Coronavirus and its sub-variant cases have had a spike, which brings a familiar question into the spotlight once again. Should there be a mandatory mask mandate on campus? Yes, Covid cases are not near pandemic levels, but there is still a reason to worry, starting with the two new variants.

Eris subvariant to coronavirus, EG.5, is carefully monitored as it spreads extremely fast. It may be more aggressive and contagious. According to yalemedicine.org, “A descendant of Omicron, Eris is already the dominant coronavirus subvariant in the country, infecting more people than any other single strain.” When fast-spreading viruses are going around the safest thing to help protect yourself and others is to wear a mask.

The second new variant of coronavirus, BA.2.86, is just as concerning. According to, yalemedicine.org, “this variant, which has been unofficially been nicknamed “Pirola,” a combination of the Greek letters Pi and Rho, has more than 30 mutations to its spike protein compared to XBB.1.5, a variant of Omicron that had been the dominant strain in the United States before being surpassed recently by Eg.5.” 30 different mutations is worrisome. No one wants to get sick with either of these two alarming  subviarants. The best way to keep both yourself and loved ones safe would be to wear a mask and sanitize.