The time has come for ETSU to lift the restrictions put in place from the COVID-19 pandemic, and I couldn’t be happier for the people coming back to school next semester.
Though not all of the restrictions will be lifted, the new Stage 4 status will allow faculty, staff and students to begin the slow but steady track to pre-pandemic university life.
With the lifting of restrictions, students are likely to have a much better semester than those of 2020 and early 2021. I hope that none of us take for granted the gift that camaraderie and friendship are to us. Just the presence of another person or a smile, a laugh, a high five or even a fist bump are proven to increase endorphins and decrease stress. In the hectic and crazy world of the university, stress is high and these simple joys are going to be what get us through that particular phase in our lives.
Social distancing will still be a common, even required, thing next semester. For that reason, class sizes will probably be smaller in order to allow for the social distancing of students and staff. If less students per class means that each professor will have to offer more classes, then that is an unfortunate side effect of social distancing in classes for them, although for the wellbeing of all.
Everyone is expected to use their best judgement as ETSU prepares to open its doors again. If you are sick, please stay home or wear a mask in order to prevent contaminating your classmates. I, personally, encourage everyone to carry hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes with them to sanitize their stations, and please wash your hands. I work in a hospital and I get to see firsthand how few people willingly wash their hands.
