By Ryn Williams, Layout Editor
Florida losing its title as the COVID-19 epicenter of the world is not cause for celebration. With 85,420 new cases in the past week, I’d say we’re far from over. With less than 50 percent of the total population vaccinated, we need to keep masks on to prevent the spread of viral and bacterial diseases.
Saint Leo University’s Framework for Advancing the Pride, the guide for reopening the Fall 2021 semester, is incredibly clear.
“The use of cloth face coverings or masks is required for all individuals while indoors in a public setting,” it reads. “Use of a face mask or covering is a crucial tool in minimizing the risks to other community members.”
There are signs posted in every classroom, hallway, bathroom, and communal student area that very clearly state that masks are still required despite vaccination status. So why, then, are we still having issues wearing masks in class?
Dr. Kathryn Duncan, professor of English at Saint Leo, follows the university mask guidelines to a tee.
“I am following the policy set by the university,” said Duncan. “I have included in my syllabi the policy the administration sent to us at the beginning of the semester.”
While the Framework does not directly address eating or drinking in class, it can only be assumed that Saint Leo would adapt the same guidelines most airlines have instituted, considering an airplane and a classroom are both enclosed spaces. Southwest, Delta, Frontier, and even JetBlue Airlines agree that masks must be worn in between bites or sips.
Unlike students, airplane passengers don’t have the option to step outside and eat.
“Prior to Covid, I was fine with students drinking during class,” said Duncan. “With our masks on in the classroom, we cannot, and therefore, should not be drinking. With the 20-minute breaks between classes, I will go outside to drink water and eat a snack if I need it. I’ve found that to be ample time.”
As both a student and an employee in the medical field, I find it infuriating and worrisome that we are still having this conversation. Masks are effective – if worn properly. Not only does wearing a mask prevent your germs from spreading to others, it also prevents other people’s respiratory secretions from landing onto your nose or mouth.
“I feel grateful that I am working at a private university where we can have a mask mandate and an administration that supports faculty enforcing that mandate,” said Duncan. “I know faculty at public colleges who are unable to, and it is making teaching and learning much more difficult.”
Per the framework previously mentioned, Saint Leo will not raise the mandatory mask mandates for vaccinated students until the university reaches an 85 percent vaccination rate – or when Pasco County falls beneath a five percent positive test rate. With less than 50 percent of people fully vaccinated, it seems as though we still have a long way to go.
Pasco County’s positive test rating, vaccination statistics, and daily new cases can be tracked on CovidActNow.org.
“We need to be safe, feel safe, and be well in-order to continue meeting in person,” concluded Duncan.
