OXFORD, Ohio — The Butler County General Health District announced "a noticeable increase of positive COVID-19 cases" among Miami University students, athletes and others within the university community on Wednesday.
Since Aug. 17, 125 positive cases have been reported from local labs from students, and at least 100 tests results are pending.
“The majority of new cases are among MU student-athletes and those they came in contact with,” said Health Commissioner Jennifer Bailer in a news release.
The number announced Wednesday does not include students who received tests at labs in other cities or states. The figures are based on cases reported to the Butler County General Health District.
"Due to the increase in private labs administering tests and the possibility that not all cases are reported to BCGHD, the information above may not include all cases of COVID-19 among Miami University community members," read a health district statement.
Citing an abundance of caution, the Butler County Health District ordered all Miami student-athletes who returned to campus to quarantine for 14 days after 27 positive COVID-19 tests were reported on various teams Monday. School officials traced many of those positive cases to an off-campus social gathering in early August.
“The increase in cases is a reminder of how contagious and easily spread this virus is. You can be asymptomatic and still spread the infection to others,” Bailer said.
According to Miami University's COVID-19 dashboard, three employees have tested positive since classes resumed virtually earlier this month.
The university aims to move students into dorms starting Sept. 14 and resume in-person classes on Sept. 21.
