SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – As Syracuse University uses the Sheraton on University Avenue for student quarantines amid the coronavirus pandemic, one student says his experience quarantining in the iconic hotel was far from five-star.
Syracuse University senior Tate Sigworth was sent to quarantine at the Sheraton after coming into contact with individuals who tested positive for the coronavirus.
During his 14-day stay, Sigworth went without some basic accommodations. His room didn’t have a microwave, and his floor didn’t have a trash room. Nobody from SU came to Sigworth’s room to pick up trash during his quarantine.
“There was no trash room on the floor that I could see or notice,” Sigworth said. “I had like two weeks worth of food trash, just in a corner in my room, which is pretty disgusting. But I don’t really know what other option there was.
Without a microwave, reheating food turned Sigworth’s quarantine into an impromptu science experiment.
“I started putting really hot water into the sink and just kind of kept that running and kind of close the drain,” Sigworth said. “And I just kind of put the container into the sink and let it kind of float. So the food got warm.”
After completing the two-week quarantine, Sigworth was designated for release on September 15th. But logistical delays on the university’s part made getting out an unpleasant procedure, according to Sigworth.
“Getting out was kind of frustrating along that line because like, I still don’t even understand the process.” Sigworth said. “I just ended up sitting there for a few hours, just waiting for someone to give me a call.”
Syracuse University says there are 102 students currently in quarantine at one of the university’s quarantine locations. Both the Sheraton and facilities on South Campus are being used to quarantine students.
