EDITORIAL: After this difficult semester is over, take time to heal and recover


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Well, we made it to the end of the semester, but it doesn't feel like there's a cause for celebration.

This past weekend, on Nov. 15, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer addressed residents of Michigan. She announced the state would once again heighten restrictions to weaken the effects of COVID-19 over the next three weeks – maybe more.

Almost everyone expected the news after a spike in numbers across the state, but now, it is hard not to catch a sense of déjà vu. 

In the spring, students left for break expecting to get a somewhat intact spring semester. We are all expecting to return in January, but are we getting too far ahead of ourselves?

The end of the semester was supposed to be a relief to students, who for the better half of four months have safeguarded the health and safety of the Mount Pleasant area. 

We’ve done everything asked of us. Students have adapted to remote learning, worn masks and restricted large gatherings.

Students were looking for answers heading into the break. Now, we can look forward to three weeks of walking on glass. One misstep and the people of Michigan could be sent into a downward spiral of shutdowns.

Students looked forward to a long-awaited, deserved break where we could spend holidays with family and friends. Some students haven’t seen their families more than once or twice since school began. Many out-of-state students haven’t seen their families at all.

We are being strongly encouraged to stay put over Thanksgiving and Winter Break. However, students are tired of attempting to make the best of a horrible situation. The mental health of students is at an all-time low. We are exhausted. Students should be allowed to do what is best for them and their families. A “break” should be just that. 

If you are going home to our families or visiting friends, you must minimize the risk of exposure and infection. Don't travel if you're sick. Reduce the number of close contacts over the next week. Get tested before going home or self-quarantine yourself until the end of the semester to ensure you are not putting anyone in danger. 

We’ve done all we can to protect ourselves from COVID-19. Now, do what it takes from Nov. 26 through Jan. 10 to heal.

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