Healthy Restart FAQs Answered Aug. 14 for UK Faculty, Staff and Students

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 14, 2020) — As University of Kentucky approaches the first day of in-session classes Aug. 17, the university continues to field questions related to specific elements of the campus restart plan. Below are three of the questions most commonly asked by university faculty and staff, including an updated answer on face coverings.

Q: What kinds of face coverings can I wear on campus?

A (updated from Aug. 13): Based on consultation with health professionals on campus, UK has decided to allow traditional masks, shields and clear masks. UK's supply center has both shields and clear masks in stock. Like students, the university is supplying two traditional masks for every employee; face shields and clear masks may be purchased by an employee's unit or department.

Q: How is the university updating ventilation in light of the pandemic?

A: The university is adjusting the operation of heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to maximize the fresh air that we are bringing in from outside and minimize recirculation by:

• Purging buildings with central air handling units (not window units) with three (3) air exchanges before daily occupancy.
• Disabling demand-based ventilation systems to ensure adequate fresh-air exchanges.
• Upgrading the types of air filters (including MERV 13) that are compatible with UK equipment and updating the replacement schedules for these filters to provide the highest possible indoor air quality that meets or exceeds federal guidelines/recommendations.

Q: How will campus buses change in the fall?

A: Riders are asked to observe the following requirements on campus buses:

• Face coverings are required when waiting for, loading, unloading and riding campus transit.
• Ridership will be limited to half capacity. All passengers will be required to have a seat; standing will be prohibited.
• Ground decals and signage at the bus stops and shelters will be used to promote physical distancing and to aid in establishing passenger waiting lines.
• Passengers should enter and exit the buses through the rear doors only, when buses are equipped with double door systems.

Find more info about changes to campus bus services here: https://uknow.uky.edu/campus-news/campus-bus-service-modifications-fall-semester.

As of Aug. 10, of the 10,595 students tested, Wild Health reported 78 positive cases and a 0.7% positivity rate on campus. To see updated results from student testing, visit: www.uky.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-testing-results.

For more information related to University of Kentucky's COVID-19 response and restart plan, visit www.uky.edu/coronavirus/, including more FAQs at https://www.uky.edu/coronavirus/employees/employee-faqs.

Each day UK will be providing some of the most frequently asked questions from students, faculty and staff and answering them as we start the new semester. If you have questions you would like to see answered, please email coronavirus@uky.edu. We will continue to answer those on an individual basis, but may also include them in UKNOW. Thanks and stay safe and healthy.