Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

Wednesday, November 4, 2020 COVID-19 updates

University News

Updated COVID guidance for students
The American College Health Association has issued guidance recommending what college and university students should consider doing before departing at the end of the fall semester.
Sentinel testing expanded as holidays approach
The university’s Sentinel Testing Program (asymptomatic testing) will be available to students, faculty and staff through the end of the semester at no charge on Nov. 10-11, 19-20 and 23-25. Testing takes place in the Ford Center media parking lot, and you will be able to drive through or walk up to the testing area. Getting tested takes less than five minutes and results are usually shared within a few hours. Anyone who has already been tested is eligible to do so again. Faculty, staff and students are welcomed and encouraged to get tested before the holidays.
Other ways to get tested for COVID-19
In addition to symptomatic COVID-19 testing through University Health Services, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has universal testing available in every county for college and university students, faculty and staff. This offer includes symptomatic and asymptomatic testing. You can be tested free of charge at any county health department testing locations 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). 
You will need to make an appointment before you visit by filling out an online questionnaire. You will receive an appointment regardless of whether you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is infected. When completing the online questionnaire, if you are asymptomatic be sure to provide answers through the fourth question, which asks, “Are you a student, faculty, or staff member of a Mississippi college or university?” When you respond “yes,” you will have options to choose a location and select a date and time.
The COVID-19 site also includes a list of area clinics that offer COVID-19 testing.
Zoom Chat available for all faculty/staff/students
The Chat feature built into Zoom is available to all UM employees and students and offers the features needed by most UM organizations for day-to-day operational communications. From the Zoom application on your chosen device, choose the Chat function from the buttons at top (on most computers) or bottom (on most mobile devices) to get started. From here, you can create direct messages to individual users or create multi-user “channels” similar to those used in Slack or other products. Both individual messages and channels can be used to exchange plain text messages, documents, images, audio or video files, and much more. See the UM Today announcement for more information.
University COVID-19-related news stories

Students

Videos about course formats
Be sure to check out the collection of faculty videos about  “What Can You Expect in Your Hybrid, Remote, or Online Class?” These videos describe the course formats and let you hear directly from professors about how they are teaching their particular mode. The collection is organized by mode and represent just some of the ways that your instructor will be engaging with you in the Spring 2021 semester.
UM Libraries upcoming workshops
Nov. 5, 12:15-12:30 p.m. — Shortshop: Finding Free 3D Printable Designs
This 15-minute workshop will show you how to use Thingiverse, a website where you can download FREE 3D printable files such as models, miniatures, tools and more.
Nov. 6, 12:15-12:30 p.m. — Shortshop: Recording Audio on PowerPoint
This 15-minute workshop will show you how to record audio on your PowerPoint presentation.
Nov. 10, 12:15-12:30 p.m. — Shortshop: Making a Stop Animation Video Using Your Smartphone
This 15-minute demo will cover how to use smartphone apps to create your own stop animation video.
Nov. 11, 12:15-12:30 p.m. — Shortshop: Podcast from Your Smartphone
In this 15-minute workshop, learn how to create your own podcast using just your smartphone.
Student success workshop
Thursday, Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. — Test Prep Planning
No registration required. Visit the CSSFYE site for details to attend.
Strut your mutt
Who will be crowned the cutest dog in Oxford? Join the Student Activities Association at the Grove Stage on Sunday, Nov. 8 from 3-5 p.m. for their first-ever dog pageant, Strut Your Mutt!  Check out more information here.

Faculty and Staff

Flu Vaccine Available for Departments/Buildings
Employee Health Services and Pharmacy Health Services are available to distribute flu shots to on-campus departments and buildings. Those interested should contact UHS at 662-915-6550 or the pharmacy at 662-915-5279 or email umpharmacy@olemiss.edu to set up a group day and time. The flu vaccine is covered by most insurance plans, including the state’s plan.

Other Things to Know

MSDH issues Health Alert about inappropriate use of antibody (serology) testing to determine the need for quarantine
 
CDC Resource: Things to know about the COVID-19 pandemic
 
The ‘dose’ of coronavirus a person gets may determine how sick they get (CNN)
 
Take a visual journey through the microscopic world of the coronavirus to see how masks work (NYT)
 
The Science of Superspreading (Science Magazine)
 
On the Lighter Side
 
Quick 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.