Will UK be Completely Virtual by the End of the Semester?

 As a University of Kentucky student, I've gotten a unique look at how things are ACTUALLY happening on campus. After the first few weeks of observing, I do think that we will be able to continue in-person lecture through the end of the semester. Currently some classes are completely online while others have a hybrid format or are in person. Personally, majority of my classes are online and others are hybrid. The hybrid courses give the option to be in zoom instead of meeting in person which is really convenient. When I am on campus, I see majority of people wearing their masks. However, there are always some people with it below their nose or not wearing a mask at all. It doesn't seem like the masks rule is strictly enforced everywhere on campus which is concerning. 

Additionally, I think students should be tested often for COVID-19 because they could test negative one week and have it the next week. It was smart for the second phase of testing to include those involved in greek life getting retested because at other schools a lot of COVID clusters started at frat parties or things of that nature. I know a few people who attended frat parties recently and weren't wearing masks and definitely weren't social distancing. If the University decides to make tests required for all students every two weeks or even weekly, I think that the chances of keeping the spread to a minimum would be a lot higher. 

A big reason why I think that we will not have to go completely online is because the lack of off campus activity. There has been a lot of talk circulating around campus about the fact that people are scared to have parties because of the possibility of being suspended or expelled. Surprisingly, people have kept gatherings small enough to go undetected by UK police or Lexington police. I think that if people continue not hosting parties that the chances of an outbreak will be at a minimum. I also think that it's smart for organizations such as SAB to offer activities virtually so people are still able to participate. When they do host in person activities, they're held in places where social distancing can be enforced which is really important as well. 

Retesting students, daily wellness screening, enforcing social distancing and wearing masks are key things that will help us make it through the semester without having to be completely online. Be smart, be safe, and be cautious of those around you!