SectionsOur View: Returning students must be screened
The Standard Editorial Board
Issue date: 5/5/09 Section: Opinion
Missouri State administrators have suggested study-away students in Mexico return to the U.S. early because of the swine flu pandemic. However, these students aren't required to have any kind of flu testing before coming back to campus.
Missouri State is merely suggesting a health screening before the students can return to campus - a place that is usually a breeding ground for infectious diseases due to the close proximity in which we all live, interact and conduct business.
Though we agree these students should be given the opportunity to return from Mexico without academic or financial penalty, no one is certain of how infectious this flu strain will be in the U.S., and a better-safe-than-sorry policy should be enforced in this situation.
Fortunately our source for the story written on this administrative decision, Colby Lewis, was considerate and cared enough about her own health and ours that she did visit a health professional before returning to campus.
But the remaining four students who will presumably return to Springfield soon don't have to do the same, which could potentially cause an outbreak here in our community.
While we believe whole-heartedly these students should get the option to come back to avoid getting such a virus in a place with substandard healthcare, it is irresponsible for the administration to allow them back on campus without first a green light from medical professionals.
Missouri State is merely suggesting a health screening before the students can return to campus - a place that is usually a breeding ground for infectious diseases due to the close proximity in which we all live, interact and conduct business.
Though we agree these students should be given the opportunity to return from Mexico without academic or financial penalty, no one is certain of how infectious this flu strain will be in the U.S., and a better-safe-than-sorry policy should be enforced in this situation.
Fortunately our source for the story written on this administrative decision, Colby Lewis, was considerate and cared enough about her own health and ours that she did visit a health professional before returning to campus.
But the remaining four students who will presumably return to Springfield soon don't have to do the same, which could potentially cause an outbreak here in our community.
While we believe whole-heartedly these students should get the option to come back to avoid getting such a virus in a place with substandard healthcare, it is irresponsible for the administration to allow them back on campus without first a green light from medical professionals.
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