Student-athletes test positive for COVID-19

Proactive measures implemented by OHIO Athletics leads to quick response and action

Ohio University announced today that as a result of the proactive screening of athletes before commencing voluntary summer workouts on campus, eight student-athletes have tested positive for COVID-19.

The proactive testing is part of a comprehensive plan developed before student-athletes from OHIO football, men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball were cleared to return to Athens for voluntary training and conditioning. A total of 125 student-athletes have been tested to date.

University protocols call for student-athletes to self-quarantine in their residences upon their return to Athens. After a seven-day waiting period, student-athletes are required to undergo testing for COVID-19 before using campus facilities for workouts. If a student-athlete is clear and has no active infection, the next step is to receive a pre-participation physical and medical clearance. Voluntary workouts and physical activity may begin after receiving clearance.

The student-athletes with positive COVID-19 test results have since been asked to return to their permanent residences to self-isolate and follow health protocols.

The Athens City-County Department of Health is conducting contact tracing based on any interactions the students had prior to the positive test, and any potentially exposed individuals will be asked to quarantine to help prevent spreading the virus.

The University will not be releasing the names or identifying information of these individuals to ensure that they can focus on their health and recovery. If you are aware of their identity, please respect their privacy and abide by all privacy rules related to personal information.

As a precautionary measure, University Athletics has temporarily halted all conditioning and training to help ensure the health and safety of everyone on the Athens campus and in our surrounding communities.