College students reconsider holiday travel due to virus

It's a balance many college students are trying to keep with celebrating the holidays and stopping the spread of the virus.

This week many will make the choice to go home or stay on campus.

News 10's richard solomon spoke with students over at indiana state university.

He has more on what some plan to do to stay safe... and plan to do to stay safe... and see family.

Richard/intr} health officials have told us repeatedly... do not have big gatherings for thanksgiving.

Some college students i spoke with say it's advice theyr'e considering.

Pk} it's normally one of the busiest weeks of the year for travel.

Flights booked to head home..cars packed.

But this year some made a hard choice for thanksgiving.

"unfortunately i won't be going home because of covid."

Indiana state graduate student shawn whitaker says home for him is all the way in north carolina.

Whitaker hasn't tested positive for the virus.

But the fear lingers in his mind about contracting it in an airport..or a plane.

"that's my family i feel like i can't bring nothing down on my family that i care about them so much.

They understand im up here working doing what i gotta do but they also know how i have to keep my distance if i need to" and dr. darren brucken believes many should consider that option.

"there's no choice but to do it differently because this year is not like any other year, ever.

In anyone's lifetime that is alive today."

He says the virus can spread rapidly in small gatherings.

In tight compact places like a kitchen.

"the longer that you're exposed the higher your risk.

The closer your exposed the higher your risk.

You now we have to stay spread out there's nothing wrong with hearing a mask you know to be creative stay out on porches, keep people seperated and keep things limited" zoom is how whitaker will be spending time with loved ones on thanksgiving.

It's going to be weird...and tough..

But deep down...he knows he's doing the right thing.

"my family is who i grew up with and, honestly my closest people.

So, it's a hard decision but i know it's got to be made."

Richard/outr} for those who do plan to travel home, health experts suggest getting tested ahead of time and not leaving until you get those results back.

Rs, news 10.

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