Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

Wednesday, August 19, 2020 COVID-19 updates

University News

16 Individuals Test Positive for COVID-19
The university received notification today (Aug. 19, 2020) that 15 student-athletes and one employee tested positive for COVID-19, which constitutes an outbreak of cases on campus per the Mississippi State Department of Health’s guidelines. These individuals were tested earlier this week as part of a mass screening for student-athletes returning to campus and were instructed to quarantine until test results were received. Eleven of the 15 student-athletes are members of the same team. Per MSDH guidance, these individuals will be isolated immediately to prevent the spread of the virus. UM and MSDH are conducting contact tracing and will communicate with those who may have been in close contact with these individuals.
 
See notification: https://umtoday.olemiss.edu/av.jsp?umtid=34780
 
UM Contact Tracing Team
The university has created an internal contact tracing team and an extensive process to notify members of the campus community who may have come into contact with a positive case as another tool to help curtail the spread of COVID-19. The university’s contact tracing team is composed of 21 volunteers from the School of Applied Sciences. Every volunteer from the School of Applied Sciences has completed the COVID-19 Contact Tracing Course from Johns Hopkins University and trained for HIPAA compliance to protect the privacy of faculty, staff and students. Read the full story.
 
Reminder about outdoor gatherings, social distancing and face masks
Under current executive orders (1492, 1511, 1514 and 1518) issued by Gov. Tate Reeves, no more than 20 people can gather for outdoor social gatherings. Social distancing of six feet must be maintained between individuals not living in the same household. Masks are required outside when social distancing can’t be maintained.
 
Ole Miss Bookstore hours of operation
August 19-21: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
August 22-23: 12 noon-5 p.m.
August 24-28: 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
August 29: 12 noon-5 p.m.
August 30: CLOSED
 
Ole Miss Dining hours of operation 
August 20
  • Residential: Rebel Market 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m./3:30-8 p.m.
  • Union: Chick-Fil-A 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Panda Express/Which Wich/Qdoba/McAllister’s 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
August 21
  • Residential: Rebel Market 7 a.m.–1:30 p.m./3:30-8 p.m.
    • Marketplace 7 a.m.–2 p.m./4-8 p.m.
  • Union: Chick-Fil-A 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
  • Panda Express/Which Wich/Qdoba/McAllister’s 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
  • Retail: Papa John’s 12 p.m.–12 a.m.
  • PODs: Minor/Towers/Crosby 12 p.m.–12 a.m.
August 22
  • Residential: Rebel Market 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m./3:30-8 p.m.
    • Marketplace 10 a.m.-2 p.m./4-8 p.m.
  • Union restaurants: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Retail: Papa John’s 12 p.m.-12 a.m.
    PODs: Minor/Towers/Crosby 12 p.m.-12 a.m.
August 23
  • Residential: Rebel Market 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m./3:30-8 p.m.
    • Marketplace 10 a.m.-2 p.m./4-8 p.m.
  • Union: All restaurants except Chick-fil-A 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Retail: Papa John’s 12 p.m.-12 a.m.
  • PODs: Minor/Towers/Crosby 12 p.m.-12 a.m.

Grill at 1810 
Due to certain COVID-19 restrictions and scheduled events, the Grill at 1810 in the Manning Center will be open only for regular service Monday-Friday from 6:30-10 a.m. during the Fall 2020 semester.
 
Featured FAQs
How do I know if I’m wearing my mask correctly?
The CDC recommends that people wear masks in public and when around people who don’t live in the same household. Wear a mask to protect others and follow this guidance:
  • Wash your hands before putting on your mask
  • Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
  • Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face
  • Make sure you can breathe easily
  • Don’t put the mask around your neck or up on your forehead
  • Don’t touch the mask, and, if you do, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to disinfect
 
Are masks with exhalation valves or vents recommended?
The CDC does not recommend using masks if they have an exhalation valve or vent. The purpose of masks is to keep respiratory droplets from reaching others to aid with source control. Masks with one-way valves or vents allow exhaled air to be expelled through holes in the material, which allows exhaled respiratory droplets to reach others and potentially spread the COVID-19 virus. 
University COVID-19-related news stories

Student News

Required Student Module on COVID-19 Protocols
All students are required to complete the Campus Ready Student Module by Sunday, August 23. You can access the module in the Blackboard portal under “Courses.” The module outlines the university’s plan to protect health and safety and aims to help students understand how to protect themselves and others. If you have questions, please email Student Affairs.

Faculty and Staff News

Recordings from Faculty and Staff Town Halls
The recordings from the Faculty Town Hall on Aug. 14 and the Staff Town Hall on Aug. 18 are now available. To access them, complete the registration process via the links below and it will take you to the recordings. Please email marcomm@olemiss.edu if you need assistance.
 
Faculty: https://olemiss.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZeAB30sWTlWdimpzSwikKQ
Staff: https://olemiss.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tCeoMi8sT8WjehvbA5CaJw

Other Things to Know

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 complete a free screening from a UMMC clinician through an online screening questionnaire, or you 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, Monday-Saturday: Jackson, West Street Farmers Market
  • August 20: Pittsboro, Calhoun County Extension Office
  • August 20: Senatobia, Tate County Courthouse
  • August 21: Tupelo, Bancorp South Arena Parking Lot
  • August 22: Macon, Noxubee Civic Center
  • August 24: Meridian, Lauderdale County AG Center
  • August 24: Canton, Canton Multipurpose Complex
  • August 25: Natchez, Adams County Safe Room
  • August 25: Booneville, Prentiss County Agri-Center
  • August 26: Louisville, Louisville Coliseum
  • August 26: Tunica, Paul Battle Arena
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.
Free testing now available for teachers and staff of K12 through UMC/MSDH/Nat Guard testing clinics
CDC guidance on duration of isolation and precautions for adults with COVID-19
CDC updated isolation guidance does not imply immunity to COVID-19
 
Webinar offers guidance for Lafayette and Panola County entrepreneurs
 
Researchers found a way to clean N95 masks for reuse — in a common electric cooker (Washington Post)
On the Lighter Side
Important Links
University studies and surveys
There are university studies and surveys underway that welcome your participation. Below is information on how you can learn about them and participate.