COVID-19 rises again in China. Photo by Jeremy Bezanger Unsplash

By Efren Gutierrez, Staff Reporter

It’s safe to say that life is getting back to a level of normalcy with no mask mandates and or social distancing in place. But although people are getting comfortable in public without these restrictions, COVID-19 cases are yet again increasing. While the U.S. is happily enjoying life along with Covid-19, China has been on lockdown for the past month. COVID-19 has struck China with millions of cases and now 25 million are in quarantine, which makes many Americans wonder, are we next? 

Last year in Spring 2021, China was celebrating the return of its economic status with fewer COVID-19 cases, while Spring 2022 has been unpleasant for China and remains on lockdown.

“I heard on the news about China, I just hope they don’t let anyone travel to prevent them from spreading COVID-19 all over again,” Alex Gonzalez, a CSUDH sophomore, said.

Most vaccinated people can avoid the potential risks of the lack of social distancing. However, more cases in L.A. county and less mask enforcement have led to another rise in cases. In Los Angeles County, there are 1,888 cases and seven deaths. According to CDC’s data, there are results of 77% of people having received at least one dose which is about 258 million people. 66% of people have received the second dose, which is considered fully vaccinated, and 46% of the people have received their booster shot. 

In the beginning of Spring 2022, there was a survey opportunity for students at CSUDH to vote whether to continue the semester virtually or attend class in-person. “I didn’t vote for that. I did care about people’s opinion, but I just had a feeling we were gonna remain on campus which is what I’ve been wanting and look at us now,” Gonzalez said.

CSUDH may face another lockdown in the near future, but are they prepared?

CSUDH statistics say that 96% of the students have been certified of being vaccinated while employees are 94%. According to a social media survey in The Bulletin Instagram page, 68% of students had decided to keep face coverings on while being indoors. Many freshmen missed the opportunity to experience their college life through the pandemic–will the new incoming freshmen face the same challenges? 

Thousands of visitors were welcomed in New Zealand, which was on lockdown since the pandemic started nearly three years ago, and recently opened its border on Monday, May 1, 2022. Many families finally reunited after more than two years being on lockdown, and borders were finally opened to New Zealanders in February and March. Visitors from 60 different countries can enter as long as they are vaccinated. 

COVID-19 has brought many people’s lives to a very challenging path, affecting students who have been affected by it for two years learning virtually. As of now, families have finally gone out to enjoy the breeze outside without the requirement of face covering, but many still wonder if this privilege will soon end.