Woah, woah, woah! So you’re telling me that after we had a spike in Covid cases and came back from winter break with even more cases, we’re still doing in person? 

Coming back to school during the pandemic after being online for about a year and a half and having to take precautions 24 hours a day, seven days a week, was difficult enough for many families and children. Now that many schools have returned to school in person, in the hopes of moving on and returning to our everyday lives, Covid cases are on the rise once more.

Returning from winter break, DCPS made it mandatory to take a covid test known as the Antigen Rapid Test. Before returning to school, all students and staff at D.C. Public Schools are required to provide confirmation of a negative COVID-19 exam. Many travel and come into contact with relatives and friends around the holidays, so I was glad we were taking precautions. Despite this precaution, the number of cases continues to climb.

Just last week, seven students here at Wilson High School tested positive for COVID-19. Sure, we haven’t had any intimate contact with those who have the virus, but we have over 1,500 people coming in and out of this building every day. We’re limited in what we can do, no matter how hard we attempt to take safety procedures. 

Going back in person with a virus spreading so quickly again with a new variation leads everyone to be stressed. Although I wasn’t excited to get on more Zoom Calls, I relied on it to keep ourselves safe. Seeing how many cases were rising, I, and many others, didn’t want to risk it. There were even some families having their children stay at home for the sake of their health and safety. I believe that many people, including myself, are anxious and afraid of what comes next.