Many on college campuses in the Omaha metro have used extra caution since the return to in-person classes for the fall semester began.
University of Nebraska at Omaha Junior Josalyn Switzer said. "They've been active about telling students, faculty and staff what they should be doing to stay safe."
Switzer said she's been uncomfortable about taking in-person classes this semester. "I haven't been sure everyone's taken the necessary precautions. I'm not surprised that cases have gone up." She said that while UNO has been trying their best to regulate student behavior, the task has proven impossible.
Both Creighton and UNO have left it up to their students to follow the COVID guidelines.
Despite an abundance of caution, both UNO and Creighton University have struggled to contain COVID outbreaks on campus. More than 420 Creighton students have tested positive since returning to campus, while UNO has seen nearly 270 student cases of COVID.
Dr. Andrew Pavia with the Infectious Diseases Society of America recently voiced concerns about colleges returning to in-person classes. "Unfortunately, what we’ve seen is that when colleges and high schools reopened there was a big surge in infection in young people. Within two to four weeks, we saw that spreading into all other age groups because there is no bubble in which colleges exist."
Creighton student Abagail Santana said she believes some students haven't been taking virus precautions seriously. "I definitely think its outside of classes that things start to go downhill."
Creighton intends to send students home at Thanksgiving and not have them return until the end of January out of concern for both flu season and how it could mix with COVID. Upon returning, all students living in residence will be tested. "We believe testing should be done prior to leaving campus and then once again when at home." Said Gerri Taylor of the American College Health Association. UNO has also signaled that it will send students home at Thanksgiving.
"My parents are starting to get to that age where it can be a little scary if they were to contract the virus." Said Creighton student Kailey Wilson. Wilson says she plans to wear a mask and social distance during the break.
Nebraska ranks 6th on the New York Times COVID Case map, which tracks the number of COVID cases per capita in each state. Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts announced that if cases continue to rise, Nebraska hospitals will not have enough beds.
(Photo by WOWT 6 News)