‘Not surprised’: masking optional for summer classes

The COVID-19 strain, BA.2, is considered a variant of concern and should be monitored as a distinct sublineage of omi- cron by public health authorities, according to the World Health Organization website.

“I think if it does get bad again, I think they should definitely require it once again. But I know Richmond’s positive population rate is below 10% right now, I believe. So I think as long as it stays fairly low then I think they should keep it optional,” Nicely said.

Director of Fraternity and Sorority life at VCU Joe Wheeless stated VCU will be implementing the changes required by Adam’s Law starting the 2022-2023 academic year.

“We will be creating a training schedule, building curriculum, and implementing accountability measures this summer. The details will be released to chapters in August, before the start of the fall semester,” Wheeless stated.

Wheeless stated one of the biggest changes the law is requiring will be the training for students who want to join any student organization and all current members.

“Another big change is that this law applies to student organizations with new members which goes beyond the Fraternity & Sorority Life Office and could include service and academic organizations,” Wheeless stated.

Wheeless also stated Adam’s Law will benefit a large population of students by providing the knowledge on what hazing is, how to report it and provide strategies to intervene.

“The more people know about it, the more we are able to effect positive change in the community,” Wheeless stated.

The Virginia Department of Health COVID-19 dashboard states that by April 19, there were 12.4 cases per 100,000 population on a seven day average in the Richmond district. On January 26, there were 157 cases per 100,000 population on a seven day average.

Nicely said if VCU decides to keep the optional-masking policy in place by the fall, it should be based on the positivity rate.

“I mean, coming back from summer does make me worried that a spike will happen again. I think it just depends on that really,” Nicely said.