Welcome Back, Required COVID-19 Entry Testing

Vice President for Student Success Kirsten Turner sent the following email to all students on Monday, January 11.

Dear Students,  

As we look toward the start of the spring semester, the health and safety of you and the entire UK campus remain our top priorities.  

As in the fall, we will kick off the semester with required COVID-19 entry testing for all students who are enrolled in the spring semester and physically coming to campus at any point during the semester and who have not tested positive in the 90 days leading up to Jan. 14 (on or following Oct. 16), per CDC guidance. Here are the details on required student entry testing:  

WHEN: Students (even those who have not yet scheduled classes but plan to) should receive a test through UK between Jan. 14-30. Go ahead and schedule your test now.  

WHERE: Testing sites include:  

• The Blue Lot at Kroger Field (drive-thru)  
• K-Lair, located in Haggin Hall on the central campus (walk-up) 
• The Blue Box Theater in the Gatton Student Center (walk-up) 

WHAT KIND: Tests will be PCR-nasopharyngeal nasal swabs — the same tests used in the fall.  

COST: As in the fall, tests will be provided at no cost.  

MAKE SURE: You should bring your student ID with you.   

IMPORTANT: All students should utilize the UK-affiliated sites only for entry testing. 

• If you have tested positive at a non-UK site, you need to upload your testing documentation here.  
• If you tested positive on or after Oct. 16, you are not required to participate in re-entry testing. 
• If you have tested negative at a non-UK site, you are still required to test through UK between Jan. 14-30.  
• If you have received a COVID-19 vaccine, you are still required to complete an entry test, as, per the CDC, it takes time for the body to build immunity after vaccination.  

ONGOING TESTING THROUGHOUT THE SEMESTER:  

Following the entry testing period, ongoing student COVID-19 testing will continue throughout the spring. We will provide more information on ongoing testing soon.   

OTHER TESTING, TRACING AND SCREENING DETAILS: 

• As in the fall, UK will continue conducting wastewater testing on residence halls.
• As in the fall, UK will continue testing specific student subpopulations when data indicate a higher prevalence of the virus.  
• As in the fall, UK students are required to complete the daily screener.  
• As in the fall, UK Health Corps will continue to holistically support students. This team of contact tracers, academic coordinators and wellness connectors will operate seven days a week throughout the spring. They are here to help you navigate any issues and to make it as easy as possible to be safe on our campus. 
• If you feel you should be exempt from entry testing due to health reasons, please contact our Disability Resource Center at drc@uky.edu. 
• If you feel you should be exempt from entry testing due to religious reasons or other non-health reasons, please contact religiousexemptions@uky.edu, and a member of the UK Legal team will respond. 

 If you have any questions or need help, please contact us at healthcorps@uky.edu or 859-218-SAFE.  

Kirsten Turner  

Vice President for Student Success