Details of OU athletics' plan to reopen
The OU athletics office released a Q&A about the decision to reopen facilities on July 1. Here is a look at the department's responses to some frequently asked questions:
Q: Who has been involved in creating the plan for return?
A: This plan has been developed by our medical staff, which has been working alongside our facilities staff and many other facets of the athletics department. This planning has been done in conjunction with the University of Oklahoma's Health Sciences Center, which has been a statewide leader in COVID-19 response. The Health Sciences Center is providing direction for the entire OU campus.
What procedures are being introduced for individuals returning to campus?
Each student-athlete returning to Norman will be assessed by our medical staff before joining workouts.
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 studentathlete who tests positive will receive care through the full resources of the OU medical staff.
What steps are being taken relative to staff?
Mos tO U Athletics staff members will continue to work from home. Staff members who are essential to accommodating studentathletes and our operations will be on site. They will be subject to initial screenin ga nd 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 anytime 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 studentathletes 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.