SALISBURY, Md. - Salisbury University classes are now back in session. For some students, they're in-person but for others, online. Those on campus are learning to live with COVID-19 safety measures.
"Wear your mask, even if you're outside," said students at Salisbury University on their first day back to school.
Some students say they're happy to be back.
"Staying optimistic, can't live without hope, right?" said Hunter Tzou, a senior at the university.
The university says it's happy to see them back.
"Today is the first day of school and it is one of the best days of the year always," said Salisbury University President Charles A. Wight.
As of last week, Salisbury University had a positivity rate of less than 1 percent. School leaders say they want to keep it that way.
"Our classrooms have been reconfigured to keep all the students six feet apart, all the HVAC systems have been reconfigured to add high-efficiency filters to keep the air nice and clean and safe," said Wight.
Before heading back to campus students, faculty and staff had to undergo a COVID-19 test. To stop the spread of the virus, students received a safety kit which includes a mask and thermometer.
When entering Holloway Hall, visitors will have to sign in, answer a few questions, and receive a temperature check.
A COVID-19 outbreak is something many fear while coming back.
"I'm very happy to be back on campus and seeing a lot of friends, but my biggest fear right now is that it'll spread to a lot of people and well have to go home," said senior Erick Day.
In the case there is an outbreak, some emergency plans include closing campus and switching to virtual classes.
But as student leaders tell us, remaining positive is what will get them through the tough times.
"It's really important for us to work together, follow these new guidelines to stay apart, but stay together at the same time and push forward to we can see the light at the end of the tunnel," said David McCreary, president of the Student Government Association.
Before they can be approved to come to campus, students, faculty, and staff have to do a self-screening test every morning on the SU mobile app.
