College students head home at the height of the pandemic

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS/WVAH) — Government officials are urging people to stay home this Thanksgiving. They are encouraging families to limit who they come in contact with, and even have a virtual celebration. But, college students are packing up their bags and heading back home at the peak of the pandemic.

Dr. Sherri Young, the executive director of the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, said students should take extra precautions when coming home.

"This may not be the year to go to three different places and see everyone, and grandma and your friends from high school," Young said. "If you're coming home, make sure to isolate and stay with you immediate family."

States are also beefing up their travel restrictions, but so far, West Virginia has yet to implement any. Even so, some college students are taking it upon themselves to practice safe COVID-19 guidelines. Universities are also helping by providing free COVID-19 testing.

"I'm getting a test before I go back home because I live with my grandma and I wouldn't want to just be careless with that," said Naomi Njari, a sophomore at West Virginia State University.

Universities are also asking students to get tested when they come back to school to make sure they are not contagious. The health department is asking students to isolate and get tested before they go to any family gatherings.