ATHENS, Ohio — Ohio University has finally addressed the fast-approaching "phase two" of their on-campus COVID-19 guidelines.
The school's president, Duane Nellis, released a letter to students and staff on Tuesday, detailing some of what's to come in the next few months.
"Although I know some of you may have been hopeful of a complete re-opening of our campus, we have determined that with Phase 2, while increasing the number of students we are bringing back to our residence halls and University community, we must still continue to proceed with a more careful approach for the remainder of fall semester to protect our campus community and the City of Athens during these uncertain times," Nellis wrote in the letter.
The school used a reduced-capacity phase 1 to determine the procedures and protocols that will be put in place during phase 2.
Roughly 7200 students- 31% of the school's undergraduate enrollment- will be invited back on campus this fall. All of the university's graduate and medical school students are permitted to return to campus this semester, although participation is subject to change.
Students who are invited back to campus will receive an email from Ohio University notifying them of their eligibility. They will also receive information regarding plans for the upcoming semester, including room and board details.
Phase 2 will also include a primarily remote class schedule, even for students who have been invited back on the school's campus.
"In order for us to be successful during Phase 2, it will be essential for students on- and off-campus to follow all guidance for wearing facial coverings, maintaining physical distance, limiting the size of any gatherings, conducting their daily self-assessment, and reporting all cases of COVID-19 through our COVID-19 Incident Report," Ellis writes in the letter, "Any student or employee experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should also call the Ohio University COVID-19 Response Hotline, 877-OU-COV19 (877-682-6819)."
In addition to a 14-day quarantine period for students returning to Athens, all students are also required to partake in an online COVID-19 module to learn about the Coronavirus and to take the "OHIO Pledge" to help stop the spread of COVID-19 on campus.
"Given different circumstances, we would, of course, want everyone back on campus. However, based on the public health realities during this unprecedented time of a global pandemic, our current path is the best one to most effectively protect everyone in our Ohio University campus community," OU's President writes, "please continue to stay safe and show your care and support for one another by doing your part to stop the spread of this deadly disease"