About a week ago, I received an email from my University stating that we would be returning to campus in the fall earlier than our scheduled return time. This email comes when the number one course of action provided by the World Health Organization amid this pandemic is to STAY AT HOME. Of course, this has caused an uproar. Many people think that thousands of students returning to sit in lecture halls calls for the mass spreading of the Novel Coronavirus. While I agree that this might be a bad idea, here are some tips that I would like to highlight that can hopefully help to flatten the curve and protect professors and students.
1. Wear A Mask
So, our University is going to make it a requirement to wear masks while in classes, in dining halls, and during group events. I already know this will be problematic because there are already so many problems with people refusing to wear masks in the world. I do not understand if wearing a piece of fabric across your face for a couple of hours will save you or somebody else’s life, why not just do it. I hope the University has thought about a plan to enforce this rule.
2. Wash Your Hands
By washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water, you can slow down the spread of COVID-19 because you are minimizing contaminating surfaces that you may touch. I have seen so many people go to the bathroom and walk straight out without washing their hands. While some may have thought that was okay before, it is unacceptable as you may be putting someone’s life in danger. Don’t only wash your hands after using the bathroom, wash them frequently with the understanding that we are always touching surfaces without being aware. If possible, keep a bottle of hand sanitizer on you to use every once in awhile on-the-go.
3. Social Distance
Everywhere I go, people seem not to understand what it means to social distance. I guess because people are not used to it, but it is time to get used to it. If that can stop me or you from getting COVID-19, it’s time to back up. Be more aware and more conscious of your placement with respect to others. If others don’t want to social distance, socially distance yourself, or kindly ask that they move away from you. At least 6ft please. Thank you!
Hitting on two of the high-risk factors, being black and having a pre-existing condition, has caused me to be more aware in the midst of this pandemic. The easiest way to protect yourself and others is to follow the simple guidelines put in place by trained professionals. COVID-19 is serious. Make a vow that when these thousands of students flood back onto campus, you will protect yourself and other innocent students. I am super interested to see how this plays out with COVID-19 levels rising again.
Alyssa
**This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
