On March 9th UC Berkeley and Stanford University made the final decision to switch to majority online classes. Although there are no confirmed cases at UC Berkeley, the spread of the virus throughout the Bay Area pushes campus officials to take extra precautions. The situation differs at Stanford, where a faculty member at the university tested positive for Corona. Both campuses remain open, meaning students can still access dining halls and student housing. Classes are now offered through digital platforms and students continue to take exams online. One exception to fully online classes is If a course requires the students to learn physically. This hands-on learning includes labs and performing arts. Both universities plan to resume in-class learning on March 29th assuming no more cases form.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-03-09/expect-more-california-schools-to-close-amid-coronavirus-spread-newsom-says
1. Do you think school closure is justified if there are no cases on campus?
2. Why do you think schools are taking extra precautions regarding the Corona Virus?
3. Should other schools in affected areas consider closure?
School are taking extra precautions because they need to prioritize student and community safety. In order to stop the spread of this virus, minimizing contact with others is extremely important. Eventually, this pandemic will become more serious in the USA without serious intervention from our education systems, government, and businesses.
ReplyDeleteI think it makes sense that these large schools are taking extra precautions when it comes to the coronavirus. It is very important to minimize any physical contact in order for the virus to stop spreading and switching to online school will hopefully help with this. I also think that all schools in affected areas should consider closing for a couple of days to ensure that the virus does not spread and to do a deep cleaning of the campus.
ReplyDeleteYes I agree that extra precautions are necessary to prevent the spread of coronavirus. I also align with your statement that schools should consider closing campus for a couple of days.
DeleteSchools are taking all precautions necessary in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Decreasing physical contact is their best strategy to prevent the spread of the virus. School's main priority is to prioritize the safety of their students and staff, so it make sense why they would switch to online classes until it is safe to be back on school grounds.
ReplyDeleteI think it makes sense to close schools to completely avoid the spread of the virus through college campuses, and local communities. Its good to take these extra precautions so we don't fix the problem before its too late and the virus has already spread.
ReplyDeleteIn this case, I think school closure was a justifiable decision. College campuses are extremely large in comparison to other public places, which increases the risk of someone having the virus. With all of the cases being reported as of late, I think they are taking proper action towards the issue. It is better to be safe than sorry.
ReplyDeleteI do think that school closure is justified because the virus is very infectious and if it gets on campus with all of the students, it could be disastrous. I think schools are taking extra precautions because this virus is very dangerous. Yes, I think other schools should close because sickness travels fast in a school and the virus would travel even faster.
ReplyDeleteI do think that the school closer is justified. They don't want the virus to spread and want to contain what is happening. I think schools are taking extra precautions because it is where many people are in a small space and share many resources. Schools also hold kids who don't know how to properly wash your hand and stay clean so the virus wont spread. I do think that other schools in infected areas should close to try to stop the spread of corona.
ReplyDeleteThere shouldn't have to be a confirmed case on campus for school closure, therefore Berkeley's decision for a school closure is completely justified. The fact that college campuses hold so many students (who not only go to classes but also live there) makes it completely reasonable for them to feel the need take extra precautions. If a student were to contract the virus without knowing, I feel as if it would be spread extremely easily and fast, as classrooms are confined spaces and you interact with many people on campus throughout the day.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, schools not tested for the virus should not be closed for a long duration, but a day or two should be allowed to discuss future plans and implement precautions. Specifically, schools around infected schools should take more precaution because they are more exposed. However, testing should occur as an extra precaution just in case if possible, of course being mindful of the resources used. Schools are taking precautions because school populations are quite large, and those attending will further spread to their families and etc.
ReplyDeleteSchool closure is justified even if their are no cases on campus. There's always a risk of any tourists, people, etc. who might have the coronavirus. Since it's floating around and symptoms don't show up until after two weeks, even some students might have it currently. It's always better to take the safer option if it related to public health. The extra precaution is absolutely necessary to protect students, staffulty, and others.
ReplyDeleteSchool closure is justified because in the end, the students' safety should be the number one priority and the prevention of spreading the coronavirus is always encouraged. Even if it may pose as an inconvenience, the closure of schools and switching to online classes is beneficial to staying healthy. Affected areas are already beginning a shelter in place and the closing of schools should definitely be the starting point as avoiding contact with people and avoiding large crowds prevents spreading of this new disease.
ReplyDeleteIt is justified because even if there aren't current cases, that leaves so many people vulnerable and open to getting the disease if it even comes. Everyone will be much safer if they work from home where we all know is a safe place that can be easily quarantined if anyone is ever diagnosed with COVID-19.
ReplyDeleteThe school closure is definitely justified because it is better to prevent the spread of community transmission rather than let it happen and then close schools. Everyone is much safer not going out as much as not infecting those at risk which can die because of the virus. Affected areas will already begin the shelter in place and that will also prevent transmission of the virus.
ReplyDelete