Pretty sure the idea is that this way the kids will go home only once (long break) vs three times (fall break, thanksgiving, Christmas). Another benefit is that if the kids were to get in on their way home or as soon as they got home, the one large break gives them enough time to at least start showing symptoms.
There also seems to be a thought that the virus will diminish a bit before picking back up in late October and into Novemeber. A major concern is that it would hit with flu season, which would really impact hospitals hard. Our first wave hit when flu season was winding down.
It is very smart to start a few weeks early to get done sooner, keep everyone on campus with no breaks as well.
NDSU to the FBS always. In all ways.
An article I read said the early start was to get the students out by thanksgiving to avoid the start of flu season.
It made sense.
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