COVID-19 causes changes to Kean campus

By Breanna Palzer | Published by October 8, 2020

COVID-19 has caused many changes around the world. These changes include wearing masks when going out into public and constant hand washing.  Lifestyle was not the only thing that changed.

College campuses were also included in the need to adapt during these crucial times, Kean University being one of those campuses.  Kean has gone through many physical changes in order to make sure everyone both attending classes on campus and those living on campus are safe.

Directing traffic throughout buildings is very important during this pandemic.  One of the changes Kean has made to their campus is putting stickers on all doors and floors in buildings as to guide people in and out of the buildings.  There are also many signs reminding people to wash their hands and to wear a mask whenever inside and within six feet of someone else.

“I think it’s helping the campus stay healthy.” Kean senior Ashley Aucupina said. “People know what doors to go in and out of now.  It keeps a lot of people separated from each other, which is good”

Kean is now also requiring students and campus workers to do a bi-weekly spit test, in which saliva is analyzed, to determine if they have COVID-19 and whether or not they can continue to come on campus.  The testing is done every other monday between one and three in the afternoon.  The tests are done every other week as so make sure no new cases have arisen and that everyone on campus is healthy.

“I’m kind of glad they are deciding to do a covid-19 test every other week.” says Kean Senior, Roman Bellanger, “Even though a lot has changed on campus, I’m glad they are doing whatever they can to make sure we are all safe. I’m also glad they are making us do spit tests instead of nose swabs, I don’t think my nose could handle getting swabbed every other week”

Life as a dorming student has changed as well.  Dorming students are now required to sign up for appointments to both use the community kitchen and the laundry room.  This is done to make sure there are not too many people in one room.  Dorming students are also asked to wear a mask whenever they leave their room, even if it is just to take out the trash.  If they are seen without a mask they will be written up.  Students living on campus are also asked not to have any guests in their room even if they live in the same building.

“It really sucks that I can’t see any of my friends but atleast the campus is staying safe” says Junior resident, Jason Fuentes, “All I do is literally sit in the living room with my suitemate or sit in my room. Also, all my classes are online so I only leave my room to get food and that’s about it. Life as a dorming student has gotten pretty boring.”

Kean University is constantly doing whatever they can do to make sure there is no outbreak of the virus.  There will most likely be more physical changes done to the campus as the story of the virus continues to form, but for now, students can find updates and COVID-19 guidelines on the Kean website.

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