COLUMBUS, Ohio — According to Ohio State football coach Ryan Day, nearly the entire roster has taken the COVID-19 vaccine as a university deadline for vaccination approaches.
Ohio State President Kristina M. Johnson announced on Aug. 24 that all faculty, staff and students were required to have the first dose of the vaccine by Oct. 15 and the second dose by Nov. 15. Those individuals could seek an exemption, which would be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Day said at Big Ten Media Days in late July — prior to the university mandate — that about 90 percent of the team had been vaccinated. He said Thursday that the entire team has been vaccinated except for “one or two” players seeking an exemption.
Individuals granted an exemption must be tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis. Ohio State’s Safe and Healthy Buckeyes website said exemptions would be considered for medical reasons (for allergies, or a temporary exemption for those recently diagnosed with COVID-19) or personal or religious reasons.
Students who did not comply with the mandate will be ineligible to participate in on-campus activities — including classes, living in the residence halls or even being on campus — beginning with the Spring 2022 term.
An Ohio State spokesperson confirmed no students, athletes included, would be prohibited from participating in activities during the current semester. However, they cannot register for spring classes while they are non-compliant.
One of the three games Ohio State had canceled in 2020 was a result of its own coronavirus outbreak. Several players were absent from late-season games and the playoff semifinal and national championship due to either positive tests or contact tracing.
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