CHLOE KOWALYK
Managing Editor
This year at SUNY Fredonia is different.
For the first time in two years, there are no strict COVID-19 guidelines in place. Students no longer have to wear masks, and more and more in-person events are popping up around campus.
However, the college has seen a recent uptick in positive cases across campus, with classrooms looking emptier and more students joining from Zoom.
At the time of writing this article on Sunday, Sept. 4, there are currently 131 positive cases of COVID-19 on SUNY Fredonia’s campus.
In light of the increasing positive cases on campus, SUNY Fredonia President Stephen Kolison sent an email out on Sept. 2. In his email, he wrote how he’s happy to see the sense of community and normalcy students have been enjoying on campus, however, he reported the uptick of COVID-19 cases on campus.
Kolison said the cases are in both on and off campus populations. Similarly, the positive cases in Chautauqua County are also increasing.
Kolison also reported that many of the students who have tested positive report feeling cold or allergy-like symptoms. Because of this, Kolison offered some advice.
“If you feel sick, no matter how minor the symptoms, please test. At-home tests are available in the Student Health Center, Williams Center Student Union or Residence Hall offices,” Kolison wrote.
He also advised immunocompromised students to discuss options for protection with their physicians.
Kolison also reminded students that “masks are not required on campus, but you should feel comfortable wearing one if you so choose.” He added that the CDC recommends wearing an N-95 mask to help best protect yourself from the recent dominant variant of COVID-19.
Just last week, CDC director Rochelle Walensky endorsed the use of an updated COVID-19 booster from Pfizer for those ages 18 and older. This new booster helps protect against the omicron variant. Booster shots are available at local pharmacies.
Some SUNY Fredonia students have reported feeling a little anxious about the rising positive cases.
“It’s not completely surprising that there are higher numbers at the start of the semester because everyone’s traveling from different places and then coming here to Fredonia,” said Sara Gorton, a senior video production major.
However, Gorton was surprised to hear the actual number of cases on campus. “It just reminds everyone that covid is still very real and very abundant,” she said. “As we navigate trying to return to a more normal sense of school functions, we should be mindful of others and monitor ourselves if we’re not feeling great, while also not judging others if they want to keep their distance and continue to wear masks.”
SUNY Fredonia’s COVID-19 dashboard and total case numbers can be viewed online at https://www.fredonia.edu/about/fall2021/covid-dashboard.