Letter to the Editor

To the Editor,

We read with interest the article in Thursday’s paper regarding cases of COVID-19 popping up among the 18-25 year-old age range, which the county epidemiologist attributes to Texas State University’s population. The university has seen an increase in cases as students have arrived back in San Marcos and in-person classes have begun. We suggest that the large parties which student organizations are hosting are another source of contact and spread. We are in the unfortunate position of living near several fraternity houses. At one of these houses, there have been large parties (75 – 100 people) three of the last four weekends. Needless to say, there is no social distancing or other precautions at these gatherings.

Many fraternity houses are located in the county where they can avoid the city noise ordinances. Unfortunately, our county judge did not order a limit on the size of gatherings in Hays County during the pandemic, which allows large gatherings to continue.

It has been noted by several health agencies that large gatherings serve as ‘super-spreader’ events for COVID-19. Although these young adults may not experience severe effects from the disease, they do shop in stores where they will spread it to more vulnerable populations. Our community has taken steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by closing bars and limiting restaurant seating. Unfortunately, allowing large gatherings is a gap in our defense against COVID-19. We believe limiting the size of gatherings would be helpful in controlling this pandemic, and saving lives.

Martha and Greg Moore

San Marcos