OSU launches online public dashboard to report COVID data
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Oklahoma State University has launched an online dashboard to track COVID-19 testing data on the Stillwater campus. The dashboard represents a commitment to keep the campus safe by providing accurate information to the community on COVID 19 metrics monitored by medical and public health officials.
The dashboard, which launched Aug. 25, will be updated weekly and can be viewed here.
"Oklahoma State University is committed to the safety of our campus community and full transparency in reporting the status of the virus in our campus community as we manage the spread of COVID-19,” said OSU President Burns Hargis. “This dashboard is an informative tool for our students, faculty, staff and the public and will assist us in our efforts.”
University Health Services director Chris Barlow said the dashboard will evolve as more data becomes available to create trend lines.
“Through CDC-prescribed preventative measures, contact tracing and accurate data reporting, Oklahoma State University is taking a proactive approach to mitigating the spread of COVID-19,” Barlow said. “We are encouraging members of our campus community to test more frequently and are remaining vigilant in our ongoing efforts to protect students, faculty and staff.”
University Health Services currently administers molecular tests, such as RT-PCR tests, that detect the virus’s genetic material. Enrolled students and benefits-eligible employees can get a free COVID-19 test by logging into the patient portal on the UHS homepage.
Just before the start of the fall semester on Aug. 17, University Health Services reported a positive test rate of 0.76 percent for students living in OSU residence halls. Of the 3,931 students tested, 30 tested positive and immediately began quarantine. Other residents provided proof of a recent negative test during move-in and were not tested by UHS.
Last week, 74 students self-reported a positive COVID-19 test to University Health Services. The vast majority of those students have returned home or to their off-campus residence to quarantine.
Currently, 22 students are in university-sponsored isolation and quarantine spaces.
OSU asks that all who test positive outside of University Health Services self-report their results confidentially here. University leadership has expressed appreciation for students’ willingness to be tested when exposed and will continue to promote safety measures and educate the campus community on how to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
MEDIA CONTACT: Monica Roberts | Director of Media Relations | 405-744-4800 | monica.roberts@okstate.edu