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McLaughlin purchased a ticket and flew home the following day, on March 13. She recalled the airport being \"crazy once we landed,\" with huge lines \"of students who were returning from studying abroad.\"

But upon re-entry into the U.S., McLaughlin said that officials \"didn't take my temperature or anything.\"

She said they didn't even ask her if she felt sick. \"I thought it was because it was so early in the process,\" she said.

Now, since testing positive for COVID-19 on March 19, McLaughlin is self-quarantining in her room and taking the proper precautions to mitigate any risk of getting her family members sick.

\"I do wish I could go outside and walk around, be with my family, play a board game with them,\" McLaughlin said. \"I should be able to in about a week, but I wish I could take another test to make sure I am negative before doing that.\"

Tune into ABC at 1 p.m. ET and ABC News Live at 4 p.m. ET every weekday for special coverage of the novel coronavirus with the full ABC News team, including the latest news, context and analysis.

Until then, McLaughlin said she feels \"OK.\" She said she has school work and social media to stay connected and keep busy during the isolation period.

\"I started making TikTok dances to pass the time. My friends at Berkley and I made a page where everyone can submit their quarantine dances,\" she said, referring to the social media platform, which has been abuzz with novel coronavirus-related content, including challenges and reminders for folks to stay at home. \"I definitely notice that I get winded more than I usually do.\"

With her new reality, McLaughlin shared another important reminder.

\"Just remember you aren't invincible. Assume you have it or your friend has it and keep your distance until they say otherwise,\" she said. \"The biggest thing for me is having a positive attitude and to be thankful for this time to reflect.\"

McLaughlin's family has not reported any symptoms as of the time this was published.

ABC News' Ariane Nalty and Allston Segale contributed to this report.

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