Milligan University students begin the transition to online classes after this Tuesday, but before classes are done many look ahead to holiday break.
“I’m going straight to my grandparents house after I leave class,” said Junior Bekah Owen. “I don’t want to be alone for the holidays.”
Traveling home for Thanksgiving looks much different this year than any year previous. As Milligan students look forward to the end of classes, many face difficult choices in how to travel and celebrate with family during the holiday season.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends students talk to their family before returning. According to their website, “In-person gatherings that bring together family members or friends from different households, including college students returning home, pose varying levels of risk.”
With potential for spread, students should understand what level of risk their family members face if they potentially contracted the virus.
Before traveling, the CDC recommends all students test for COVID. This insures that in between the time of a student leaving and their arrival at home the only risks will be something contracted during travel, which can be mitigated with disinfectant and mask-wearing. Milligan currently has a 15-minute test available to students on request.
“I’m getting tested before I leave,” said Owen. “I don’t want to take any chances so I’m glad Milligan is offering tests that get results so quickly.”
Another important guideline is intensified social distancing before the beginning of travel. Students should not have any last parties or gathering before heading home, as these can result in contact with a positive case.
“I’ve been very cautious here and I don’t think I have been exposed so I am not worried at all,” says Senior Andrew Burton. “ My family is not considered at risk so I will probably not get tested. I think with social distancing and wearing masks my family will be safe.”
Obviously, precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. USA Today reported that there are multiple ways in which students can still return home without blatantly ignoring CDC guidelines. If driving home, students should avoid highly populated areas such as rest stops and gas stations. If carpooling with other students, everyone should wear a mask and allow fresh air in through the windows every 30 minutes. Flying was highly discouraged, as the small spaces with multiple people pose a much greater risk of infection.
When arriving home, students are recommended to shower and change clothes before hugging family members in order to further hinder the transfer of germs.
Although there are many difficulties in returning home this year, students can still return home safely by taking as many precautions as possible.
Headline photo: Bekah Owen in her dorm room.