The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) poses a serious threat to students, faculty, their family members, and the surrounding Los Angeles community. Until we know the risks fully associated with coronavirus, student and community health should not have to be jeopardized. Classes should not continue being held, especially now that COVID-19 has been confirmed in Los Angeles and Orange County.

By allowing classes to continue and forcing students to take their finals, many students may be risking the health of other members of the community. There should be protocols in place that students know they will not face repercussions for being tested for COVID-19.

Students should be allowed to earn the grade they were receiving prior to the outbreak or professors should have take-home finals, as University of California, Berkeley has chosen to do.