AMES, Iowa -- Adjustments to life at Iowa State University during the COVID-19 pandemic this semester are being made easier with a smaller student body.
"There's less (students) in the classrooms, less in the library, less on the buses, and yet education is moving forward--whether that's on-line, in-person, or a combination of both" says ISU Vice President John Lawrence.
The chairman of ISU President Wendy Wintersteen's Executive Committee for Fall Planning, Lawrence says four weeks after the start of classes, staff and students seem to be settling into a routine during the pandemic.
"To wear face coverings all the time that they're around people, to be patient as going into and out of classes, to study more on-line. This is a new experience for all of us" Lawrence says.
He says ISU is keeping in eye out for a possible spike in COVID-19 cases after Saturday's football season opener--even though there won't be fans in the stands at Jack Trice Stadium.
"Are people cautious when they gather to cheer? Are they still wearing their face coverings? Are they still keeping their social distance? Are they sanitizing after the high-fives" Lawrence says.
He says the university also watching for a spike in COVID-19 cases after the Labor Day weekend.
Story County, home to Ames and Iowa State, has seen one of Iowa's highest rates of COVID-19 cases.
Image from Iowa State University