By Jorge Villa
CSULB returns to in-person classes on Monday after a two-week temporary shift to online learning mandate.
Despite the delayed start, 72% of expected students who drove to campus were met with long lines.
By 8 a.m., students filled parking lots G3 and G4 within an hour.
At 9:14 a.m., the line of vehicles waiting to park extended past Bellflower Boulevard.
By 10:03 a.m., parking lot G2 was nearly filled.
Students returning on-campus voiced mixed opinions on the first day back.
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Sophomore Yesenia Ruiz, 20, English major, asserted that despite the spike in Omicron cases back in January, she would take the necessary precautions, making her feel safe to be back on campus.
“I’m excited and scared at the same time just because I don’t want to feel like were jumping the gun. But overall, i’m feeling pretty confident.”
Senior Maxwell Zesbara, 20, hospitality major said, “I don’t think I’ve been on campus since my second year, It’s just a lot of mixed emotions but I’m excited to be back,” after leaving first class of the day at the Fine Arts building.
Freshman Alyssa Marquez, 18, pre-consumer affairs major, said, “It feels weird, this is my first time in three years being on a campus since high school but i’m very excited, its hard after being inside for so long.”
While the campus stays open, CSULB will continue the most up-to-date COVID-19 guidelines and safety protocols, including wearing a mask indoors and getting a booster shot.
Modifications in the policy and procedures may face changes as Gov. Gavin Newsom announces that the in-door masks law will expire on Feb. 15.
NEW: CA’s case rate has decreased by 65% since our Omicron peak. Our hospitalizations have stabilized across the state.
Our statewide indoor mask requirement will expire on 2/15.
Unvaccinated people will still need to wear masks indoors.
Get vaccinated. Get boosted.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) February 7, 2022
