Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

Wednesday, August 26, 2020 COVID-19 updates

University News

COVID-19 Dashboard
Supplementing data shared via the confirmed cases page, the University of Mississippi launched a dashboard Tuesday (Aug. 25) that tracks a number of metrics related to the presence of the virus on campus, including:
  • Active confirmed cases (including a breakdown of student, staff and faculty cases)
  • Number of outbreaks on campus (currently defined by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) as the confirmation of three or more concurrent cases of COVID-19 in the same environment, space, or program that has the potential to spread or have been spread to others in the same environment space, or program. Note that it is possible for overlap of outbreaks. For example, if an outbreak occurs in a program, and they also live in the same area, it will show up in the counts of both.)
  • Percentage of university-provided isolation and quarantine beds available on campus for on-campus residents
The dashboard will be updated daily by noon with data as of midnight the previous day.
 
Isolation and Quarantine
Below is an overview of what on-campus residents can expect if they are directed to isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19. This process is triggered if:
  1. You test positive for COVID-19,
  2. You show symptoms and are awaiting results of a COVID-19 test, or
  3. You have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
The university has designated isolation spaces for on-campus residents who test positive for COVID. The university has additional spaces designated for on-campus residents who need to quarantine because they have been identified as a close contact of someone who tested positive. The designated isolation and quarantine spaces are in different areas.
 
Guidance from MSDH advises that an outbreak occurs when three or more cases emerge within the same environment, space, or program, such as a floor or a wing of a residence hall. Following that guidance, the other residents of that floor or wing need to quarantine for 14 days. In these cases, the quarantine order applies only to residents on the floor or wing, not the entire residence hall.
 
Students who are directed to quarantine will receive a letter from Student Housing as well as follow-up communications that outline student support and resources. Note that people in quarantine should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow directions from the Mississippi State Department of Health. Students who are in quarantine should not attend in-person classes.
 
The letter from Student Housing will encourage students to consult with their families to consider their options for quarantine, which require you to leave your assigned residence space. The options are:
  1. Relocate off campus or to a family residence, or
  2. Relocate to a designated quarantine space on campus identified by University Housing.
 
Please note that students who are directed to go into quarantine will have time to consult with family and Student Housing to make a plan for you and act on it.
 
Visit this page to learn more about the Department of Student Housing’s guide to isolation and quarantine for on-campus residents, Student Affairs support for all students and other resources.
 
Rules of the Road: Let’s Talk about COVID-19 Testing 
Check out the recent blog from Dr. Jean Gispen, Staff Physician with Employee Health. She provides an in-depth look at COVID-19 testing, including a deep dive into terms such as isolation, quarantine and close contact. The blog also includes four very helpful flow charts about what you should do in the following situations:
  • You take a PCR COVID test because you have symptoms
  • You take a PCR COVID test because you had close contact with someone who has COVID
  • You take a PCR COVID test as surveillance testing
  • You take a rapid (Antigen) COVID test
 
Student Disability Services Testing Center Guidelines
The SDS Testing Center has updated guidelines for Fall 2020.
 
Pharmacy Health Services Curbside Pickup
As faculty, staff and students return to Oxford, Pharmacy Health Services (PHS) wants to facilitate the convenience of curbside service and keep the campus community safe and healthy. PHS will continue to provide curbside pickup, but modify its operation for the safety of campus pedestrians.
  • Customers will pull into the main parking lot, located on the south side of the V.B. Harrison Health Center and Meek Hall.
  • You are allowed to remain in the lane but please don’t block traffic. 
  • Customers should contact the pharmacy upon arrival and wait in their car until a staff member brings them their medications.
The PHS staff can be reached via phone at (662) 915-5279 or email your questions or concerns to umpharmacy@olemiss.edu. Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. CT and Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. CT. Visit the University Health website for more information.
 
