COVID-19 has swept the globe, and experts say that at-risk members of our population are in imminent danger. Amidst the chaos of the pandemic, universities across the United States have been shifting to online courses in an effort to combat the spread of the disease. Provo’s own Brigham Young University has followed suit: classes were canceled from March 13-March 17 and will be moved online thereafter.

Most students understood and agreed with BYU’s decision to help prioritize the safety of the elderly and immunocompromised. Others, however, met the announcement with an eye-roll.

22-year-old Emma ‘No History of Chronic Illness’ Johnson, as her friends know her by, is among the latter grouping.

“I just think BYU is overreacting,” said Johnson. “Like, they canceled my Zumba class and everything. I don’t think any ‘at-risk’ people even go to BYU. I mean, I haven’t seen any. It’s like, I’m going to be fine, so I don’t see why people are freaking out.”

Johnson is reported to have been complaining about the stress surrounding COVID-19 the week leading up to the announcement, saying, “If you don’t read the news, you won’t have to worry about it.”

When asked about social-distancing efforts, Johnson said that she’d start the practice after her party tonight and during the interims between going out with friends.

For updates about the virus in Utah, see https://coronavirus.utah.gov/latest/