Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

Wednesday, September 16, 2020 COVID-19 updates

University News

White House official visits UM to discuss COVID-19 response efforts
As part of a series of visits to select universities across the country, Dr. Deborah Birx – the coronavirus response coordinator for the White House Coronavirus Task Force — toured the Oxford campus on Sept. 12 to meet with university, state and local officials and students to learn more about the university’s protocols and procedures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Read the full story.
 
Executive Order 1522
On Sept. 13, Gov. Tate Reeves issued Executive Order 1522 to extend the mask mandate; update capacities for retail businesses, restaurants, gyms, reception halls and conference centers; and update the allowable number of participants for indoor and outdoor social gatherings. The order is in effect until Sept. 30. See this summary of Executive Orders shared by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH).
 
University launched Sentinel Testing Program
The university is offering free COVID-19 tests to asymptomatic members of the university community. The Sentinel Testing Program is designed to provide university officials with a better understanding of the virus’s presence in asymptomatic carriers and how it spreads on campus. See this video address from Noel Wilkin, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, for more information.
 
University COVID-19-related news stories

Students

Drive-in movie featuring “Grease!”
Join the Student Activities Association and the William Magee Center for Wellness Education on Sept. 17 at the Oxford Film Fest Drive-In for a showing of “Grease!” Spots are limited – Guests must RSVP to reserve a spot for a vehicle. Visit this page for more information.
 
Reporting COVID-19 tests over the weekend or after business hours
Need to report your positive COVID-19 result to University Health Services outside business hours? There are two ways you can accomplish this.
  1. Download the Everbridge App and select the “Report Positive COVID-19” button. Scan or take a picture of your results and upload it to our HIPAA-compliant UMBOX. Only University Health Services personnel will be able to view your documentation.
  2. Fill out the UHS Self Report form, scan or take a picture of your results and upload both the form and your results to our HIPAA-compliant UMBOX. Only University Health Services personnel will be able to view your documentation.

Faculty and Staff

Contract Administration during COVID
More than 1,000 employment contracts are now loaded into Box accounts for Chairs, Department Heads, Program Directors, or designees, as instructed. The contracts were delivered in electronic format, rather than the traditional paper format. Each chair and department head is required to review for accuracy.  As an “editor” of the Box folder, the designee may “share” with an administrator or business manager and determine the best mechanism to distribute the employment contract to each eligible faculty or staff member in your area.
 
Sharing Contracts Electronically:
  • Box option:  Share the document individually and not to a group, so each recipient will only be able to view their own contract.
  • Email option: Email the contract between @olemiss.edu accounts.  Keeping it internal to the UM system preserves security and encryption and keeps the information secure.
 
Electronic Signatures:
Due to the COVID pandemic, an electronic signature is acceptable. To use this option, you must have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader is required (download here), then follow these directions to fill and sign the document.
 
Each area may upload signed documents into the Box folder or send hard copies to Human Resources. Please upload or return the signed contracts to Human Resources by Sept. 30.
 
As in the past, edits and additions are expected. Forward any corrections or questions directly to Desha Ferguson, Manager of Payroll. The initial data was pulled Aug. 17.  Additional hires were included, however, we recognize that additional E-forms for changes (title and pay rates) may have been processed since there was not a traditional budget upload this year. Your patience and understanding when requesting edits is appreciated.
 
Sign-up opens soon for “Naturally Slim through State Health Plan”
During the pandemic, when many people are experiencing COVID-related weight gain, State Health Plan members in Naturally Slim experienced clinically significant weight loss. A recently conducted study shows that of the 4,208 Mississippi State and School Employees’ Health Insurance Plan members enrolled in Naturally Slim, the total weight loss (so far) for 2020 is 19,761 pounds! Participants also experienced other quality of life improvements, including 58% who improved their mood, 63% who increased their energy levels and 70% who increased their physical activity.
  • Application period: Sept. 21-Oct. 2—Apply at www.naturallyslim.com/mississippi
  • Program starts: Oct. 21
  • Eligibility: Naturally Slim is offered at NO COST to Plan participants 18 and older, provided Mississippi’s State and School Employees’ Health Insurance Plan is your primary insurance coverage. This includes employees, covered spouses, and covered adult dependents.
  • Naturally Slim is offered at NO COST to Plan members
  • Questions? Contact customer service at support@naturallyslim.com

Other things to know

Letter to the Editor: UM asymptomatic testing is free, but there is a cost if we don’t participate
 
It’s ok to be smart: How well do masks work? (Schlieren Imaging In Slow Motion)
 
City of Oxford Shelter Show installation #2 with a piece by Frank Estrada is up on Belk Blvd. in front of NWCC
 
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.