By Ali Leding, Staff Writer
As Eastern students near the planned virtual shift after Thanksgiving break, the number of positive cases and quarantined students continues to rise. As of Nov. 6, there were 5 positive students in isolation on Wilburton’s campus and 1 on McAlester’s campus. There were a total of three current employees with positive tests in isolation — all from the Wilburton campus. While these numbers are small, the number of students quarantined because of close contact is 25 on Wilburton’s campus and 3 on McAlester’s. Five employees are listed as being quarantined.
“I think we are trying to be as transparent as possible,” said Vice President of Student and External Affairs Trish McBeath in reference to keeping the community updated on numbers. “Our protocols and guidelines and statistics, and the number of students and employees can be found on our website for those who are wondering. I know that there are other campuses not giving out that information to the public so I’m proud that Eastern is being as transparent as possible with how we’re reporting that information. As far as our numbers, I feel like our students and employees are doing a good job.”
As part of the college’s quarantine policy, students who have been tested positive or exposed to the illness have to either go home to quarantine or stay in one of the buildings on campus that has been set up for isolation . If one is not able to self-quarantine at home and they have to stay on campus, there is an office delivery service that will bring a meal and other things a person might need or request.
“If a student refuses to follow the protocols, they will be asked to leave campus,” McBeath says. “They will not be allowed in the classroom if they’re in quarantine or isolation.”
McBeath says that students, staff and faculty have been very receptive in following policy and being careful.“It’s gone well and I think we’ve learned a lot through the process.”
If you live on campus and experience any symptoms such as shortness of breath, headache, fever and loss in taste, immediately contact Eastern and they will figure out a plan for you. Eastern also has a self-reporting form for students and employees for anyone who has tested positive or has been potentially exposed to a positive case. You can find that form, along with weekly updated statistics, here.
As of Nov. 10, Eastern classes will move to virtual after Thanksgiving break. Students are allowed to come back on campus and stay in their dorms if they need to use WiFi or set up a testing appointment. Speak with each of your instructors to make sure that you are aware of their Zoom and Final Exams schedules. Eastern offices will still be open through Dec. 18 and reopen Jan. 4. Spring classes resume Jan. 11.
