With the announcement of Oklahoma re-opening their athletic facilities for football on July 1, it begs the question; ‘How will the university respond to a student-athlete testing positive for COVID-19?’
Upon returning to campus, student-athletes will undergo evaluations by Oklahoma medical staff and will be continuously monitored as well as expected to adhere to safety protocols and regulations.
“Our medical personnel have told us that the safest thing we can do is keep our players off campus for as long as possible,” Lincoln Riley said per a release. “We chose the latest point that we could bring them back and still have enough time to prepare.”
OU athletic medicine officials have been continuously working with numerous entities including OU Health Sciences Center and independent in-state and out of state health officials regarding the return of student-athletes.
“We have been planning for this in some form since we left campus March 13,” Oklahoma head athletic trainer Scott Anderson said. “We are fortunate to have a number of outstanding physicians working with us on a regular basis, and we also have the guidance of the OU Health Sciences Center. Our priority is precaution while making preparations in what are very fluid circumstances.”
As part of the plan, student-athletes outside of football will be brought back in phases so that each group has the best possible care and attentiveness from the athletic staff.
As part of the release, Oklahoma included a frequently asked question portion:
What if a student-athlete tests positive for COVID-19?
For initial examination, a campus location has been designated where an individual can be examined for the virus. A campus housing facility has been designated to shelter and quarantine any student who tests positive. Any student-athlete who tests positive will receive care through the full resources of the OU medical staff.
What steps are being taken relative to staff?
Most OU Athletics staff members will continue to work from home. Staff members who are essential to accommodating student-athletes and our operations will be on site. They will be subject to initial screening and clearance with the on-campus Goddard Health Center before they return to work and will be subject to the same daily screening as our student-athletes.
How are the facilities being prepared?
All facilities have been disinfected in preparation for return. Targeted cleaning and sanitization will be in place for all facilities that are used. Staff members are also being provided with self-clean kits for their office space and signage to notify cleaning staff any time a space has been used. In addition to custodial services, fogging and spraying applications have been and will continue to be included in the protocols. The locker room will have specific procedures; the adjacent lounge has been closed. Special detergents have been acquired to thoroughly disinfect all workout clothing.
What other safety procedures are being introduced?
All individuals will wear masks provided by the athletics department and comply with social distancing rules. Special procedures are in place for elevator, staircase, restroom, meeting room, and office use in addition to the workout facilities. All interior doors will remain open to reduce touch points. Hand sanitizer dispensers have been added in multiple locations throughout the facilities.
What are the workout procedures?
Initially, workout groups will include 10 or fewer participants who will work in open or partially open-air environments whenever possible. Social distancing will be enforced. Staff and student-athletes will be screened prior to being allowed to access the facility at one single controlled point of entry. Cameras will assist in the monitoring and enforcement of this required protocol. Surfaces and equipment will be cleaned prior to and after each use.
Oklahoma is set to open the 2020 football season at home against Missouri State on September 5.
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