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7 best practices if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 (or think you have)

With coronavirus and the omicron variant causing rising rates of new cases, it’s more important than ever to remain diligent to keep yourself and your community safe. But what happens when you’re exposed — or suspect you’ve been exposed — by someone you live with?  Mark Bajorek, Director of Health Services at Portland State University, offers seven best practices to stay safe and prevent further … Continue reading 7 best practices if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 (or think you have)

What The COVID-19 Test Is Really Like

By Claire Golden After scheduling an upcoming medical procedure, the doctor informed me that I would have to get tested for COVID-19 prior to going. My heart sank. I’ve never enjoyed going to the doctor. Well, nobody does, but for me it used to be a phobia that would lead to tears and panic attacks. I’ve come a long way and it doesn’t scare me … Continue reading What The COVID-19 Test Is Really Like

Dorm Pie

As I’ve written before, I live in student housing. Dorms— a word that connotes many things related to “the college experience”— ridiculously tall beds, hallways decorated to reflect the RA’s floor theme, washing machines that only work half the time … and above all, socialization. From bonding over bowls of instant ramen to flashcard quizzes in the common area, you can’t picture dorm life without … Continue reading Dorm Pie

Checkmate

By Claire Golden As we enter Wave 2 of Lockdown, we are also entering a new wave of boredom. Animal Crossings: New Horizons isn’t new and exciting anymore, cooking has grown dull, and the shorter days are making it harder to get outside for exercise. I found myself in need of a new hobby, and discovered it through a Netflix show that lots of people … Continue reading Checkmate

Winter is Coming.

Wash your hands. Wear a mask. We’re in this together. Governor Kate Brown recently announced new social-distancing requirements across Oregon. Most counties will have to follow the new guidelines for at least two weeks, but Multnomah County and other COVID hotspots will stay shut down even longer. Washington’s Governor Jay Inslee recently announced similar restrictions. I’m willing to bet that it’s only a matter of … Continue reading Winter is Coming.

Not-So-Great Expectations: Adjusting Plans During the Pandemic

I’m a list-maker: Homework assignments, goals, chores, funny things I overheard in the Park Blocks…you name it, I have a list for it! Four times a year, I create a “bucket list,” itemizing everything I want to do that season: swimming and barbeques in the summer. Haunted houses and pumpkin-picking in the fall. Holiday parties in the winter. Travel for spring break.  At least, that’s … Continue reading Not-So-Great Expectations: Adjusting Plans During the Pandemic