Collin College has announced that classes will resume as normal, even in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the long incubation period of the COVID-19 virus and the three confirmed cases thus far in Collin County, there is a chance that a student of Collin College may have the Novel Coronavirus already. Many other universities and educational institutions have taken action, including the actions proposed by this petition. These Institutions include: The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Texas at Tyler, Texas A&M University, and more.

This virus does not just risk potential exposure of COVID-19 to students, but this may put the staff of Collin College at risk as well. Many students and faculty members may have family members who are elderly or immunocompromised (a reduced ability to fight off infections). Not only should we take action to ensure the safety of the community at Collin College, but we must also take action so that the community surrounding Collin County can be made safer.

If spring break were to be extended, or classes were to be held online for two weeks, a better assessment of the threat that this virus poses to Collin College can be made without any risk to the students or staff of Collin College.

I want to emphasize that while Collin College has worked diligently to make us safer, I cannot help but be afraid to attend my classes in light of this virus. In this time of uncertainty and fear, I feel that it is imperative that we take every precaution possible to reduce the risk of exposure to this horrific virus. Please consider signing this petition so that we may voice our concerns in a constructive and helpful way.