Wednesday marked the first day of classes at Troy University. However, as students made their return to class a new threat of COVID-19 loomed over the start of the semester.

While there could be a possibility of classes being affected by the COVID resurgence this term, TROY officials say they are prepared.

“We know a whole lot more this year than we did at this time last year,” says Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Lance Tatum. “We’re a lot more comfortable with with our preparations in terms of what we’re going to provide for on-campus experience. We have ample supplies of PPE’s that we’re still pushing out to departments and individuals who are requesting those. We have a vaccine available today that we did not have at this time last year and we have more people who are coming to campus who have already received both doses of the vaccine.”

Tatum adds that while TROY is looking to return to a sense of normalcy this school year, the administration is prepared to make adjustments to campus life if COVID becomes a bigger factor during the semester.

“I’m a lot more comfortable today,” says Tatum. “I think we’re always not a hundred percent sure of what tomorrow is going to look like so we’ll remain flexible. We’ll pivot when we need to and make decisions based upon what’s coming at us.”

For more information about COVID-19 at Troy University you can visit troy.edu/coronavirus

For the full story watch Talor’s report.