Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

Wednesday, July 22, 2020 COVID-19 updates

University News

Video Message from Provost Noel Wilkin
As work continues on COVID-19 plans for the fall, Provost Noel Wilkin issued a video message this week that highlights many of the protocols that form the new foundation for how we will operate in the fall. He discusses a CDC study that illustrates why wearing face coverings is effective in preventing spread.
Stressed by COVID? Find simple moments and revel in them

Dr. Jean Gispen, staff physician at the Employee Health Center within University Health Services, shares some thoughts for people who are now much busier or more stressed out by COVID-19. Be sure to take a moment and read her blog.

University COVID-19-related news stories

Students

Student Housing
Fall 2020 Move-In Information
The Department of Student Housing communicated information this week through Ole Miss Gmail to all Fall 2020 students living on campus about information and instructions for scheduling an appointment to move into their Fall 2020 room. Move-in will take place from August 15-21. Once students have reviewed and signed the Housing Contract Addendum, they will have the option to schedule their move-in appointment. Students should check their student email account for more information.
Online Courses
Any students who currently have a housing contract for 2020-21 and have all online courses for Fall 2020 can submit a Student Housing Appeal to be released from living on campus for the Fall 2020 semester. Requests will be evaluated by the Student Housing Appeals Committee. Course schedules will need to be verified after the tenth day of classes in the fall semester before an appeal is approved. Please note that this appeal only applies to the Fall 2020 semester. Both first-year freshmen and continuing students who signed a housing contract for the 2020-2021 academic year and are approved for the Fall 2020 exception will be required to live on campus for the Spring 2021 semester. Please contact Student Housing at housing@olemiss.edu or 662-915-2378 for more information. 
Course delivery modes in schedules
Course delivery modes for Fall 2020 courses are now updated in the scheduling system. Students can log into myOleMiss to see delivery modes for each course on their schedule. For details about the four delivery modes, please see the definitions for each delivery format. Room adjustments will be completed by August 15 — students who have face-to-face or hybrid courses should check their schedule again after August 15 to verify the classroom. Please note that individual course delivery changes or university-wide delivery course changes may be required due to the evolving pandemic and our implementation of strategies to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Disability-related exemption of face covering requirement
Students who would like to explore a disability-related exemption to the University’s face covering requirement, should contact Student Disability Services (SDS). Students who are not currently registered with SDS should complete an online application available on the SDS site. The application process requires an interview with an SDS staff member and the submission of medical documentation that specifically addresses the ways in which wearing a face covering may aggravate a diagnosed medical condition. Students who are already registered with SDS should log into their Rebel Access portal and complete a form to request a new accommodation. Please note: If an exemption is approved, the student is required to wear a face shield instead.
FAQ video for students and families
Watch this video for students and families to learn more about how the university will return to on-campus instruction for the Fall 2020 semester.
Featured FAQ
For in-person classes offered this fall, will classrooms operate like they did before the pandemic?
You will see several changes in classrooms this fall. Seating will be limited in order to maintain social distancing. Students will have assigned seats, and faculty and students will be required to wear a mask or a cloth face covering in the classroom. Hand sanitizer stations will be provided in classroom buildings. As a shared responsibility, faculty and students will be asked to wipe down high-touch surfaces in classrooms before leaving.

Faculty/Staff

FAQ video for faculty and staff
Watch this video for faculty and staff to learn more about how the university will resume daily operations and return to on-campus instruction for the Fall 2020 semester.
Featured FAQ
What do I need to do before I return to campus?
1. All employees (including faculty, administrators and supervisors/managers) are required to complete the “Return to Work on Campus” training module that is accessible at blackboard.olemiss.edu.
2. All employees (including faculty, administrators and supervisors/managers) are required to review what’s expected of employees related to returning to work on campus. The module requires that you certify via the digital attestation that it has been read and that you understand what’s you are expected to do to prevent spread.
3. All employees (including faculty, administrators and supervisors/managers) are required to complete the UM COVID-19 Daily Symptom Checker, which is based on current CDC guidance. Employees will use this interactive tool daily to check for coronavirus symptoms and learn about resources available to help protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19.  The submissions are anonymous and no identifying information or personal health data is collected.  The checker is a public health program and a necessity as we promote a safe community.

Other Things to Know

Gov. Tate Reeves has issued the following executive orders related to COVID-19:  
City of Oxford Board of Aldermen Meeting – July 21, 2020
 
CDC guidance on quarantining
 
More major retailers are moving from recommending to requiring customers to wear masks in order to enter their stores
 
How to help kids embrace mask-wearing
UMMC and MSDH are hosting mobile COVID-19 sample collection sites. The appointment-only testing is free of charge. Mississippians who want to be tested must first complete a free screening from a UMMC clinician through an online questionnaire found at umc.edu/covidscreening. Or, they can call the UMMC Center for Telehealth at (601) 496-7200 on Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Anyone determined to need testing will be given an appointment date and time at the testing site most convenient.
  • Weekly, Mon–Sat: Jackson, West Street Farmers Market
  • July 23: Lexington, Lexington Multi-Purpose Center
  • July 23: Tupelo, Bancorp South Arena Parking Lot
  • July 24: Heidelberg, Bogue Houma Facility Building
  • July 24: Brandon, Brandon City Hall
  • July 25: Pontotoc, Pontotoc County Agri-Center Extension Office
  • July 25: Southaven, Landers Center
For other testing locations available statewide, please visit the MSDH website. Those testing locations are not affiliated with UMMC and have their own screening and appointment processes.
On the Lighter Side: 
Important Links
There are university studies and surveys underway that welcome your participation. Below is information on how you can learn about them and participate.