On October 6th 2020, newly inaugurated president, Brian Sandoval sent an email to University of Nevada Reno students stating that the E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center will close at 5:00pm on October 8th, 2020 for the remainder of the semester due to an increased number of COVID-19 cases. As a student at the university, I believe this is unacceptable and the UNR gym should remain open for the duration of the semester. Exercise is especially important to students as it not only allows us to stay fit, but also benefits our mental health. Working out provides numerous benefits to include reducing anxiety, helping with depression, and overall it improves our quality of life.

Students are already suffering a loss of education because of online learning. We deserve a gym, we demand a gym, and we pay to access the UNR gym. Instead of closing the gym other procedures need to be placed in order to keep our campus healthy and safe. For example, temperature checks can be taken before entering the gym as well as increasing the sanitization of the equipment. President Sandovel states in his email to students that "off-campus activities have contributed to the spike in positive cases on campus." I argue that cases will continue to rise with the continued closures of campus buildings as students will look for other outlets in order to exercise, learn, and socialize. President Sandoval needs to revoke his decision to close the gym as the gym needs to remain open for the students of this university.