LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Health officials across the country have seen an uptick in the number of coronavirus infections in young adults. That is one reason the University of Kentucky is changing how the students move back in to the dorms, stretching the move-in process over nine days.
As of June 1, 29% of people infected with the coronavirus were between the ages of 15 and 34. The Lexington Health Department says a month later, that percentage has jumped to 39%.
"We are seeing more people who are in that age range, going on vacations to some of these hot spots and then getting sick. Anytime that we're having the socialization and reopening, we're going to see the numbers increase, across all of these ages," Kevin Hall, spokesperson for the health department, said.
To continue to combat the spread of the coronavirus, this year's fall move-in will look different. Over nine days, students will slowly move in, by appointment. The UK Student Housing Department says 2/3 of the dorms on campus are made to be two bedroom suites.
"So everyone has their own private bedroom. So you can go into your bedroom and shut your door. You do share a bathroom, but you have your own private sink," Director of Student Housing Sarah Nikirk said.
The university also plans on providing students with hand sanitizer.
"We will ask that you wear a mask when you are not in a room by yourself. There will be gloves available for when you need to wear gloves," Nikirk said.
The housing department said their number one priority is the safety of the students and they'll continue to monitor the coronavirus as students come back to campus.
