In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is paramount that Mercer University takes steps to prevent the spread of this deadly disease. As per guidance from the CDC, Department of Public Health, and President Trump’s newly declared National State of Emergency, Mercer University should motion to move coursework to online delivery. This is particularly important for those, both students and faculty, who live with family or friends in the at risk population (i.e. the elderly, cancer patients, etc.) or those without access to childcare. 

The Macon undergraduate campus is in charge of making decisions for all satellite campuses, including the Atlanta campus, which consists of multiple graduate programs in healthcare. Although these campuses may experience this pandemic differently, a robust response from the university is required. It is paramount that Mercer takes the health and safety of ALL Georgians into consideration when deciding whether or not to close its on-campus operations. One school not following the rules is enough to increase the spread of COVID-19, especially if many of these students at the Atlanta campus are in direct contact with some of our state’s sickest patients.

Once more, Mercer University should follow the urging of the United States Government and CDC guidelines and close its campuses. Online delivery of courses would keep students on track while minimizing disease spread and maximizing student/faculty safety.