WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind — As Purdue University prepares for a new school year in a pandemic, they're rolling out the welcome mat of a different kind. Adhesive stickers with the words “wash your hands” and “Protect Purdue” now line campus sidewalks.
Seejay Patel, a junior from Indianapolis, walked past the signs wearing a mask Wednesday morning.
“I think it’s a responsibility,” he said. “You’ve got to do your part.”
But will others think the same?
In less than three weeks, nearly 40,000 students will begin fall classes. And West Lafayette council member Nick DoBer is concerned.
"My biggest fear is that young people tend to be asymptomatic and young people want to get together. They want to enjoy their life and I think that they’re going to,” DeBoer said. “Especially off campus."
Purdue is requiring all incoming students be tested for COVID-19 before coming to campus. The result must be negative. But DeBoer said he thinks students should be regularly tested after they're on campus, too. And not just those with symptoms.
“I can see a widespread outbreak occurring and us not knowing about it until it's far too late,” he said.
A university spokesperson responded with a statement reading in part:
"We continue to follow CDC and Indiana State Department of Health guidelines in our ongoing testing protocol.”
According to the Purdue website, “Based on medical protocols, asymptomatic individuals may be asked to get a test if they have potentially been exposed or are known to be exposed to a person who has tested positive for COVID-19. PPHC will discuss each person’s situation to determine the best course of action.”
"I am cautiously optimistic,” said West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis.
Dennis said the city and Purdue have worked together for months preparing for Fall, to keep the university and the community safe from COVID-19. A city-wide mask mandate took place even before the state.
Social distancing guidelines are in place across campus, some courses have moved online, dining halls are carry-out only, and some buildings have been designated for quarantine when students test positive.
Dennis said it also comes down to whether Purdue students take seriously the university pledge to make safe and healthy choices.
“We are putting our trust in the students that when they come back, they’re going to be respectful of themselves, where they live and abide by the rules,” Dennis said.
Asked if he may order bars be closed, Dennis said the city has had conversations about it.
“There are limits to how many people can actually go inside the bars,” he said. “(The bar owners) are going to be reminded of that. And remember, its in their best interest. They want to stay open, they want to stay in business. So they are going to be very focused on doing the right thing.”
Seejay Patel, an RA in his residence hall, said he plans on being a part of the solution, not the problem.
“When the semester starts and people start moving in I’m going to have to have conversations with people, reminding them we're here and everyone’s looking at us, we've got to set a good example for everyone,” he said.
Classes start Aug. 24.