With COVID numbers on the rise through most of the country, it is not surprising that there have been outbreaks as students move back to colleges. Prior to move in, the Housing Corporation Board collaborated with OSU Health services and Greek Life, Alpha Chi Omega Nationals, and the health department to establish a plan to keep our girls safe. The biggest key for everyone to remember is that wearing masks decreases spread of virus significantly. We recommended that everyone wear masks when outside of their bedroom, especially in common areas- unless eating of course. We limited the number of people who could be in any given space at a time by removing tables from the dining room, spacing out chairs, and blocking off seats in the tv lounges to encourage social distancing. We set a protocol in place on what to do if there’s an exposure, if someone becomes COVID positive, and how to safely quarantine. There are increased cleanings throughout the week, and we are using a virus control company (that several other houses are using) on an as needed basis.  With good protocols and communication with the members we can hopefully prevent an outbreak before it happens.  

Most of you likely heard that the Pi Beta Phi house had an outbreak during recruitment. Unfortunately, they had 23 girls test positive, and the majority of the house had to be quarantined for 2 weeks. 

All of Greek Life was tested prior to move in, after that- it’s up to individuals to determine if anyone needs to be tested again. OSU is offering COVID testing to students free of charge if needed. But one of the things we are trying to educate on is 1- who needs to be tested, and 2- WHEN should they be tested? 

The CDC recently updated COVID exposure guidelines and recommendations for testing. Essentially, if you are within 6 feet of someone who becomes COVID positive and weren’t wearing a mask it is a high-risk exposure. If you’re distancing AND wearing a mask it’s a low risk exposure.  

All high-risk exposures have to quarantine for 14 days because it can take up to 14 days for symptoms to develop. If during their 14-day quarantine they start developing symptoms (Fever, cough, congestion, headache, runny nose, change in taste/smell, or diarrhea) then they should definitely go get tested to know for sure.  

If you have a low risk exposure, your risk is low. You wouldn’t have to quarantine, but should continue to wear your mask, social distance, and wash your hands.  

If there’s a concern, testing is available through most private physicians, health departments, and on campus. Most cases become positive 3-10 days post exposure, so if you were tested on Day 1 post exposure, it’d likely still be negative.  

This is an ever-changing process because it’s still such a new virus, and it’s likely that our plans will continue to change as we get further into it. The health departments, the CDC, and other guidance groups are doing a great job putting information out there- and we are trying to follow as best as we can!