Sending Kids to College? Pack a COVID-19 Quarantine Bag

If you have a child going to college and living in a dorm, have them pack an emergency COVID-19 bag in case they test positive and have to quarantine. Quarantine protocols vary by college and situation. At LSU for example, they recommend the student quarantine or isolate at home if possible. If that’s not feasible, the university’s plans include quarantine and isolation accommodations using a mixture of on- and off-campus facilities.

Having a pre-packed quarantine bag ready just in case is much easier than asking a roommate to grab things for you and will be more thought-out than tossing things in a bag in a panic.

In addition to all the usuals likes clothes, school books and electronics, here is a good start for all the other things you may need in a COVID-19 quarantine bag:

• Extra cell phone charger
• List of important people and their phone numbers written out
• List of any allergies (foods and meds)
• Two or more extra changes of comfy clothes: sweats, PJs, tees, fuzzy socks
• Fleece throw
• Personal hygiene items (soap, lotion, toothbrush, etc.)
• Hair supplies (comb, brush, shampoo, etc.)
• Thermometer
• Cough Drops
• Vitamin C
• Ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen (for fever and body aches) – some have found alternating the two to be effective, but discuss with your provider
• Vicks VapoRub
• Prescription medications (optional Mucinex DM or Robitussin DM for cough & chest congestion)
• Tissues
• Snacks
• Tea bags & honey (warmth helps to open airways)
• Powdered Gatorade to mix in water
• Masks
• Entertainment: playing cards, books, puzzles, adult coloring book, etc.

For more COVID-19 information, visit our COVID-19 Information page.