After Jerry Falwell Jr. Orders Liberty University To Reopen, 12 Students Fall Sick With COVID-19 Symptoms

Symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) have been seen in a dozen students after Liberty University president Jerry Falwell Jr. ordered staff to return to school last week.

Falwell has mandated that the full-staff return despite a massive online learning operation. Students were allowed to make their own choice about whether to return to school. Since the order, 1900 students have returned to campus.

As of Friday, 12 students had come down with symptoms that corresponded with the coronavirus. Three students have been sent to community hospitals for further testing and another eight were told to self-isolate.

Of the three students dispatched – one off-campus resident tested positive for COVID-19. Another student’s test-result came out negative. And the third test is still pending results.

CORONAVIRUS FAQ: WIKI OF MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Liberty University, an Evangelical school in Lynchburg, Virginia, is one of the only U.S. college campuses still open.

Falwell’s high-risk directive ignited a firestorm of protests. The decision clashed with all medical advice. All students have been instructed not to speak with the media.

Article by Emily Bevacqua