The novel coronavirus(COVID-19) has now spread to over 91,000 people around the globe and has caused almost 3,000 deaths, both totals higher than the SARS and MERS epidemics of the past.

Forty Nevadans were passengers on the Grand Princess cruise ship in which one Washoe County resident tested presumptive positive for the coronavirus, the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services reported Friday. There has now been another case reported who has a relative in the Washoe County school system. There are currently no reported cases within the immediate UNR community, but it is impossible to know the extent of the threat. The virus may lay dormant in the body for two weeks or even more before symptoms emerge. The close proximity in classrooms, dining halls and other crowded areas will inevitably increase infection rates.

As such a large commuter school, many students commute throughout Washoe County everyday. Once the virus spreads, it will have many unforeseen consequences, direct and indirect. As students, we place great priority on our academics, but right now this event must take precedence.

We are asking Marc Johnson, the president of the University of Nevada, Reno to take the initiative and close the campus in order to stop the spread of this virus. Take advantage of technology, start online classes. We all already know the risks COVID-19 poses to the public, particularly those who are immunocompromised or elderly, and we must act now to keep students, their families, and the community safe.