Mississippi Adopts Statewide Shelter-In-Place Order
Gov. Tate Reeves issued a statewide shelter-in-place order today in an effort to protect public health. The shelter-in-place order takes effect this Friday, April 3 at 5 p.m. and will remain in effect until Monday, April 20 at 8 a.m. For the governor’s announcement and proclamation, click here. You can track similar orders and actions adopted by other states in this USA Today article.
Quote of the Day
“We have not experienced the amplitude of the COVID-19 pandemic, so that makes it more difficult to process. A tornado is quick by comparison. What we’re experiencing now is insidious. It unfolds over a period of time. And it’s also different because this is an event that affects everyone, whether they objectively realize it or not. While there are some groups that appear to be more vulnerable than others – the elderly, those with underlying medical conditions – COVID-19 doesn’t care where you live, what your socioeconomic status is or what your political beliefs are. It’s a human issue.”
– Stefan Schulenberg, professor of psychology and director of UM’s Clinical-Disaster Research Center (Source: Ole Miss News)
Featured FAQ
Q: Where can students go for information about emergency financial aid?
A: Students may reach out to the UMatter Office if they are in need of emergency financial aid, or Rebel Relief. Financial Aid will review each case and students will be asked to provide documentation of financial need, such as monthly bills or evidence of a lost job, etc. Rebel Relief awards are small microgrants and may not cover ongoing expenses that students may face. Food expenses will likely be referred to the Food Bank, Oxford Food Pantry or other resources that address food insecurity. Please contact UMatter at umatter@olemiss.edu or 662-915-7248.
University News
Virtual 5K
Join Ole Miss Campus Recreation and the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce for a Virtual 5K on April 25. Run, walk or roll your way to a 5K — wherever you are, however you can. Everyone in the Lafayette/Oxford/University community is invited to participate in this fun and free event. We can be fit while practicing social distancing. We are apart, together. Click here to register: https://raceroster.com/events/2020/31035/virtual-5k and see the Rebel Well page for creative ways to exercise while in self-quarantine and social distancing.
Faculty and Staff
“Keep Discovering” Site Established
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs has launched the Keep Discovering website to keep the campus research community informed on key issues as we strive to maintain mission-critical research activities safely during the COVID-19 outbreak. Check the site daily for updates to FAQs, key announcements from sponsoring agencies, and emerging funding opportunities related to COVID-19.
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs has launched the Keep Discovering website to keep the campus research community informed on key issues as we strive to maintain mission-critical research activities safely during the COVID-19 outbreak. Check the site daily for updates to FAQs, key announcements from sponsoring agencies, and emerging funding opportunities related to COVID-19.
Communiversity Classes
The university’s Communiversity program is offering free non-credit classes for the Ole Miss and Oxford community to support and encourage members during this time. To register for these free online courses, please visit www.outreach.olemiss.edu/communiversity/classes.html
The university’s Communiversity program is offering free non-credit classes for the Ole Miss and Oxford community to support and encourage members during this time. To register for these free online courses, please visit www.outreach.olemiss.edu/communiversity/classes.html
- If you would like to polish your Zoom meeting protocol, check out “Speaking with Confidence Online” with UM Speech Instructor Ellie Moore. The 40-minute class will help you consider the environment, technology, appearance, tone, and non-verbal delivery in your online meetings. The online class will meet Thursdays beginning April 2 at 1 p.m.
- Self-care is important. The Midweek Movement and Meditation course offered Wednesdays from 4:30-5:15 p.m. can help you manage anxiety and find calm through stretching and mindful meditation. UM Professor of Dance Jennifer Mizenko leads the class.
Other Things to Know
Mayor Robyn Tannehill and the Oxford Board of Aldermen will hold a Special Called Meeting on Thursday, April 2 at 10 a.m. The Board will consider an extension of the time frame of Oxford’s Stay-at-Home resolution that passed on March 22. The current resolution is set to expire April 6. The Board will consider extending the resolution to April 30. For more, see City of Oxford updates.
The University of Mississippi Medical Center and the Mississippi State Department of Health will have mobile COVID-19 sample collection sites on the following dates:
- April 2: Natchez, Adams County Safe Room
- April 4: Carriere, Pearl River County Health Department
- April 6: Ripley, Tippah County Coliseum
The appointment-only testing is free of charge. Mississippians who have been screened as being at high risk of infection can give a specimen sample, via a nose swab, without exiting their vehicle.
Anyone experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, who wants to be tested must first undergo a free screening from a UMMC clinician through the C Spire Health UMMC Virtual COVID-19 Triage telehealth smartphone app. Those without a smartphone can call 601-496-7200. Appointments for testing will be given only to people who are symptomatic for COVID-19 and determined to need testing. Anyone who is not experiencing symptoms is asked not to use the app or call. Click here for full details.
Though the 27th annual Oxford Conference for the Book was cancelled, conference organizers are posting audio and video from previous conferences. Visit the Oxford Conference for the Book website daily for audio, video, interviews and book reviews.
On the Lighter Side: Actor John Krasinski’s “Some Good News” show is inspiring people to share uplifting stories.