Slightly Positive News!

The average number of daily COVID-19 deaths and new cases are declining, which is a result of the virus' summer surge waning. The 7-day average of virus deaths dropped below 1000 a day over the past weekend for the first time since late July. In addition, the average number of new cases dipped to about 42,600 as of Sunday, which is below its peak in mid-July of about 67,000 daily cases. Although we are trending in the correct direction, we are still the world leader in number of cases and deaths.

Unfortunately, the reopening of schools is a whole new problem when it comes to coronavirus transmission. Outbreaks in numerous universities have already occurred in 19 states. Fauci has recently stated that he is hoping we see cases drop back to where they were in the spring (a graph of coronavirus cases in the US is visible as the cover photo), but this might be difficult as colleges and other schools open up.

I have many friends who are now situated in their dorm rooms. One in particular has very stringent rules that the college is making him follow. He has to stay in his room all day with the exception of mealtimes when he can go and get his bagged meal right outside. He has already tested negative for the virus once, and has to stay inside his dorm until he gets back a second negative result. Until then, he can't attend any in-person classes.

I'm sure that many of you have heard about the NYU Quarantine debacle as well. Students coming back onto campus have been told to quarantine in their rooms for two weeks, and are allowed to order food to their dorms from only 2 pm to 8 pm. Although NYU is providing all three meals, many are opting to order food during the applicable times. Lunches provided by the college seem to be incorrect for the diet of the student (i.e. vegetarians getting steak or vegan pastries) and often not nutritious at all (lunch may consist of a moldy orange and a pack of Tostitos). For some students, they may not be able to eat until later as their breakfast and lunch may all come with dinner at 6 pm. However, I have been hearing more good news about these meals as TikToks making fun of NYU have been publicized and the university has realized they need to up their game. Breakfasts may now include a package of Dunkin donuts, a chocolate croissant, and a bagel with cream cheese.

I'm glad that some colleges are really taking this social distancing thing seriously, but I am really concerned about some of the kids at NYU. I still think that it's preferable to University of North Carolina though, as they had to shut down after an outbreak. It would seriously suck to move all the way onto campus just to have to leave again.

In all seriousness though, I'm very sorry to all the college freshman who are missing out on the first year college experience. Things will get better, and the two week quarantine will hopefully be over soon.

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/24/health/us-coronavirus-monday/index.html

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