Ole Miss Bookstore hours of operation
Aug. 26-28: 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Aug. 29: 12 noon-5 p.m.
Aug. 30: CLOSED
 
Ole Miss Dining 
Ole Miss Dining is pleased to offer an on-campus delivery option called “Starship,” which is delivered by robots from select on-campus locations. To download the app or learn more about Starship delivery, visit Dining Services’ Starship Deliveries site. And be sure to check out the Ole Miss Dining website for hours of operation of various dining options.
 
University COVID-19-related news stories

Student News

COVID-19 Student Self-Report Form/Support for Students in Quarantine or Isolation
Whether you are on an on-campus resident or live off campus, completing this Student Self-Report Form will help the university provide support and resources to students who are directed to go into quarantine or isolation. No information from this form will be used for student conduct purposes. Students in quarantine may be awaiting results of a COVID-19 test or have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, while students in isolation have tested positive for COVID-19. See the letter from the Dean of Students and contact him at bmarsh@olemiss.edu for additional information.
 
10 Things to Know for Fall 2020
Check out the letter from Dr. Charlotte Pegues, Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, that shares helpful information for Fall 2020.
 
COVID-19 accountability information for students
All students are strongly encouraged to visit the COVID-19 Student Action Response Tier webpage, which details the expectations for conduct and behaviors as well as potential disciplinary referrals for students and residents (on and off campus), student organizations, events and activities on and off campus, and transportation provided by O.U.T. and university entities.
 
Student Zoom Stations
Students on campus who need a place to Zoom for an hour or two for a remote or hybrid course may use a Student Zoom Station on campus. These spaces are designed for students to bring their computer and sit at a desk/table to Zoom for a course. They are not designed as study stations, but rather as a place to sit for an hour or two to Zoom for a course while on campus. A list of spaces with the number of Zoom stations available is listed below.  Students may also use the WiFi in the Grove and other outdoor spaces or in some classrooms/buildings which may not be occupied. Students should remember to follow all safety protocols while Zooming, including wearing a mask and physical distancing.
  • Tad Smith Coliseum — 20 spaces
  • Yerby Lobby Area — 22 spaces
  • Lamar 208 — 8 spaces
  • Lamar 315 — 8 spaces
  • Hume 113 — 12 spaces
  • Bondurant E114 — 5 spaces
  • Bondurant 116W — 5 spaces
 
Welcome Week Activities
Students can anticipate both virtual and in-person activities during annual Welcome Week, which continues through Friday, Aug. 28.
 
Important Updates for Registered Student Organizations
Updates for the Fall 2020 semester for Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) regarding COVID-19 Protocol and events/activities:
 
Visit the Student Union website to sign up for RSO Orientation and learn more about important processes for the fall. If you have any questions, email getinvolved@olemiss.edu. 

Faculty and Staff

COVID-19 Fact Sheet for Faculty
This roadmap for UM faculty provides a quick, centralized overview of COVID-19-related information available through olemiss.edu websites. It will be updated as more information becomes available.
 
Public Education and Awareness
The Public Education and Awareness Subcommittee has developed resources and materials to communicate changes in operations, expectations and health information in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Visit this page for physical and digital signage, photography, “Are You Ready” digital email signature images and social media graphics. 

Other Things to Know

Gov. Tate Reeves issued Executive Order 1519, which outlines regulations for college and university stadium events and accompanying social gatherings outside stadiums, in effect until  Aug. 31.
 
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 found, 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 27: Waynesboro, City Auditorium
  • August 27: Ashland, Benton County Courthouse
  • August 28, Eupora, Garran Parking Lot
  • August 28: Greenville, Washington County Convention Center
  • August 29: Laurel, Cameron Center
  • August 29: De Kalb, Kemper County High School
  • August 31: Ackerman, Choctaw County EOC/Old County Building
  • August 31: Itta Bena, MVSU Football Stadium
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.
 
City of Oxford COVID-19 data
 
3 key steps to take while waiting for your COVID-19 test result
 
How to help your child wear a mask
 
Read about the “Mask Now Party Later” pledge focused on bringing back live events sooner
 
5 things we know about flying right now
 
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.