Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

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Since 2004

Tag: Jennifer Bailer

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

    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.

  • Possible Cases of Coronavirus in Butler County at Miami University

    Possible Cases of Coronavirus in Butler County at Miami University

    Up-date from the Butler County General Health District on January 30, 2020, 3:20 PM:

    In Ohio, two possible cases are being monitored in Miami University students in Butler County. The students have been isolated, and ODH is awaiting test results from the CDC. There are no confirmed cases in Ohio.  Both possible cases had recently traveled and returned from China. Both possible cases are not severely ill and currently in isolation to keep the illness from spreading. Samples were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Monday January 27th, 2020 .

    Oxford, Ohio – Earlier today, Miami University Student Health Services notified the Butler County General Health District (BCGHD) of two possible cases of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

    Both possible cases had recently traveled and returned from China. Both possible cases are not severely ill and currently in isolation to keep the illness from spreading.

    Samples were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Monday afternoon.

    BCGHD recommends that unless you have recently traveled from China or have been around someone ill with this new virus, your risk of getting sick is low. “If you have traveled from China and are, experiencing signs and symptoms contact your doctor BEFORE going to the office.”

    Miami students, who meet this criteria, and are experiencing signs or symptoms contact Student Health Services at 513-529-3000 before seeking care according to BCGHD.

    Public health officials have described the immediate health risk to the campus community as low and say they continue to work closely with Miami University Student Health Services and the Ohio Department of Health to monitor the novel (new) coronavirus that has emerged from Wuhan, China, over the past few weeks.

    “This is what public health does and why we train,” expressed Jennifer Bailer. “Our staff, officials at Miami University and the Ohio Department of Health are taking every precaution to keep the community safe. The same precautions that protect against catching and spreading the flu are likely to be helpful for this respiratory virus: Wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your nose and eyes, cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze and don’t go to work if ill. Displaying compassion to all people will be vital as the situation evolves.” This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available. Guidance on the virus is available on the Centers for Disease Control website, www.cdc.gov.

    Message to the Community from the Vice President of Student Life

    January 28, 2020

    On Monday morning, one student at Miami University presented at Student Health Services with very mild symptoms, and with their recent travel, met the criteria and are being tested for possible infection with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Health providers quickly recognized that the presenting patient met the criteria for 2019-Coronavirus testing; results should be back from the CDC in the coming days. This student and his traveling companion are isolated in their off-campus residence while awaiting the test results. Miami and healthcare professionals continue to communicate and collaborate daily with the Butler County Health District and the Ohio Department of Health and are following their recommendations and protocols. We will share information with the community as it becomes available.

    We are assisting and supporting these Miami students who are awaiting test results. We continue to work closely with local and state healthcare professionals and the Butler County Health District and Ohio Department of Health. If you are experiencing symptoms and have traveled to the impacted area, please first call Student Health Services at 513-529-3000 to receive guidance on next steps. Miami has set up a call center to address any general questions or concerns at 513-529-9000.

      • Meanwhile, we are still in flu season, and these precautions are recommended for both the flu and Coronavirus:
      • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
      • It is especially important to wash your hands:
        • Before, during, and after you prepare food.
        • Before you eat and after you use the bathroom.
        • After handling cash.
        • More frequently when someone in your house is sick.
        • Before/after smoking/vaping.
      • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
      • Clean your doorknobs/light switches and areas commonly touched with disinfectant wipes frequently.
      • Avoid contact with sick people.

    Miami Health Services and Student Life professionals acted quickly with appropriate protocol, and we will continue to follow the best practices currently known. We have proactive partners in local and state healthcare. We will post updated information on myMiami as it becomes available. Please check announcements there regularly.

    Jayne Brownell
    Vice President, Student Life

    Terri Buzzell
    Director, Student Health Service