keeping our campus safe and healthy — and we want you to keep up the good work! Thank you for making smart choices for yourself, your friends, your family and your community. We truly appreciate your commitment to protecting the nest.

Mental Health Tip of the Week from Otterbein’s Counseling Center
As we move towards the end of the semester and everything seems HARDER, remember that it is okay to cut yourself a break. Wellness is not a state of being, it is a state of action. It is the freedom to move through the cycles of being human. Real-world wellness is messy and complicated. If you feel overwhelmed and exhausted, it doesn’t mean that you are doing “self-care” wrong, it just means that you are going through the process of something hard. And this semester has been HARD on multiple levels. Grant yourself permission to not be perfect.

Going Back Home Safely
With the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic, returning home for semester break will most likely look and feel a bit different for everyone. To assist in preparing you and your family to welcome you back home, we have gathered a list of tips and resources below for a safe and seamless transition once you get home.

  • Keep COVID prevention supplies in common areas, including soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizers (containing at least 60% alcohol), tissues, trash baskets, and, if possible, masks that can be washed or discarded after each use.
  • Limit non-essential visitors or guests.
  • Social distance by staying at least 6 feet apart from others that do not live in your home.
  • Avoid sharing dishes, drinking glasses, cups, or eating utensils
  • If someone in your home does get sick, they should self-isolate and limit the use of shared spaces as much as possible (separate bedroom/bathroom if possible).
  • Limit running errands to one or two low-risk individuals who wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and wash their hands as soon as they return home.
  • Communicate with your family about any concerns, suggestions, or ideas you might have about returning home from campus and give them the opportunity to do the same. Discussing expectations and comfort-levels can allow for a much smoother transition back home.
  • Learn more about living in close quarters from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.