“It’s only been a few days and I have already seen students gathering in large, unmasked groups, as well as complaining about the COVID restrictions,” said senior spanish major Mckala Lindsey.
On Jan. 13, AU students filed into their classrooms for the first day of spring semester; despite Madison County maintaining its COVID-19 “red” status, university leadership gave the green light for students to return to campus and resume in-person classes.
According to IN.gov, each county in Indiana is assessed and assigned a color—blue, yellow, orange or red—that indicates its number of coronavirus cases. Red is the most severe color, indicating that a county has 200 or more weekly cases per 100,000 residents.
Madison County’s number has reached 602.
“While I understand the importance of community and I am aware of the struggles of virtual learning, I find the fact that our campus is open to be dangerous and irresponsible,” said Lindsey.
Over Christmas break, Lindsey contracted COVID-19 and was nearly hospitalized due to her condition.
“People don’t always know they are infected,” said Lindsey. “The virus spreads very easily.”
In order to return to campus, students were required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test administered 3-5 days prior to returning to campus. Other safety measures being taken include randomized testing and carry-out-only dining.