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Is it safe to go to college? Health experts weigh in
For many students, college is a time of firsts. And now colleges and universities are having their own firsts, trying to grapple with reopening and educating while battling Covid-19. School is only just beginning and there are thousands of coronavirus cases linked to colleges in dozens of states. Classes, labs, dorms, parties, sports, arts. New people in new places enjoying new experiences. How do you create a college experience filled with discovery while keeping everyone apart? We asked health experts and those tasked with helping solve these problems to weigh in.
Editor's note: Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
1
Are colleges and universities in your area going back to school in-person, remotely or something else? What seem to be the greatest challenges?
Dr. Susan Bailey
Bailey is an allergist and immunologist and president of the American Medical Association. She is based in Forth Worth, Texas.
College and universities in Texas — like schools across the country — are largely bringing students back to campus this fall. The variability lies in the degree to which they are mixing in-person and remote instruction. The greatest challenge is a combination of testing and controlling the spread of Covid-19 in a setting where many infected people, because of their age and health, are likely to be asymptomatic spreaders. Additionally, because of dorm living and many of the other trappings of college -- in-person interaction with more people in a shorter period of time -- is likely, increasing the possibility of rapid community spread.
2
What can colleges do to keep faculty and staff safe during this pandemic?
Dr. Susan Bailey
Bailey is an allergist and immunologist and president of the American Medical Association. She is based in Forth Worth, Texas.
Class sizes should be limited, allowing for physical distancing. Masks should be required, especially indoors. Testing should be done regularly, and contact tracing is critical. Because campuses are such densely populated areas, work that can be done remotely should be done remotely.
3
College is about independence and young adults notoriously feel invincible. How can colleges, families and health experts reach this group to help them understand and follow guidelines?
Dr. Susan Bailey
Bailey is an allergist and immunologist and president of the American Medical Association. She is based in Forth Worth, Texas.
First of all, we should treat these students like adults. Parents, the university, and health experts should all communicate the dangers of Covid and how it is spread, the expectations they have for behaviors, and information on how they can protect themselves. That said, remember what it was like to be 18-22 years old, on a college campus and away from home. These students will go out, they will participate in risky behavior, and they are already spreading Covid as a result. If we are sending thousands of young people back to colleges in the middle of a pandemic, it is probably unreasonable to expect they will live like monks.
4
Is it possible for a college or university to bring people to campus from all over the state, the country or the world without seeing large outbreaks? How would it work?
Dr. Susan Bailey
Bailey is an allergist and immunologist and president of the American Medical Association. She is based in Forth Worth, Texas.
Based on what we are seeing, what we know about college life and young people’s behavior, unfortunately, the answer is probably no. This virus is spread easily and rapidly by people who may not even exhibit symptoms. Colleges and universities are all ideal locations for the virus to spread.
5
What Covid-19 testing strategies have you heard about or seen used by colleges? What are their strengths and weaknesses to these strategies?
Dr. Susan Bailey
Bailey is an allergist and immunologist and president of the American Medical Association. She is based in Forth Worth, Texas.
The only model that will be effective is a strategy that tests large numbers of students — those who live on AND off campus — regularly and turns around results quickly. Plus, effective contact tracing. If, for example, your testing strategy only tests students who live in dorms, while off-campus students continue to take in-person classes, you’re missing a large segment of potential spreaders. Additionally, a testing strategy is only one part of a much larger puzzle. Without masks, physical distancing, regular hand washing etc., even the best testing strategy will not stop the spread of the virus.
6
How might college classes look or feel different for students this year? Is there any way to safely participate in college life like sports, arts, clubs, organizations or just normal socializing?
Dr. Susan Bailey
Bailey is an allergist and immunologist and president of the American Medical Association. She is based in Forth Worth, Texas.
I imagine large, packed seminars are over for now. Everyone should be wearing masks, and there may be other PPE present. The same rules that apply across the rest of life apply on college campuses. Activities that allow for physical distancing and can be done outside are most likely. If you want a return to normal — for clubs and sports and normal socializing to return — the best way to get there is to wear your mask always, practice physical distancing and wash your hands regularly. By stopping the spread now, everyone brings us closer to a return to normal.
7
What can students living in college housing on or off campus do to stay safe and prevent the spread of the coronavirus?
Dr. Susan Bailey
Bailey is an allergist and immunologist and president of the American Medical Association. She is based in Forth Worth, Texas.
Try your best to wear your masks, physically distance, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer regularly. As best you can, limit the number of people you socialize with, recognizing that the virus is spread easily and unknowingly.
8
College and universities aren’t in a bubble. What’s the risk to nearby communities? What should residents and businesses near colleges and universities keep in mind?
Dr. Susan Bailey
Bailey is an allergist and immunologist and president of the American Medical Association. She is based in Forth Worth, Texas.
There is significant risk to nearby communities. If bars and restaurants are open near a university, students will be there. Business owners should recognize that if they are open and students patronized them before the pandemic, they will be back this fall. If you own a business near a college campus, consider what you need to do to protect your employees and encourage good behavior from everyone. You can create physical distance or outdoors seating, or you can limit crowd size. Consider your options and adjust them if you need to. As a resident, take stock of how students are behaving, and then consider adjusting your own schedule and behaviors accordingly if necessary.
9
While everyone is focused on Covid-19, what health issues among college students might be neglected or overlooked? What do people need to keep sight of?
Dr. Susan Bailey
Bailey is an allergist and immunologist and president of the American Medical Association. She is based in Forth Worth, Texas.
College students should certainly be up to date on vaccines, and, if something feels wrong, they should seek medical attention. Physicians have taken extraordinary steps to make sure their practices are safe, and everyone, including college students, should talk to their physician about health concerns today, just as they would have before Covid-19. Addressing issues early is the best way to minimize their impact and prevent chronic conditions.
10
How might college look different in the future, even once this pandemic is controlled?
Dr. Susan Bailey
Bailey is an allergist and immunologist and president of the American Medical Association. She is based in Forth Worth, Texas.
More remote learning may become the norm, and colleges and universities may rethink or reimagine living arrangements. Class sizes may shrink. I also worry that some sports or activities may never come back.
Credits
Lead Producers:
Mallory Simon, Mark Lieber and Jamie Gumbrecht
Producers:
Amanda Sealy, Nadia Kounang and Michael Nedelman
Design and Development:
Alicia Johnson, Alberto Mier and Kenneth Uzquiano
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