I'm making this petition because I am a student at Tarrant County College, and I'm extremely concerned about the safety of my fellow students, professors, and TCC staff if classes are continued on Monday the 16th.

WHO has officially named Covid19 a global pandemic and the virus been spreading all over the world, very quickly. There are a lot of unknowns with this virus, but what I have learned is that the cases seem to be increasing by the day. Even people who are asymptomatic can be contagious-symptoms don't show until 2 weeks after being exposed. The best protective measure we can take right now is social distancing, which means not going to crowded places with a lot of people.

Additionally, I personally know a handful of people who have traveled out of the country during spring break, and anyone coming back into the U.S should self-quarantine for at least 14 days. If classes aren't cancelled, I'm certain many students that have recently traveled will be exposing themselves to countless other students on campus.

Many large events have been cancelled, even the Houston Rodeo has been shut down. As of March 12, there are 23 known Covid19 cases in the state of Texas. Of those 23 cases 3 cases are in Dallas county, 1 is in Tarrant County, and there are 3 in Collin County. UT Arlington is in the process of moving their classes online, and they have extended Spring break. TCU has also taken similar steps.

The virus is particularly attacking the elderly and I happen to live with my grandfather ( and I visit my maternal grandparents often ). All of my grandparents are older than 80, meaning they are largely at risk. My family and I are very concerned about me attending classes and being on campus (around fellow students). Especially because my grandmother just had a surgery and is still recovering, and I don't want to have to choose between missing class and risking my life and those around me.

Whether you are a student at TCC or just a concerned citizen please help sign this petition so we can let the administration know that we want classes to be moved online to protect the safety of students and their families.