Student-athletes to quarantine for 14 days

The Butler County General Health District, out of an abundance of caution, is quarantining all Miami University student-athletes who have returned to Oxford, and any coaches and staff who were in contact with them.

The university learned as of today, Aug. 24, that twenty-seven student-athletes from various teams tested positive for COVID-19. Many, but not all, had attended an off-campus social gathering, over a week ago. The Butler County General Health District issued the blanket quarantine order to ensure no student-athletes would be missed through the normal method of contact tracing.

"Miami University is fully supportive of and cooperating with the Butler County General Health District. We have worked with them throughout the pandemic to help safeguard the health of our students, faculty, staff and communities," said President Gregory Crawford.

Jennifer Bailer, Health Commissioner for Butler County General Health District, said, “As we know, the COVID-19 virus can spread quickly between people and infect groups of people in a hurry. This disease is serious. In young adults it is often mild, but has the potential to become critical for those with underlying disease or other risk factors."

"One of the main functions of public health is to identify persons who have been in contact with COVID-19 cases as quickly as possible and ask them to quarantine for 14 days and monitor themselves for symptoms. This helps in preventing the disease to spread any further,” stated Bailer.

"My concern for the health of all of our student-athletes is paramount," said David Sayler, director of athletics. "I am disappointed that poor judgment has led to this quarantine order and put in jeopardy our efforts to have our teams study and practice together."

Because of concerns related to COVID-19, the Mid-American Conference announced Aug. 8 the postponement of all fall sports.

Miami University began its fall semester Aug. 17 with all undergraduate courses being offered remotely. Move-in for incoming first-year students is scheduled for the week of Sept. 14, with face-to-face instruction planned to resume on Sep. 21.

How to protect yourself and others:
1. Wear a mask or a facial covering
2. Practice social distancing by keeping 6 feet away from others at all times
3. Do not gather in groups of more than 10 people
4. Wash your hands often with soap and water
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
6. Avoid close contact with people who are sick
7.Stay home when you are sick
8. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow

Ohioans can call the Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 hotline with any questions or visit health.bcohio.us/ or coronavirus.ohio.gov. The call center is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 1-833-4-ASKODH (1-833-427-5634).

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