With the current predictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people might be wondering if the campus will be open in the fall. As the number of positive confirmed cases continues to increase nationally and worldwide, more and more concerns arise.
Will the stay-at-home order extend through the summer? Is this pandemic going to continue throughout the year? Will we have to continue online course instruction next fall semester?
So far, the stay-at-home order should be ending on April 30 in Illinois, with no news of a further extension. Although some sense of normalcy may return by summer, the virus may continue to persist throughout the year and possibly become endemic, like the flu.
That being said, there is hope for the expected return of people to campus this fall as scheduled.
“If we work together now to protect one another by minimizing the coronavirus spread, hopefully we’ll be in a position to start classes as scheduled in the fall,” said Jeremy Borling, director of communication within the College’s Office of Marketing and Communication.
While this certainly would be ideal, it very well might not happen. Online course instruction may continue in the fall if the current pandemic persists, although this isn’t certain.
“The College’s Institutional Response Team (IRT) will continue to monitor the guidance of local, regional and national health agencies and government authorities,” said Borling. “The College will make decisions that prioritize the health and wellbeing of our students, faculty and staff.”
Looking at the broader community, there are now 1,495,051 confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide and 87,469 confirmed deaths due to COVID-19 worldwide.
On a national level, 419,975 confirmed cases exist, along with 14,262 confirmed deaths. Spain comes in second to the U.S. with 146,690 confirmed cases, and Italy third with 139,422.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Naperville has approximately 17 reported cases.
Be sure to stay updated with the NCC campus community here.
The data in this article was from 3:30 on April 8, 2020.
