Meghan Schilling
campus editor

Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic nearly two years ago, TCC students have faced a series of changes. From the abrupt transition to virtual learning during spring 2020 to the return to in-person this fall, students have had to keep a close eye on the state of the pandemic. Now, students share their viewpoints on the current state of COVID-19 coverage.

NE student Nathen Brenner said although he believes COVID-19 to be a serious illness, it was politicized by both major parties and the news. He said his issue lies in hypocrisy.
“I am tired of hearing how COVID is the most dangerous illness and to be safe and social distance while those telling me that aren’t even following that,” he said. “Because of that, I am very tired of hearing it in the news.”

NE student Grace Kadia said she feels fatigued by the handling of COVID-19 information and that it’s repetitive.

“It doesn’t offer any more than the standard ‘wear a mask,’” she said.

Masks and COVID vaccinations are not mandated at any TCC campus.

NE student Riley Timmons said after getting vaccinated, he’s no longer concerned about mask mandates but appreciates staying informed.

“It’s nice to hear updates but also grim,” he said. “After 1-2 years of COVID, I’ve honestly gotten used to it always presenting itself in conversation.”

Timmons said he believes the disease will become commonplace like the flu, and will be talked about much less when everyone is vaccinated.

“The media always has to talk about some type of disease or virus,” he said. “It will never end.”

President Joe Biden is implementing a six-pronged national strategy that is a science-based approach that was used to successfully combat previous variants of COVID-19 earlier this year.

“It’s standard to hear about COVID-19 in the news and I highly doubt that it will ever change,” said NE student Brandon Knight.