The University of Maryland has announced that due to an 'alarming' spike in COVID cases, nearly all undergraduate courses will transition to online instruction.
This change is effective Monday, November 16 through the rest of the semester.
Students at the University say it was only a matter of time for classes to go fully virtual, but as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the state, the students WMAR spoke to believe this was the right decision
WMAR was the first to tell Devin Hernandez that all of his classes for the rest of the semester were going fully virtual.
“I’m honestly in shock,” he said.
But he’s supporting the university's decision because he says many students around campus haven’t been following the rules.
“I think it’s the right action honestly because if you go out to this main strip down the street, none of the kids are wearing masks," Hernandez said. "None of them are taking the safety precautions seriously.”
In a letter to the university, students and staff, President Darryl Hines said online instruction will start next Monday.
He’s also encouraged students who live on campus to go home.
Hines citing concerning COVID-19 health metrics in Prince Georges County for the decision.
Earlier this week, the football game between Ohio State and Maryland were canceled after at least eight players tested positive for the virus.
“We’re paying a lot of tuition as is, it’s at least $33,000 so hopefully we get some of that money back.”
Hernandez, who is a junior living in campus housing says he’s going to stay and plans to get tested soon.
Hugh Le who also lives on campus says he’s moving back home in a couple of weeks.
He says he sees no point in staying, but he agrees with Hernandez and the university about the move, saying That this Fall surge of the virus left them no choice.
"I think in the long run it’s better everyone stays healthy,” Le said.
And for the students who expect to stay on campus, the university's president is encouraging them to get tested and to stay home as much as possible.
