More than a year into the pandemic, Florida A&M University has more experience in the management of coronavirus concerns and a clearer view about how the expectations of students and COVID-19 safeguards may be balanced.
The university’s reopening plan states, “Individuals who are symptomatic or have significant exposure to COVID-19 (identified through self-screening, university screening, or contact tracing) are required to quarantine for 14 calendar days (or until medically cleared) and monitor their symptoms.” “Quarantined or isolated members of the University community must be medically cleared to return.”
Breanna Williams, a senior business administration student, thinks 14 days of quarantine is long enough for students to safely recover and return to class.
“I know FAMU is trying to be extra cautious for everyone and their health by encouraging mask-wearing, social distancing and washing hands. But as for this fall semester, it’s an even more risky situation since the Delta variant arrived,” Williams said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Quarantine if you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 unless you have been fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated people should get tested 3-5 days after their exposure, even if they don’t have symptoms, and wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until their test result is negative.”
Edwina Jacobs, a computer and information science instructor at FAMU, believes that the university’s quarantine time should be based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines.
“If FAMU’s quarantine time isn’t based on the CDC, we need to make sure we adhere to the guidelines that are set for the safety of students, staff and faculty,” Jacobs said.
FAMU’s reopening plan addresses masks and social distancing. The reopening plan states, “All FAMU faculty, students, and staff will be required to wear facial coverings while in public spaces.”
Jordan Joseph, a sophomore criminal justice major, agreed when asked if masks should be mandatory.
“Yes, I think masks should be mandatory,” Joseph said.
Daunte Williams, a senior public relations major, believes masks should be mandatory no matter what.
“Masks should be mandatory due to the fact it prevents spreading COVID-19 and the same for social distancing,” Williams said.