Campus Closures Aren’t an Excuse to Darty, Just FYI

With the new coronavirus (or COVID-19) on its world tour, schools across the nation have switched to online classes or told students to evacuate campus. But let me tell you something: Just because your campus closed doesn’t mean it’s the time to throw a party. In fact, it means the opposite. Now is the time to stay inside, bunker down, and do what you can to keep yourself and others healthy. However, not everyone is taking the proper precautions. 

Even after multiple states have asked residents to shelter in place, people are still deciding to go out with friends, whether to celebrate spring break or throw a rager at home. 

You shouldn’t be dartying right now. Even when the sun is shining and the ‘Claws in your fridge seem to be staring you down, you have to resist temptation. Both the Centers for Disease Control and President Trump have urged people to limit the size of social gatherings and to stand at least six feet apart from others. Take these precautions seriously, for your health and for the health of your community. 

Taking part in social distancing isn’t just about you. It actually slows the spread of the virus and flattens the curve of the outbreak. The more that people crowd public spaces, especially for drinking and partying (and sharing bodily fluids), the more this virus will spread. If you happen to come into contact with someone who has the virus, you could unknowingly spread it to surfaces where the virus can live for days, and then it could be picked up by anyone else who interacts with those surfaces. You could even bring it home and infect people in your house or at your job (if it’s still open), all without knowing it right away. 

The closing of campuses isn’t a spring vacation, and it isn’t time to break out the crop tops and bevs. Stay inside and stay healthy. Stick to virtual happy hour. Let’s save the day brunches and house parties for when it’s safe.

• Coronavirus
• COVID-19
• darty