Stopping Coronavirus on College Campuses

Perhaps, October 31^st will be an inflection point in the pandemic since more folks will be wearing masks on Halloween.

I assume that the annual ritual of trick or treating will be suspended this year, as have so many of our performances, celebrations, concerts and athletic event spectating.   It has been my observation in Ohio that more folks are masking up, although there are exceptions everywhere.  Our governor has directed concern for some rising case numbers toward college youth, who astonishingly haven’t followed the rules.  Just because one is a college student doesn’t guarantee that his decisions will be graced with wisdom.  And, if there is to be any chance that college kids who are drawn toward campus parties like iron filings are attracted to a strong magnet, there will need to be sure and certain enforcement.  What if a college made students aware that violating public health rules would result in expulsion with no refund of monies spent?   Yes, I know this sounds draconian, and it may not always be clear when an actual violation has occurred, but if we expect students to resist all of their impulses, then proper incentives and accountability need to be in place.

News Flash!  College Kids are not Saints!

Let’s recognize that not everyone does the right thing for the right reasons.   As an example, let me offer three reasons why people do not shoplift.

1. It is wrong to steal property.
2. It is wrong to commit an illegal act.
3. Fear of getting caught and facing the consequences.

Once again, if we were all saintly, then laws against theft wouldn’t be necessary.

We have all seen these past months how many folks reject mask wearing and maintaining adequate physical distancing rejecting the advice of health experts and government officials.  I suggest that more rigorous and certain enforcement would have increased compliance.   Remember, we are discussing an issue that has life and death consequences.  A person who prances about maskless and mingles freely with others can cause a death or serious illness of someone downstream who he does not know.  Since the stakes are high, our tolerance for non-compliance should be low. 

How would you bring folks into line who threaten all of us?