(LEX 18) — Dr. Eli Capilouto, president of the University of Kentucky, cautioned students who might be traveling for spring break.
The first case of COVID-19 is currently in isolation at UK Chandler Hospital. Though the patient is not part of the UK community, Capilouto acknowledged the anxiety caused by the case.
"The patient is not a member of our community. But that does not lessen the anxiety we feel about a virus with so many unknowns. This is an uncertain and unsettling time," reads a statement from Capilouto.
With spring break rapidly approaching, Capilouto cautioned students to be wary while traveling and asked students to fill out a travel form to indicate where they will be visiting.
"As of today, UK Education Abroad and Exchanges (EA) is moving forward with its spring break programs in areas other than China, Italy, and South Korea. Any students who no longer feel comfortable participating on their spring break Education Abroad programs should immediately notify their program directors and EA," reads the statement. "We also know many students and employees may have already made personal travel arrangements in the United States and abroad. You need to educate yourself and consider the risks associated with your destination, especially if it is a country where the Department of State or Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) have issued specific guidance related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak."
There will also be a mandatory period of self-isolation for students who visit China, Iran, Italy, or South Korea.
Spring break at the University kicks off Monday, Mar. 16.
