Prospective COVID Prevention

         With initial testing rates and reports from the university's testing sites and other students my initial thought was that students would not be sent home. The starting testing numbers were at approximately 200 positive cases on campus. Compared to the cases as of last week, which were around 400 active cases. Around this time is also when the dorms on campus pushed the day for visitation from UK-only students back from September 7th to September 21st. The number of cases on campus has forced the university dorm rooms to do this. As of this week, the university is back down to around 300 active cases. 

    I think there is still a large possibility that students are sent home for the semester, and I honestly think it might happen now. With the way cases have increased recently, the university might take drastic measures in order to prevent major outbreaks. Major entities on campus have not consistently followed protocols established by university officials. Students don't follow the rules. I can't honestly say I have followed every rule perfectly. Fraternity and Sorority life has been retested because major outbreaks have occurred involving members from those groups. This most likely means students are having large events without wearing the proper personal protective equipment or social distancing. Since before moving in my family has been saying to me they don't think students will be on campus very long. They were reluctant to buy some things before move in because of this possibility, and I can definitely see why.

    Speaking of protocols, the university has developed extensive rules for students to follow all across campus. Many places have significantly reduced the amount of seating and people allowed in certain buildings across campus such as the 90, Champion's Kitchen, and the Student Center. Even the elevator is limited to two people or one family per ride.

    They have also gone on to require masks in all places on campus, as well as signs on the ground signifying six feet distance. While these are the most simple to follow, students still do not do so. This can be seen with one of the beginning on-campus events that happened around move-in. CSF hosted a bonfire, and it did not go as planned.