The novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19, started in a public market in Wuhan, China. This has now spread close to 125,000 people around the globe and has caused almost 5,000 deaths, both totals higher than the SARS and MERS epidemics of the past. This virus can stay in the body for two weeks or more without showing symptoms, but over this incubation period, the virus can still be transmitted to others.

Many infected individuals may spread the virus without their knowledge. Many students may be infected and may bring this virus into school and other public spaces. The incubation period is too long (over two weeks) to know the extent of the infection rate at this time.

We are asking Concordia University, Irvine to close Face-to-Face Classes to prevent the spreading of this virus since this virus may lay dormant for two weeks or even more in some cases. Sister schools in the area are going home for Spring Break and could potentially contract the virus during this time period. In classrooms, dining halls and during other crowded areas, the virus will inevitably infect people thus increasing the infection rate exponentially.

Considering this, we urge Concordia University, Irvine to make the responsible decisions to close Face-to-Face Classes until infection rates decrease to keep students, their families, and everyone safe.