KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Many college students are back at home this week, which makes some worry about being possibly exposed to COVID-19.
Some students are going the extra mile to make sure their loved ones are safe.
Jordan Collins is a University of Kansas student trying to protect her family from the virus.
"I really don't go out of my way to go anywhere else but to school," Collins said.
She lives with them in Lawrence, which has its ups and down.
"I do a lot of sanitizing, lot of Lysol spray — probably more than I should — but, that was a concern at first, like wearing a mask in the house and things like that," Collins said.
This Thanksgiving, her family wanted to see her sister in Seattle.
"We all took a rapid COVID test: myself, my mom and my dad. All of our results came back negative. So, we did that prior going to the airport," Collins said.
College kids such as Collins can pose a risk to their families due to the spread of COVID-19 on campuses.
There was some relief for the loved ones of KU students, however.
The university offered free COVID-19 tests for students before their trips home.
It's a step in the right direction, but the school's chancellor does worry what will happen after this holiday break.
University of Kansas Chancellor Dr. Doug Girod noted there was an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Douglas County after Halloween, though he stopped short of drawing a direct correlation.
Collins said she is thankful to be alive during this pandemic and hopes students will think twice before putting their family members at risk.
"This has been the year of unknown and uncertainty. Just taking a moment to step back and be thankful for family and love," Collins said.
KU students and staff will be tested for COVID-19 before the spring semester starts, as they were in the fall.
