PADUCAH - Classes are set to begin next month at West Kentucky Community and Technical College, with some key changes to help protect the health of students, faculty and staff.

College President Dr. Anton Reece told the Greg Dunker Show Wednesday morning that he and other faculty members have been working closely with health officials to determine the safest way to open back up for classes. The plan includes a "three-pronged" approach, designed to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19.

"Classes begin on Aug. 17 at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. We are open. We are ready. We are eager to engage our students," Reece said. "There will be some students face-to-face, particularly those in lab-related type disciplines that require hands-on. We will definitely have hybrid, meaning some students, alphabetically, will come one day a week. The other days of the week will be virtual. And then the virtual option, which we have carried on since the spring."

Reece said students, faculty and staff will also be required to wear masks, as well as implement new social-distancing and cleaning measures.

"We are requiring that all faculty, staff, students and visitors wear a mask, that they do practice social distancing six-feet or more, and frequent hand washing. As part of the ongoing sanitation process, each incoming class will be sanitizing their areas, in addition to the scheduled deep cleanings." Reece said.   

In the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19, Reece said the college will conform with all requirements set by the state.

"All of our processes are guided by the CDC, the Governor's directives, but ultimately through KCTCS. The health department takes the lead, and they determine whether then you isolate that class, isolate that building, and/or that employee or student." Reece said.