Administration urges students to follow guidelines for the home stretch

SPARTANBURG, SC—On campus, things might be quiet, but people are restless. It’s been just slightly over 238 days since March 15, when most schools and campuses across the US were required to close because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Many on campus—and across the country—are feelling “mask fatigue,” a sense of exhaustion when it comes to all things pandemic: wearing a mask, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings and attending Zoom classes. However, the numbers say now is not the time to let our guard down.

The Associated Press reports record numbers of cases in the US, with new cases passing 100,000 in a single day in early November, and projections likely to rise. The US itself has over 10 million coronavirus cases, making up nearly a fifth of the cases in the world.

The Wofford numbers have gone up as well. As of Nov. 8, the college has 27 active cases, with 93 students in either isolation or quarantine both on and off campus.

The Wellness Center gave their official statement concerning the on-campus spike: “Contact tracing often finds that spikes in coronavirus cases often stem from gatherings outside of the parameters set by the college.”

Lisa Lefebvre, director of employee wellness and medical services in the Wellness Center, also provided a more detailed account of the increase in COVID-19 cases on campus.

“We have much to be proud of as a campus community by making it this far into the semester in-person,” Lefe- bvre said. “We all must continue doing the work that’s required of each of us, especially as the number of cases rise in the United States and the local community.”

“I understand that people might be tired of masks and frustrated by the inability to enjoy normal social functions on campus, but it’s been proven that wearing masks, keeping gatherings small and good handwashing works to decrease the number of coronavirus cases,” Lefebvre said.

One of the key factors the Wellness Center pushed was what has worked, and how if these rules are followed strictly enough, a mostly in-person spring semester is likely.

While the Wellness Center would not confirm the exact cause of the current rise in cases, parties and gatherings of smaller amounts, even six or seven people, both on and off campus have led to many of the cases in the past.

“The college will continue monitoring what’s taking place with COVID-19 locally and nationally while following the CDC’s guidelines.” Roberta Bigger, vice president and dean of students, said. She also recommended people tune in for president Samhat’s virtual town hall on Nov. 11.

With only a few weeks left before the end of the semester and the return home of all on-campus students, the Wellness Center encourages students to keep to the guidelines.

“Following the college’s protocols helps our campus,” Lefebvre said. “And it can also reduce the likelihood of spreading illness to our families when returning home for the holidays.”