Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

Wednesday, September 30, 2020 COVID-19 updates

University News

Face coverings required
As outlined in the Campus Ready plan, the university established parameters and protocols based on recommended preventive measures issued by public health officials and will continue to adhere to a mask mandate to limit the spread of coronavirus. This university mandate aligns with current guidance from the City of Oxford for wearing face coverings in public settings. While Gov. Tate Reeves announced Wednesday that he was lifting the statewide mask mandate, local governments have the authority to institute their own measures. All faculty, staff, students and visitors are required to comply with the requirement to wear a face covering properly in any indoor setting when in the presence of other people, or outdoors when it is not possible to maintain at least six feet between yourself and others. The Oxford Board of Aldermen is scheduled to meet Thursday, Oct. 1 to discuss the status of the local mask mandate. 
 
Sentinel Testing Program
The university has created a dashboard to share data about the Sentinel Testing Program. The dashboard is housed on the same page as the COVID-19 dashboard and can be found by scrolling down the page. The Sentinel Testing Program dashboard will be updated each Friday. Since the week of Sept. 7, the university’s Sentinel Testing Program offered 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 among asymptomatic carriers and how it spreads on campus. Participation will be an important factor in decisions to adjust campus social restrictions. An overview of the program and FAQs is available on the COVID-19 website, or you can learn more in this news story about the program.
 
Get your flu shots
Operation Immunization will provide flu shots to the Ole Miss community on Oct. 6, 15, 21 and 27 from 1-4 p.m. each day. The cost is $40, which can be billed to most insurance plans. UM students, faculty and staff should bring their Ole Miss ID and prescription insurance card. The vaccine will be offered in a drive-thru setup at the South Oxford Center Parking Garage at 2301 S. Lamar Blvd. COVID-19 symptoms and temperatures will be checked. Be sure to check out this article from the University of Mississippi Medical Center about the importance of a flu shot amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
MSDH COVID-19 testing for university students and employees
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) offers universal testing in every county for college and university students, faculty and staff, including symptomatic and asymptomatic testing. You can be tested free of charge at any county health department testing location listed on this page, or daily at the free testing site in Jackson. Testing is offered at these locations only on scheduled days (see complete list of locations and testing days here) and you will need to complete an online questionnaire and make an appointment before you visit.
 
University COVID-19-related news stories

Student

Workshops and tutoring
Check out resources from the Center for Student Success and First-Year Experience, including student success workshops, tutoring resources and supplemental instruction support.
 
Study abroad planning by country
For information on prospective countries of study, the Office of Global Engagement maintains a list of international restrictions, visa availability and flights. The information is to assist in making an informed decision about a country of study and whether there may be a better choice based on the ability to enter and have a valuable, in-person experience in the spring. The list is updated every Monday. 
All Majors Video Career Expo 
  • Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 12 noon–4 p.m.
  • Internships and full-time jobs 
  • Must register on Handshake to attend
  • Network with CSpire, Enterprise, Community Bank, Insight Global, FedEx, Walgreens and other employers
Ice cream giveaway
Enjoy a FREE frozen treat on the Student Union Plaza with the Student Activities Association on Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. See more information.

Other Things to Know

How to build rapport … while wearing a mask (Harvard Business Review)
 
How to select, wear, and clean your mask
 
City of Oxford COVID-19 Trick or Treating Guidelines
 
On the Lighter Side
  • The Nose Knows: Sniffer dogs trained to recognize COVID-19 scent on arriving passengers on a trial at Helsinki’s airport (NYT article)
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.