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.
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.
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.
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.”