How the student REC is taking precautions against/ has been affected because of COVID-19

The Student Recreation and Wellness Center (SRWC) has undergone changes to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the fall 2020 semester.

Preventative measures include encouraging students to remain six feet apart, spacing out the equipment they have decided to keep on the floor, focusing on proper sanitation habits and downsizing intramural teams.

The decision has been made to not allow pick-up basketball games until further notice.

“That’s been a big change for a lot of the students, because we see students who want to come in and play some informal basketball,” said Whitney Slater, the SRWC director. Many students are still trying to get used to not having the freedom they experienced in the past.

The center is continuing to adjust for the ever-changing concerns that COVID-19 brings. Compared to normal attendance, there has been a dramatic decrease in the number of students who come to work out, even though they are still offered the benefit.

They reopened Aug. 17 attempting to follow their normal schedule.

“After a couple of days, we are about half of what we would see in a normal school year, so our usage is about 200 right now,” Slater said.

There has been an increase in staff and faculty hired compared to last year, at the same time of seeing a decrease in overall usage of the space.

“We wanted to make sure we’re able to cover situations like staff having to quarantine and different things like that…,” Slater said.

Due to the cancellation of fall sports, many athletes come to the SRWC to stay in shape for the hope of a new season. Sam Davis, Vice President of the Rugby Club, believes it is important to promote physical fitness to stay healthy.

“I feel like staying healthy, lifting weights and getting cardio in, is important to fighting COVID-19,” Davis said. “They [staff] are definitely promoting social distancing. I have been told several times to get away from other people.”
The SRWC has undergone changes to keep students and staff safe. The facility is still open for those who enjoy working out, while wearing a mask.

Edited by: Joelle Conway, Jason Morrison