Lauren McKinney
Staff Writer
COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, may have been causing a lot of anxiety for about a month now. However, that will not deter most University of Wyoming students from travelling during spring break.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is possibly the best place to get information for updates and safety practices for COVID-19. According to the CDC’s website, most prevention techniques are the same as the flu and other common illnesses.
Amanda Matthews, UW campus suicide prevention coordinator, said she agreed with the CDC. She also said students should use hand sanitizer regularly and be proactive in their health all around.
Coronavirus is not the only topic for spring break. The CDC also has tips for students engaging in traditional spring break activities.
According to the CDC official webpage on spring break health and safety tips, having a plan before travelling is something the CDC and other wellness professionals agree is a key part to a successful spring break.
“Have a plan for how you’re going to get somewhere [and] how you’re going to get back safely. If that means having one designated person to always take turns to keep everyone safe then that’s what you have to do,” said Matthews.
A solid plan allows students and families to make sure everyone in their group is safe and accounted for. Part of that plan should be knowing the resources in the destination community.
“I’ve seen a lot of students come back with stories of, maybe not even their own group, but finding other people who aren’t taking care of themselves,” said Matthews. “Just have a general idea if something goes wrong who they can contact.”
Also, many destinations have different requirements than what is used in everyday life. Students need to make sure they have the proper equipment for the activities and climates of their destination.
“Make sure that you have a checklist of things you need to bring beforehand, because you don’t want to get to the top of the mountain and realize that you don’t have water or extra warm clothes,” said Matthews. “As for the beach, lots of sunscreen, especially coming from somewhere where we don’t have lots of sun.”
Water is a very big essential for spring break checklists. Students need to make sure they are drinking plenty of water and that the water is healthy and safe.
“Staying hydrated is a big thing for students. People get burnt out one or two days into spring break because they haven’t prepared that way,” said Matthews.
Another important aspect of personal safety and care is practicing safe sex. This also includes not engaging in situations where there may be a threat of sexual violence.
“Love is all around, and so are sexually transmitted diseases,” the CDC website informs. “Take precautions and avoid situations or persons that may place you at risk for harm.”
Another way to stay safe is to drink responsibly and limit alcohol. An accident involving alcohol can ruin a great spring break.
According to the CDC webpage, “alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes kill someone every 31 minutes and non fatally injure someone every two minutes. Don’t drink and drive. There are plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives.”
Matthews said the most important part of staying safe while drinking is to be accountable for one another and know when enough is enough.
For the students staying on campus, Matthews said it is important for students to know the resources available in town and what will be open on campus.
However, school should not be the only focus for students who are hanging back during spring break.
“Make sure [students] get to do some fun things if they are staying here for spring break and working on school still, to get out and have a little bit of fun over spring break because we’re in the downhill slide to the end of school. So mental health, social health, all important,” said Matthews.
With spring break right around the corner, students can make the best of their plans by being safe and healthy. A great story only counts if everyone is alive and safe to tell it.
