After dealing with midterms, Cal State LA students are eager to hop into spring break with socially-distanced plans in full bloom. 

Last year, spring break landed in the midst of stay-at-home orders and high uncertainties due to COVID-19. This year, Cal State LA students are able to safely partake in some of the activities they once looked forward to as they take a week-long break from their classes. 

Despite the reopening of many businesses, health experts still advise to continue following safety guidelines to prevent a surge in cases, according to the LA Times.

Jazmin Duran, a criminal justice major, said that she plans to visit Portland, Oregon, during spring break to recharge after a “challenging and overwhelming” semester. 

“As COVID-19 has become the ‘new normal,’ I finally feel comfortable enough to travel and get the most out of my week off school,” said Duran. “I have a list of things I hope to do in Portland, and most of what I’d like to do is open with the required safety protocols.”

Duran added that while in Portland she hopes to take a tour of Multnomah Falls and visit Washington Park. She also looks forward to “eating a donut from Voodoo Doughnut,” which she mentioned is one of her top priorities.

Biochemistry major Yeny Gomez also said she plans to travel during her week off. Gomez said she looks forward to visiting her family in Nevada and catching up on assignments.

“The beginning of the semester was rough; my physical chemistry class is difficult,” said Gomez. “I hope to finally see my out-of-state family after a long year of not seeing them. We usually just spend time together, try new food and go sight-seeing.”

On the other hand, some students like Stephanie Espinosa, a music education major, are still hesitant about fully going out. Espinosa said that she feels “slightly better” about leaving the house as long as she takes safety precautions.

“Spring break is going to be pretty boring for me,” said Espinosa. “I’m planning on staying home during the week and maybe going to the beach during the weekend with my family.”

For most students, spring break provides the chance to catch up on assignments and much-needed rest. English major Lisa Li said she aims to workout at home during her break as a way to de-stress from her schoolwork.

In an Instagram post from the Student Health Center (SHAC), they recommend some tips for students to manage their stress: “Balance responsibility with activities you enjoy: these responsibilities can include school work while activities can include…relaxing or spending time with friends. Eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep will help your body handle stress much better.”

With the reopening of Los Angeles County and many other counties, officials have permitted the indoor operations of gyms, movie theaters, and indoor restaurant dining as of March 15.

“The re-opening of businesses will occur based on the State of California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy and require physical distancing and infection control practices. As L.A. County recovers, all residents, business owners, and employees must continue to observe and practice all COVID-19 physical distancing requirements,” stated L.A. County officials on the Roadmap to Recovery page.