By: Tristan Hill
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) — As the state of Arkansas’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic begins to relax, many are left wondering how these changes could impact the pandemic precautions being taken at the U of A
Some students are concerned that with guidelines changing and the potential for Governor Asa Hutchinson to do away with the state’s mask mandate at the end of the month, the campus community may start taking precautions less seriously.
“I hope that students keep taking COVID seriously.” Mica Vitug, a U of A marketing major, said, “Just because the guidelines are relaxing doesn’t mean we can stop caring about our health and the health of the community.”
University officials, however, say that while the community may see changes to the state’s requirements, they’ll have little effect on the directives put forth by the University.
“The change from directives to guidelines didn’t impact university operations too much as the guidance essentially remains the same in terms of encouraging safety protocols,” U of A Communications Manager John Thomas said, “So we’re continuing to follow the specific guidelines that are in place for our campus and can best keep our community as safe as possible.”
In many, this raises questions about the future, with students wondering if and when it will be safe to resume the “normal” life that they were forced to give up almost a year ago.
“I love going out to Dickson as much as the next college student,” Vitug said. “It makes me really nervous now that the bars and restaurants are at full capacity.”
Thomas says that’s why university administration is keeping a watchful eye on the state of the pandemic on campus, as well as encouraging safe practices while away from class.
“Even as the rollout of the vaccine becomes more widespread, we are continuing to encourage everyone to keep following the guidelines that are in place for our campus and to utilize them even when off-campus or back home,” Thomas said.
How the campus community maintains these safe practices such as mask wearing and social distancing could determine how future semesters look.
It’s for that reason that university officials are monitoring the COVID-19 case load on campus nonstop.
“For now, the university will remain flexible and ready to adjust to the ever-changing coronavirus pandemic,” Thomas said. “As the university continues to assess the situation, any needed adjustments will be made in an informed way, guided by factors such as the progress of the vaccine rollout and number of active cases in the community.”