Coronavirus Spreads At Liberty University: How Many Students Infected?

Liberty University's decision to reopen its campus during the coronavirus pandemic sparked outrage from students and faculty members. Despite the concerns, the university welcomed students back to campus after spring break in 2020. The school's president, Jerry Falwell Jr., initially claimed that people were overreacting to the pandemic and that the campus would open as usual. However, after Virginia Governor Ralph Northam banned gatherings of more than 100 people, Falwell reversed course and moved most classes online. The university's decision to allow students to continue living on campus sparked concerns about a potential coronavirus outbreak, with critics arguing that the leadership's response was politically motivated and rash.

Liberty University reopens campus after spring break, despite coronavirus outbreak

Liberty University welcomed students back to campus after spring break in March 2020, despite the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. The decision to reopen the campus was made by the university's president, Jerry Falwell Jr., who believed that people were overreacting to the pandemic. This decision sparked outrage from students and faculty members concerned about the potential spread of the virus, especially as colleges and universities across the country were sending students home to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Falwell initially stated that the campus would operate as usual, but after Virginia Governor Ralph Northam banned gatherings of 100 people or more, he reversed course and announced that most classes would be conducted online. However, the school allowed students to continue living on campus, with Falwell claiming that Liberty University was "abiding by the letter of the law" and taking necessary precautions. These precautions included switching to online instruction for most classes, hourly cleaning of surfaces, serving meals as takeout only, and reminding people to maintain distance through signs on chairs and computers.

Despite these measures, there were still concerns about the potential spread of the virus on campus. According to a report by The New York Times, at least one student had tested positive for COVID-19, and others were isolated with symptoms consistent with the virus. Additionally, students were seen flouting social distancing guidelines, assembling closely to eat, play sports, study, and use dormitory restrooms. This raised fears that an outbreak could occur on campus, putting the health and safety of the students, faculty, and the wider community at risk.

The university maintained that they were taking appropriate steps to manage the situation and that the Times story was "fake news." However, the conflicting messages and lack of clear communication from the university leadership left many students and faculty members confused and upset. Some students chose to return home or stay off campus, while others remained on campus, believing that the university was taking the necessary precautions. The situation highlighted the challenges faced by educational institutions during the pandemic and the need for effective leadership and communication to ensure the safety of all stakeholders.

Jerry Falwell Jr. claims people are overreacting to the pandemic

In March 2020, as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was spreading rapidly in the United States, Jerry Falwell Jr., then president of Liberty University, claimed that people were overreacting to the pandemic. On March 13, 2020, he appeared on "Fox & Friends" where he stated that the reaction to COVID-19 was overblown and that the pandemic was conspired by North Korea and China. He compared the media coverage of COVID-19 to that of the H1N1 virus in 2009, which received less attention despite causing more deaths. Falwell Jr. suggested that the heightened reaction to COVID-19 was politically motivated, stating:

> "Impeachment didn't work, and the Mueller report didn't work, and Article 25 didn't work, and so maybe now this is their next attempt to get Trump."

Falwell Jr.'s comments sparked backlash, with people criticising him for spreading conspiracy theories and minimising the seriousness of the pandemic. Despite the criticism, he stood by his decision to reopen Liberty University's campus to students after spring break, claiming that the university was abiding by the letter of the law and taking necessary precautions. However, students and faculty members expressed concern about the potential spread of COVID-19 on campus, and Virginia's governor, Ralph Northam, also criticised Falwell Jr.'s decision, citing public health concerns.

Falwell Jr.'s handling of the pandemic at Liberty University caused further controversy when, in March 2020, it was reported that almost a dozen students had exhibited COVID-19 symptoms since the campus reopened. While Liberty University officials disputed these claims, the situation highlighted the risks associated with Falwell Jr.'s initial dismissal of the pandemic's severity.

Students and faculty express concern about the virus spreading

Students and faculty members at Liberty University expressed concern about the virus spreading when the school reopened its campus after spring break in 2020, despite a surge of COVID-19 cases in Virginia and criticism from the state's governor, Ralph Northam. Jerry Falwell Jr., the university president, initially stated on Fox News that people were overreacting to the pandemic and that the campus would be open as usual. However, following the governor's ban on gatherings of more than 100 people, Falwell reversed course and opted for online instruction for most classes.

