All Miami University student-athletes who returned to campus ordered to quarantine for 14 days

Oxford, Ohio – Following our report of 4 days ago that since the start of classes, that they had 10 positive COVID-19 tests among students and 2 among employees on the Oxford campus, Miami University now has announced that it learned on August 24, that twenty-seven student-athletes from various teams have now tested positive for COVID-19.

Fall classes began on Monday, August 17, mostly remote, with graduate students and some programs in person. Students who will be living off campus have been encouraged to stay home, if they can, until face-to-face courses start on Monday, September 21.

The university said, “Many, but not all, had attended an off-campus social gathering, over a week ago. 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 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.

In the announcement by the university, 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.”

The announcement by the university did not say the total number of student-athletes who have been ordered to quarantine.

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