Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

Wednesday, April 29, 2020 COVID-19 updates

Today, Chancellor Boyce shared an update with the university community including:

  • Fall 2020: We remain committed to pursuing all possible ways to resume in-person instruction for all classes on the Oxford and regional campuses. Any future changes to our plan will depend on how the public health emergency unfolds over the coming months. This situation remains fluid, and university leadership will notify you about our plans for Fall 2020 no later than June 30.
  • Financial assistance for students: Funds are available through the federal CARES Act and the generosity of Ole Miss donors who supported Rebel Aid earlier this month. Students can apply online for an emergency assistance grant.
  • University Housing: When restrictions are lifted further, University Housing will unveil an appointment-based system for students to set a date when they can retrieve belongings. Current state and local orders remain in effect until May 11.
  • Class of 2020 celebration: On Saturday, May 9 at noon CDT, the university will host a livestreamed celebration of the Class of 2020. Be sure to visit the new Journey to Commencement site where you’ll find incredible stories of our graduating students and their academic and personal journeys from Ole Miss student to Ole Miss graduate. 
Read the chancellor’s entire message.

University News

Parks and Recreation Areas
The Shelter-in-Place order issued April 1 by Gov. Tate Reeves closed “all places of amusement and recreation, whether indoors or outdoors,” excluding walking trails, across the State of Mississippi. The closure of those spaces remains in effect under the governor’s current Safer-At-Home order and the City of Oxford’s Stay-At-Home resolution. As a result, the university continues to prohibit all gatherings in green spaces – including the Grove, the Circle, the Insight Park Intramural Fields, recreation facilities and biking trails. The South Campus Trails are open for walking only. Please do your part to slow the spread of the coronavirus by practicing social distancing. Thank you for taking steps to protect the health of our community.
SOUTH CAMPUS TRAILS ARE OPEN FOR WALKING ONLY
OPEN FOR LIMITED USE:
— The Grove
— The Circle
These areas are OPEN for essential or mission-critical faculty and employees who must access the Grove and the Circle. Pedestrian or foot traffic by the general public is permissible. These areas are CLOSED for public or group “amusement or recreation” such as picnics, social gatherings and pick-up games.
CLOSED AREAS:
— Insight Park Intramural Fields
— South Campus Intramural
— Campus Walk Fitness Center
— Campus Walk Basketball
— Golf Course

Other Things to Know

The City of Oxford issued “Serving Oxford Safely,” the first phase of a plan approved by the Board of Aldermen to guide recovery of the local economy 
 
Visit Oxford, the City of Oxford and Chick-fil-A are sponsoring a face coverings giveaway on Friday, May 1 at Oxford High School from 8-10 a.m. and 5-7 p.m.
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added several new symptoms to its existing list of symptoms for COVID-19, including chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.
UMMC and MSDH are hosting mobile COVID-19 sample collection sites. The appointment-only testing is free of charge. 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.
  • April 30: Bolton, Bolton Edwards Elementary/Middle School
  • April 30: Greenwood, Greenwood/LeFlore Co. Civic Center
  • May 1: Pittsboro, Calhoun County Extension Office
  • May 1: Hazlehurst, Multipurpose Building
  • May 2: Decatur, Clarke Venable Baptist Church
The Oxford Film Festival presents its second Virtual Film Festival Week (May 1-8) showcasing films that were scheduled previously for the 2020 festival’s run in local theaters.
 
Disney is releasing “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” on its Disney+ platform two months ahead of schedule due to the pandemic. The movie debuts on the platform globally on May 4.
On the Lighter Side: Traveling by Ear: Podcasts for Wandering Souls
There are a number of university studies and surveys available that welcome your participation. Below is a series of links for you to learn about them and participate.