The students of VCU do not feel comfortable attending classes due to the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Until proper precautions have been taken to ensure the well-being of the students, such as providing proper testing to students, faculty, and staff (free or low cost), classes should move online for the remainder of the semester. There are people at VCU with a compromised immune system who might easily, and unfortunately, fall victim to this contagious virus or pass it along to loved ones who are immunocompromised.

We feel rightful to ask of this because VCU has said time and time again that, "The health of the VCU Rams community is a top priority at VCU." Students just want to know more information about this virus before going on campus. We do not want to risk our lives or those of loved ones by attending class. Once widespread testing can be done, we will comply with continuing as usual.We need more information ASAP. Only ~35 people in the state have been tested and many will return from Spring Break from their home areas who may encounter potential community spread. If you care about the well-being of the institution, you should make the right decision and move course-work online. Appropriate testing has not been done in the state of VA. Until we have testing for all VCU staff and faculty to ensure a safe learning environment, you are putting students, faculty, and staff at risk.