Many parents and students are currently petitioning for online classes at the university level in light of concerns that have arisen due to COVID-19.  While this virus causes the University System of Georgia to maintain a new health standard statewide, based on the current recommendations by the CDC and newly released data concerning positive cases and morbidity rates in the U.S., a portion of traditional instruction should be able to take place.  

According to the CDC, COVID- 19 has claimed the lives of 125 people in the age bracket of 15-24 years of age in the U.S.  CDC Covid deaths by age  "On average, 12,175 children 0 to 19 years of age died each year in the United States from an unintentional injury." So, while any death is tragic, perspective must be maintained.  Our students need to develop relationships with peers & professors without being confined to a dorm room.  While physical health is important, so is maintaining mental health. The CDC warns the following may occur during a disease outbreak:

"Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can sometimes cause the following:

Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on.
Changes in sleep or eating patterns.
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
Worsening of chronic health problems.
Worsening of mental health conditions.
Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol and other substances." Mental Health-COVID

This petition does not intend to minimize anyone's specific concerns due to COVID-19.  However, the hope is that based on the data & a common sense approach, universities can offer a hybrid approach that supports all learners.

 Reopening Schools-CDC