At the point of writing this article, there have been 113 cumulative COVID-19 cases on campus. Starting a new semester, students and staff coming from various states and communities, we knew cases were bound to rise. As we continue to navigate this “post-pandemic” and “new normal” world, we continue to ask for your patience.

Because of all the progress made over the last few years, we have been able to live practically like before, no distancing, being mask optional in the classroom and larger spaces. It is so easy to slip back into the familiarity, but that does not mean the protocols that are in place should not be taken seriously. 

If you have been in close contact with a positive case, please wear a mask properly for the 10 day requirement. If you have tested positive yourself, please wear a mask properly when being released from isolation. And please wear a mask properly in the Student Health Center. These three things are the only rules and restrictions, and if we follow these diligently, hopefully we may never have to go back to campus full of restrictions and keep lower case numbers.

We know that the virus is never going to go away, and to have only 90 cumulative positive students out of about 3,500 is truly great. We are just here to remind you of the biggest takeaways from the pandemic, like being flexible with health restrictions and recommendations for the betterment of the entire community. Keeping ourselves and others safe is most important and is what has allowed us to be in a practically normal school and life environment two years after a pandemic started. 

With this being said, if a professor or student asks in one of your classes if the room could wear a mask, please be mindful and considerate of their situation. The pandemic has brought to light those who live with autoimmune diseases or live with others who are more at risk and has taught us how to keep them better safe. Wearing a mask for 90 minutes and spreading out if possible is not the end of the world. Or at least, do not huff and puff or roll your eyes or sigh loudly. Kindness truly goes a long way.