OBU Releases Public Statement on University Response to Coronavirus

March 12, 2020

Dr. Heath A Thomas, OBU president, issued the following statement Thursday, March 12, 2020, regarding the University’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19):

“We are monitoring the realities on the ground regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) closely. Please refer to our coronavirus information website for precautions and protection protocols. There are NO confirmed cases of COVID-19 among students or employees of OBU. We understand opinions are mixed and the situation has escalated rapidly, but OBU will err on the side of caution when it comes to protecting our students, employees and our wider community.

We recognize some students and other members of our community were at the Thunder game last night. The individuals who were in direct contact were sent home and told not to return to campus. However, those who were not in direct contact were allowed to come back to campus, following the Oklahoma Department of Health guidelines. Still, we are operating in an abundance of caution.

According to state health officials, "Those who were in attendance at the game are not at risk of catching COVID-19. As a reminder, COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets. Only individuals who are in close contact with a person with COVID-19 would be at risk of exposure."

Students and employees, if you have been in close contact with someone who has been confirmed to have coronavirus or if you are showing signs of illness, you need to contact your physician immediately, get tested, self-isolate and inform your RA/RD or supervisor.

Students and faculty, we continue to monitor the situation closely to determine the nature of course delivery following spring break, whether on-campus or online. No determination has been made at this point, but we will continue to monitor and update our community regularly. For additional information and updates, please see the OBU coronavirus information website.

Employees: At this time, all staff scheduled to work during spring break should plan to come to work unless they are ill or have been in close contact with a person with COVID-19. Since this is an ongoing situation, updates will continue to be provided via email as decisions are made.

Reminder: Students and employees, please complete the spring break travel form and remember to take home your laptops, books and any supplies that might be needed to complete coursework or telecommute following break, should we move to an online delivery system.”

Stay current with OBU’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19).