Rutgers students share experiences with omicron variant, discuss U. response to surge in cases
With the surge of the omicron variant of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) delaying Rutgers' in-person return to campus, several students discussed their experiences so far with the variant and shared their thoughts on the University’s handling of the situation.
Alissondra Gutierrez, a School of Arts and Sciences junior, said that when she initially heard about the spread of the omicron variant, she was very frightened for the safety of herself, her family and her friends.
She said she believes that prolonging of the pandemic is likely to be caused by those who do not take the variant seriously rather than the variant itself. New variants may continue to appear until everyone follows appropriate precautions, she said.
Victoria Barrell, a Rutgers Business School junior, also said she was concerned about the potential implications of the omicron variant when initially hearing of its emergence but is now less nervous.
She said that when she first heard about Rutgers’ response to move virtually for the first two weeks of the Spring 2022 semester, she was originally expecting a repeat of the Spring 2020 semester and no end in sight for the pandemic.
Though, since she has heard that the omicron variant is more contagious but less fatal, she said she is hopeful that the severity of the pandemic will lessen.
“I did contract (COVID-19) right before Christmas and felt extremely sick with a high fever,” Barrell said. “It was difficult missing two Christmases in a row due to (COVID-19), but after four days I was symptom-free.”
Gutierrez said that many of her family members also got sick during winter break, despite being vaccinated, including her mother and two cousins.
Chris Scalise, a Rutgers Business School junior, said he did not think much of the variant when he heard of its emergence as he assumed it would be similar to the COVID-19 variants that developed prior.
Scalise said he has not had any different experiences due to the omicron variant compared to other variants that emerged earlier in the pandemic. He also said he does not feel that the variant will pose a serious problem in terms of extending the pandemic.
“In my opinion, this variant, like the others, is still a part of (the pandemic) and we need to continue to take the right precautions to ensure our safety,” he said.
While Gutierrez was surprised at Rutgers’ response to the omicron variant in regard to mandating boosters, she said she thinks the University handled the rise of the variant in the best way possible.
“I think that Rutgers' reaction to the variant shocked a lot of people, including myself,” she said. “I wasn't shocked we were required to be vaccinated, but I was kind of shocked we had to get the booster … I think Rutgers handled the situation to the best of their ability. No one knew what was going to happen. Even though the masks can be annoying, I think they are doing a good job stopping the spread in our classrooms.”
Barrell also said she thinks the University took the correct measures in responding to the surge of the omicron variant.
“I definitely think they handled it in the best way with the short time they had to make the decision,” she said. “I think a two-week delay was a great tactic to ensure the safety of students without taking away an entire in-person semester.”
Scalise said he was surprised that the University decided to reopen with in-person classes and on-campus activities amid the surge of the omicron variant. Though, he also said that people should be able to follow safety regulations and continue with their daily activities.
“I believe we still need to take precautions to be safe, but I think to be able to move on with our lives, we need to accept the fact that (COVID-19) exists, and there is always the possibility for new variants to emerge,” Scalise said.
