Concerns about coronavirus have reached collegiate athletics, as both the men’s and women’s basketball teams at Miami University (Ohio) have postponed their next games as a precautionary measure after news broke that two students were being tested for the disease.
A university statement released Tuesday said that one student met the travel criteria and presented very mild symptoms at Student Health Services. Both that student and his traveling companion are being tested for coronavirus, and have been isolated in their off-campus residence while awaiting test results. The university followed up with a second statement later in the day, assuring the community that public health officials were monitoring the situation, and that the risk for the disease in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control, is low.
The follow-up statement indicated that a regular class schedule would continue, but that did not stop the basketball games from being postponed.
According to ESPN, the men’s team was scheduled to play Central Michigan on Tuesday, while the women’s team was slated to take on Western Michigan on Wednesday.
Miami University president Gregory Crawford spoke at a news conference, telling reporters that the move to postpone the games was initiated by the athletic directors at the visiting schools.
“The health and safety of our student-athletes is always a top priority, and out of an ounce of caution, it was decided to cancel tonight’s men’s basketball game,” Central Michigan athletic director Michael Alford said in a statement. “I appreciate the diligence that the staff at Miami have shown, and this serves as a reminder of how serious these issues are. Our medical team has also been an important part of this process, making sure our student-athletes are safe and protected.”
ESPN reports that the games will be rescheduled. Meanwhile, health officials anticipate test results from the patients within the week.
