Commerce & COVID-19


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         Today, we are going to be discussing COVID 19 and how it impacted Commerce, from both a student and a resident's perspective. With Commerce ISD (classes begin Aug.4) and A&M-Commerce (classes begin Aug. 24) set to open back up for the Fall semester, what is the concern students may hold for those returning to classes and how will this impact the future of A&M-Commerce? Though A&M-Commerce junior Lindsey Wiley does not know much about how COVID-19 has been handled in Commerce, she is concerned about the return to A&M-Commerce will go.

“I think as far as school goes, I am definitely concerned about returning,” Wiley said. “I haven’t seen much that makes me confident about how this next semester is going to go. I wouldn’t be surprised if many other students feel the same way.”

COVID-19 cases in Commerce have decreased, with recovery numbers going up day by day. However, there have been cases of COVID 19 rising after seemingly improving. According to The Conversation, COVID 19 cases in Texas had originally been relatively low, but they began to grow dramatically after Phase 3 reopening took place in June. There is also the influx of returning and new students to A&M-Commerce for the Fall 2020 semester. Precautions are being taken by the university, however. Students who are staying in residence halls, for instance, must wear face masks when outside of their dorm and it will be instructed its best if they stay on campus for the rest of the semester. If a student believes they may have been exposed to COVID 19, they must inform Student Health Services within 24 hours. According to Commerce resident and Assistant Managing Editor of The Paris News Jennifer Bussey, precautions are being taken to flatten the curve.

“I see so many mask mandates and people are being cautious of their surroundings,” Bussey said. “Officials have tried to please the public while keeping everyone safe which shows because Hunt County has a low case count compared to others.”

Wiley remains hesitant about in-person classes, however, stating that she is attempting to find as many online classes as possible. Bussey echoed Wiley’s statement, stating that there may be a drop in the number of incoming A&M-Commerce students to the university.

    “Students are afraid of an outbreak,” Bussey said. “And I think that is going to lead to low enrollment numbers.”

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