Jan. 14, 2021 – EOU responding to additional COVID-19 cases

Following newly reported positive COVID-19 cases, EOU will be listed in outbreak status by the Oregon Health Authority next week. The OHA considers a cluster of five or more interconnected cases within a distinct space and time an “outbreak,” unless a more likely alternative source is identified.

These cases occurred within a student pod, and all affected students were immediately isolated. Keeping students separated in pods (among roommates, suitemates and/or teammates) for the first week of term has greatly limited the extent of exposure. Contact tracing determined that no university employees were exposed. No facilities have been impacted outside of students’ personal living areas.

EOU is following the established plan for responding to the outbreak. Each student has been assigned a case manager to provide support and wrap-around services. Additional identifying information is being withheld to protect these students’ personal health information.

EOU anticipated a number of positive test results from proactively testing students prior to the start of term. These cases were detected after the initial round of proactive testing. Students began experiencing symptoms and responded responsibly by getting tested. Existing systems within EOU have ample capacity to respond to and contain the current caseload. 

Thank you for continuing to follow state, local and institutional health and safety guidelines: 

• Wear a face-covering inside all campus buildings and whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained. 
• Keep six feet of distance between yourself and others at all times.
• Complete your Daily Self Health Check in Mountie Hub before coming to campus each day. 

Additional case information and daily updates can be found on the Data Dashboard at eou.edu/coronavirus/data-dashboard.