University of Kentucky health officials say the UK hospital is prepared to take on additional coronavirus patients, if needed.
During the afternoon briefing, UK Medical Director in Infectious Diseases Dr. Derek Forster was asked about a potential surge in patients which could stress the healthcare staff. “I don’t know, I don’t anticipate that. I think a lot of the work that the public health group and the governor has done as far as getting these events to stop are really helpful and I think will help what they call flatten the curve on this thing and helps us not get, not just us, but the healthcare system in Kentucky and really in the U.S., keep it supported,” said Forster.
UK Nursing Operations Administrator Kim Blanton said there have been cases where individuals, both medical and otherwise, have taken large numbers of masks. Health officials have stressed healthy people don’t need masks. Forster also reiterated 80% of those with coronavirus have no significant disease.
University of Kentucky officials expect all 70 students who have been studying abroad in Europe to be home by Monday. They were told to come back to the U.S. because of concerns associated with the coronavirus. UK Associate Provost for Internationalization Sue Roberts noted some students were understandable disappointed, but also recognized the need to cut their experience short. “It’s been a major disruption and in a way a little bit heartbreaking because these students have been having the time of their lives. They’ve been discovering things about themselves they didn’t know before. They’ve been thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in another culture. They’ve been enjoying their courses. They’ve made friends,” explained Roberts.
Roberts said once back in their permanent homes all over the U.S. the students, many who were studying abroad in Spain, will undergo self-isolation for two weeks.?
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