Liberty University on Thursday announced a temporary “mitigation period” across campus due to a recent increase in COVID-19 cases at the school.
Why it’s important: The movement illustrates the challenges facing universities returning to full face-to-face classes without vaccine requirements or other virus-related precautions.
Details: The temporary mitigation period will run from August 30 to September 10.
- All classes will move online and large indoor meetings will be suspended.
It is necessary to emphasize: Outdoor events, such as the football team’s initial game scheduled for Sept. 4, are expected to move forward as planned.
- Masks and social distancing are encouraged throughout the campus, but are not mandatory.
Leading the news: The campus reported 159 active cases of COVID-19 according to its dashboard.
- The vaccination rate in Lynchburg, Virginia, where the evangelical Christian school is located, is 38%, compared to the state’s 56% rate.
The big picture: Liberty has taken a more relaxed approach to treating COVID-19 compared to other colleges and universities across the country.
- In March 2020, Liberty students were allowed to return to campus when at that time most schools were completely closed due to the increase in COVID-19 cases.
- Although there will be free vaccination clinics in Liberty, according to The Hill, there is no vaccination warrant at the school.
What they say: “We are taking the necessary steps and actions to lighten the burden on our medical service providers, local hospital resources and do our part to keep our community safe,” said Keith Anderson, executive director of student health and wellness. of Liberty.