The decision to allow students to continue living on campus sparked outrage from the university community, who worried about the virus spreading rapidly in close quarters. Northam's spokeswoman, Alena Yarmosky, emphasised the responsibility of Virginia colleges to comply with public health directives, stating, "All Virginia colleges and universities have a responsibility to comply with public health directions and protect the safety of their students, faculty, and larger communities. Liberty University is no exception."

Students and faculty members were concerned about the potential for an outbreak on campus and the impact on the wider Lynchburg community. Marybeth Davis Baggett, a professor of English at Liberty, wrote in an opinion piece for Religion News Service that the university's leadership was implementing a "politically motivated and rash policy that unnecessarily risks an unmanageable outbreak here in Lynchburg." She also highlighted the health conditions of many students, faculty, and staff that made them more vulnerable to COVID-19.

Calum Best, a senior from Alexandria, Virginia, who returned to campus despite his concerns, observed students engaging in social gatherings, such as "quarantine parties" and game nights. He attributed this behaviour to a lack of clear and accurate information from the university leadership, which had downplayed the risks associated with the virus.

In response to the concerns, Falwell asserted that the university was "abiding by the letter of the law" and taking precautions in consultation with health experts. These precautions included enhanced cleaning, social distancing measures, and takeout-only meals. However, reports indicated that many students were not adhering to social distancing guidelines, creating a challenging situation for the university and raising fears of a potential outbreak.

University takes precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Liberty University took several precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on its campus. The university closed its campus to visitors, allowing only students, prospective students, their families, employees, and people with university business to enter. A building was designated as a quarantine site for individuals with symptoms, and the university claimed to be adhering to Virginia's public health mandates.

To promote social distancing, the university switched to online instruction for most classes, served meals as takeout only, and placed signs on chairs reminding people to maintain distance. In the computer center, only every third computer was in use, and the fitness center was limited to 10 people at a time before it was closed. Surfaces were cleaned hourly, and "no trespassing" signs were posted at entrances.

Despite these precautions, there were concerns about the potential spread of COVID-19 at Liberty University. Students were seen flouting social distancing guidelines, gathering for "quarantine parties" and game nights off-campus, and holding small worship sessions in public spaces on campus. There were also mixed messages from the university leadership about the severity of the pandemic, with President Jerry Falwell Jr. initially claiming that people were overreacting to the coronavirus and that it was no more dangerous than the flu.

As a result of these concerns, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam directed his chief of staff to contact Falwell, and the governor's spokeswoman emphasised that Liberty University had a responsibility to comply with public health directions and protect the safety of its students, faculty, and the wider community. In response, Falwell asserted that the university was abiding by the letter of the law and taking precautions in consultation with health experts. However, he also suggested that the university was being targeted due to its conservative and Christian values.

Conflicting reports about the number of students with COVID-19 symptoms

However, Liberty University officials refuted these claims, calling the Times story "fake news." In a statement posted to the school website, they asserted that the Times article was "false and misleading," claiming that only three off-campus students exhibited sufficient symptoms to warrant COVID-19 testing, with two of those students not leaving Lynchburg for spring break and one testing negative. Liberty University's Twitter account further dismissed the Times piece, referring to it as "clickbait" and thanking Dr. Eppes for "making a public correction that no resident students have symptoms."

The conflicting reports highlight the uncertainty surrounding the extent of the COVID-19 outbreak at Liberty University. While the university pushed back against the initial reports, the potential for a coronavirus outbreak on campus remained a significant concern, given the close quarters and social interactions among students.

In the midst of these conflicting reports, Liberty University found itself at the center of criticism for its decision to reopen. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, who had previously limited public and private gatherings to 10 people, issued a stay-at-home order for the state, prompting Liberty University to close its remaining in-person instruction and inform residential students of new travel restrictions and guidelines.

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