To Help Clear Up Any COVID-19 Confusion ...

Faculty, Staff and Students,

Greetings. It has come to my attention that there has been some confusion as to the recommended procedures for some instances involving COVID-19.

Again, I would like to use this space to answer some questions.

These University mandates apply to all Students, Faculty and Staff:

REGARDING VACCINATIONS

• We will continue to reinforce that increasing the number of vaccinated individuals is the best defense against the virus, and the best way to return to normal operations.
• Those who are not vaccinated will be required to complete weekly tests throughout the semester.

REGARDING MASKS

• Everyone, including those who are vaccinated, must wear masks indoors. Masks provide another layer of protection for you and others.
• Anyone not alone in a private office space must wear a mask.
• Those who are not vaccinated should wear a mask when outside, or when around other people.
• Students who refuse to wear masks in class should be referred to the Office of Student Conduct.
• The only times we will not be wearing masks: When actively eating or drinking, when alone in a private office space with a closed door, when a professor is teaching behind plexiglass, or when vaccinated and outside.

REGARDING TESTING AND OTHER QUESTIONS

• For those experiencing symptoms (fatigue, headache, congestion, runny nose, sore throat, a fever above 100.4, feeling feverish, chills, body aches, cough, loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting and abdominal pain), they can schedule a test for free at University Health Service.
• If you have been experiencing possible symptoms or believe/have been told you’ve been exposed, you should contact HealthCorps (healthcorps@uky.edu and 859-218-SAFE) for guidance and follow their directives (which may include informing instructors/employers and not attending class/work for a period of time). The CDC recommends that vaccinated individuals, if directly exposed to a COVID-positive contact, test 3-5 days after exposure. 
• If an unvaccinated individual is identified through contact tracing to be a CDC-defined close contact exposure (within 6 feet of a positive case for 15 minutes or more), they will be required to quarantine irrespective of whether they show symptoms. These policies align with current CDC and local health department guidance and are in place to protect the health and safety of the individual who is infected, as well as the larger community. 
• HealthCorps is available for questions at healthcorps@uky.edu and 859-218-SAFE.
• This link also offers a self-report tool to share a positive test result for COVID-19.
• Request a vaccination here.
• Read the full guide for all other questions: (https://www.uky.edu/coronavirus)

As I have said time and again, it is our responsibility to do everything possible to keep our co-workers, students and families safe.

Again, I thank you for all you have done, and all you continue to do.

Stay safe and well,

Scott