The Mesquite Online News - Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Wellness checks required for students on campus

Wellness checks required for students on campus - The Mesquite Online News - Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Students on the first day of classes at Texas A&M University-San Antonio Aug. 20, 2020. The fall semester will be hosted mostly online because of the coronavirus pandemic. Photo by Maegan Mendoza

Students walk across campus on the first day of classes at Texas A&M University-San Antonio Aug. 20, 2020. Photo by Maegan Mendoza

 

The first day of fall classes seemed almost normal as a steady stream of students returned to campus for the new semester. If it wasn’t for the fact that everyone was wearing masks, no one would be able to tell the campus has been adapting to the demands of pandemic for the past few months. The crowds are not as big as last fall, but students were eager to return.

Students waiting in line during the Week of Wow event at Texas A&M University-San Antonio on Aug. 20, 2020. Students were waiting six feet apart from each other. Photo by Maegan Mendoza

 

Most students practiced social distancing but in some situations, it was difficult to be six feet apart from most people, especially when groups started to get bigger.

A line of students outside the auditorium which was used as a temporary welcome center at Texas A&M University-San Antonio on Aug. 20, 2020. Photo by Maegan Mendoza

 

Texas A&M University-San Antonio has taken steps to ensure the safety of the students and staff on campus. They have placed seven wellness check stations around campus where temperatures are checked. If an individual’s temperature is normal, they are given a wrist band signifying they have passed the wellness check and are fit to go to class. Students will not be allowed to attend class without a wristband. If they have a fever, the individual will be given additional instructions on how to proceed.

Health and Safety Assistant Carmen Santellan checks a faculty member’s temperature at a wellness checkpoint in front of the auditorium at Texas A&M University-San Antonio on Aug. 20, 2020. Photo by Maegan Mendoza

 

The wellness checkpoints are not mandatory for visitors but students and staff are required to confirm they have been checked and do not have any symptoms of COVID-19. Kathryn Funk-Baxter, Vice President for Business Affairs, said that, while the wellness checkpoints are not mandatory, it is highly recommended visitors stop there.

“It is voluntary for anyone else,” Funk-Baxter said. “We highly encourage everyone to stop at the checkpoints.”

The wellness checkpoint in front of the Patriots Casa at Texas A&M University-San Antonio on Aug. 20, 2020. Photo by Maegan Mendoza

 

About the Author

Maegan Mendoza
Photo Editor
Maegan Mendoza is a communications major at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Born and raised in San Antonio, photography is her passion. She hopes to pursue a career in photo/video journalism or critical writing. When she isn’t working, she enjoys reading books or watching old sitcoms and playing video games.

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