Student Publications would like to welcome the campus community back from Spring break.
This break was something that we all needed. Many of us witnessed the grind in previous semesters to complete work without adequate rest periods. This has taken a toll on the mental health of some community members. Intermittent breaks in the education cycle are essential to a thriving campus community.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a large impact on our campus. It changed our educational experience and social lives. We’ve witnessed classes moving online and activities outright canceled. While these actions were taken for our benefit, they have also been detrimental for the mental health of some students. The university believed the safety protocols enforced were the best options in a sea of terrible options.
While the virtual experience may be an effective educational experience for some, it has been more difficult for others. A lack of socialization has demoralized members of the campus community. On the flip side, the spread of COVID-19 on our campus is even more devastating. An infection can cause severe illness, depression and death. The effects of COVID-19 should not be downplayed.
Past breaks indicate that holiday travel correlates with increased transmission. While we all want life to return to normal as soon as possible, we must understand that the only way that we can sustain this normalcy is by stopping the spread of COVID-19. We must consider the health of at-risk individuals and continue to follow CDC guidelines.
The decision to ease restrictions is tempting and it is something that needs to be weighed carefully. Although masking restrictions were lifted over the break, we ask that the campus community remain cautious.
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