LEXINGTON, Ky. — After nearly two years, unvaccinated students at the University of Kentucky are no longer required to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing.


What You Need To Know

  • Unvaccinated students at the University of Kentucky no longer require weekly testing

  • The university is changing protocols due to lower COVID-19 case numbers 

  • Fayette County has seen a decrease in their daily COVID-19 cases

  • 92% of the campus is vaccinated


For the first time in a long time, Fayette County is seeing a decrease in daily COVID-19 case numbers.

Erica Lamb, a student at the University of Kentucky, says it’s something students have been eagerly waiting for.

“I think everybody’s tired of it, we’re just ready regardless of what’s going on, we’re ready to move on,” Lamb said.

A freshman at the university, Lamb says she appreciates the school adjusting their protocols with the constant changes during the pandemic. 

“The pandemic in general has been a dynamic thing, it’s going to change from time to time,” Lamb said.

The university has been watching case numbers decrease and vaccination records increase.

Jay Blanton with the University of Kentucky said those are some of the key reasons that the University is easing up on COVID-19 protocols. 

“This is the next step, another phase in what we hope to return to normal operations. Hopefully this pandemic is moving into an endemic,” Blanton said.

Blanton says starting Monday, unvaccinated staff and students will not be required to complete weekly COVID-19 testings, and will only require a mask during classroom settings.

“To be able to take some steps that I think are signals or symbols of our return to something more normal or something that looks more normal, those are all great things and a sign of relief,” Blanton said.

Blanton says 92% of campus is vaccinated and COVID cases are down, and students like Lamb say they like that the university is finding ways to return to normal. 

“I think that they should just pay attention to how it is currently, and I think that’s exactly what they’re doing,” Lamb said.

The University of Kentucky said they will continue to watch the case numbers on campus and surrounding areas, and will adjust their protocols as necessary.