SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) In response to rising COVID-19 cases around the country, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced additional states that are subject to a mandatory quarantine.
People traveling to New York from any of the thirty-one states on the list will be required to complete a two-week quarantine. The mandatory quarantine is certainly a burden for many, however, it may prove to be effective. According to Gov. Cuomo, infection rates appear to be decreasing in New York.
“We expected the infection rate to go up. Actually, it hasn’t even gone up, its gone down,” said Cuomo on Wednesday.
Although cases seem to stabilize, complications of mandatory quarantine are just beginning. The largest burden may be placed on college students. Thousands of Syracuse University students from 31 states may have to arrive to New York weeks in advance, find their own lodging accommodations, and complete their quarantine before classes begin August 24.
Incoming sophomore, Tim Skeval, has friends who will have to quarantine when they arrive on campus. Though it may not be an ideal situation, Skeval says his friends are willing to cooperate in order to return.
“They’re going to come up here and try to get a hotel probably at the Sheraton or somewhere nearby and do what they have to do in order to be allowed on campus,” said Skeval.
The University is working with local hotels to secure reduced rates and help alleviate some of the stress facing students, many of whom have been home since March.
When asked what he misses most about being on campus, Skeval said he misses his independence and being with his peers, especially after spending the last several months at home.
“It’s probably the freedom I’m given and just not living at home with my parents. These last three months were kind of annoying,” said Skeval.
Additional information on quarantine guidance Syracuse University’s reopening plan can be found at https://www.syracuse.edu/fall2020/.
