Oxford College announced this morning that classes would be remote today due to fog and smoke from the BioLab plant that caught fire in Conyers, Ga. on Sept. 29. In-person classes and work schedules are set to resume tomorrow, but if the administration decides to extend the remote schedule, the College will email an announcement to the Oxford community at 7 a.m. tomorrow morning.
The College and Oxford College Dean Badia Ahad announced the changes in a series of emails to the Oxford community throughout the day. The first email of the morning stated that there is no current indication that the air quality poses a risk to community members.
“Emory is taking this issue seriously, and representatives from our Environmental Health and Safety Office are on their way to the Oxford campus to conduct air quality tests this morning,” the email read.
Oxford sent a second email later in the morning confirming that the tests did not detect chlorine or any other concerns in the air. However, people should limit their time outside and individuals with respiratory conditions should remain indoors, according to the email.
Following these two announcements, Ahad wrote in an email to Oxford students that she recognized the “concern and uncertainty” the fire caused.
“I deeply regret the disruptions caused by the Conyers fire, and I remain committed to restoring a sense of stability as we move forward,” Ahad wrote. “Please know that your health, safety, and well-being are our highest priorities.”
Ahad assured students that Emory has been actively monitoring the situation and responding to the changing conditions. She added that the administration remains in contact with the Critical Event Preparedness and Response team and Emory Environmental Health and Safety to ensure that the College is taking necessary precautions.
Oxford will continue to be in communication with local and state officials and provide guidance if the situation changes.
