As cases in Florida continue to rise, the University of Florida has yet to implement stronger protocols to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Hospitalization rates are on the rise, and the case rate is as high as last summer's rates (and will continue to rise as well) with the new variants. With this surge due to the highly contagious delta variant, we must be extra careful.

The University of Florida should, at the very minimum, institute a mask mandate to help protect the students on the campus. As per the new CDC guidelines, fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor areas with high transmission (such as full classrooms). This will ensure a safer learning environment for not only the students but the faculty as well.

Alachua County public schools have taken steps to protect their students and faculty, showing that it is possible to institute these mandates in the state of Florida. With this in mind, the University of Florida should consider taking similar steps.

Students should not have to risk their lives every day in order to have the education they are paying for. End your silence and help put an end to the spread of COVID-19.

If you believe that the University of Florida should take stronger action against COVID, please consider signing this petition to let your voices be heard!