Safe social distancing practices on campus

Photo by Alaina Burris

Six feet seems like a lot: whether it be someone’s height, the width of a tree trunk or even the distance we are supposed to keep from other people nowadays. Social distancing is everywhere. It’s posted on signs around campus, in restaurant windows and even at Walmart. 

Sometimes keeping a six-foot distance from other people can be difficult. However, it is something that we can (and should) learn to do for our own safety, as well as the safety of others. There are a few ways we can safely social distance but also stay safe when social distancing can’t be maintained. 

1. Keep a sidewalk slab/square between groups

While the distance between the cracks in the sidewalk isn’t quite six feet, it’s enough to maintain social distancing between multiple groups of people. Whether someone is on their way to class, to the caf or even the car, there is always going to be someone else headed to the same place. If people can maintain that little slab of sidewalk space between themselves and another group, that is one of the safest ways to uphold social distancing practices. 

2. Spread out when inside classrooms

In every classroom, there is some sort of designation, whether it be a sticker or a Post-It note, that designates where people should sit in order to keep distance between students and faculty. These stickers aren’t always the easiest to see, but make sure to keep an eye out for them so that way everyone is staying safe. Also, don’t forget at the end of class to wipe down both your chair and desk so it’s clean for the next person to use. 

3. Stay in the dorms when not feeling well

Sometimes, we just don’t feel good, simple as that. We might have some allergies bothering us more than normal or maybe caught the 24-hour bug. Either way, being sick is not one of the best feelings, especially not right now. Social distancing won’t take away that feeling, but staying inside, away from others, is the best way to social distance in this situation. If any of the answers on the ATS screening are going to be “no,” it’s best to stay indoors.

Being around people again can feel really weird after being sent home in March and basically told to stay there unless it was absolutely necessary. However, if we want to avoid getting sent home again, we need to remember to follow these tips and wear a mask!