Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

Wednesday, January 20, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

University News

Free Asymptomatic Testing Continues
The university continues to offer free COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic (i.e., without symptoms) faculty, staff and students in the Ford Center media parking lot through our partnership with Premier Medical Group. Testing will be offered at the following times:
  • This week: Thursday, Jan. 21 from 8:30–11 a.m., and Friday, Jan. 22 from 1–4 p.m.
  • Starting next week: Mondays and Tuesdays from 1–5 p.m. and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m.–12 noon.
Details were shared via an announcement in UM Today. No need to complete a survey. You simply fill out your paperwork, show up and get tested — it’s that easy! Schedule your test by:
  1. Texting “2020” to 833-991-3009, clicking this LINK or scanning this QR code:
    QR Code
  2. Completing the Testing Intake Form
  3. You will receive a confirmation # to present at the testing site
  4. Show up during the testing hours for that day
  5. Bring your UM-affiliated ID
Reservations are first-come first-served, so register before they run out. Win prizes and get free Ole Miss swag!
In addition to identifying asymptomatic cases, testing enables us to maintain, and possibly expand, on-campus operations activities. Information about positivity rate, participation, and number of asymptomatic cases will facilitate informed, data-driven decisions about social events and activities.
Update on Vaccine Distribution in Mississippi
COVID-19 vaccine appointments are available from the MS State Department of Health (MSDH) for the following populations:
  • All healthcare workers and EMTs / paramedics
  • All persons aged 65 or older
  • Persons aged 18-64 who have underlying medical conditions
Individuals from these groups are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment through one of the following contacts:
Please note that the state will continue to offer COVID-19 vaccination appointments at MSDH drive-thru sites based on the number of vaccines allocated to the state each week by the federal government. The number of vaccines that Mississippi receives varies from week to week, which  impacts appointment availability.
Learn how Moderna and Pfizer vaccines work
Check out this video by Dr. Joshua Sharp, UM associate professor of pharmacology, to understand how the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines use mRNA to protect against COVID-19.
Vaccine Blog
Dr. Jean Gispen, staff physician with Employee Health, shared her reflections and information about the science of the COVID-19 vaccine in her latest blog, “Wishing and Hoping and Waiting: Reflections on the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine.”
Ole Miss Bookstore Hours of Operation
Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday: 12–5 p.m. Sunday: Closed
Parking Restrictions Return to Normal
All parking zone restriction enforcement returned to normal this week along with the return of Park-N-Ride bus service to the Jackson Avenue Center.
  • South Lot Park-N-Ride services will remain out of operation for the spring semester. 
  • All vehicles must be parked in zones that are authorized by parking permit classification.
  • Commuters and Faculty-Staff will no longer be able to park in student residential zones.
  • Vehicles with a Park-N-Ride permit must park at either the Jackson Avenue center in the white lined areas as appropriate, or the South Campus Recreation Center Park-N-Ride areas.
All other parking restrictions will continue to be enforced. Email parking@olemiss.edu with questions.
University COVID-19-related news stories

Student News

Spring 2021 Welcome from Chancellor Boyce
Chancellor Glenn Boyce shared a letter welcoming students for the Spring 2021 semester.
 
Top 10 Things to Know for Spring 2021
Student Affairs shared the top 10 things all students need to know for the Spring 2021 Semester.
 
Share How the Pandemic Has Affected You
The university is collaborating with researchers at Columbia University on a national College Student COVID-19 Impact Survey to understand how the pandemic has affected undergraduate students’ health and decisions-making. For more information and to take the online survey: https://www.collegecovid19impactstudy.com/
 
Flagship Friday featuring Late Night Breakfast
Join SAA and ASB to kick off the very first Flagship Friday with free waffles, music and prizes on Friday, Jan. 22 from 9–11 p.m. at the Student Union Food Court.
 
Spring 2021 Operations for Campus Rec
See information about Spring 2021 operations for South Campus Rec Center and Turner Center.
 
Spring UM Virtual Career Fairs 
The Career Center will host the following virtual events. Please visit Handshake for registration and employer listings.
  • Feb. 12: Educator Recruitment Day
  • Feb. 18: Engineering, Manufacturing, and Technology Fair
  • March 4: All Majors Career Expo

Faculty and Staff

Chancellor Letter to Faculty and Staff, Spring 2021
Chancellor Glenn Boyce shared a letter with faculty and staff upon the start of the Spring 2021 semester.

Other Things to Know

Gov. Tate Reeves issued Executive Order 1542, which extends the previous executive orders (1535/1536) as they were while adding and removing some counties from the tougher restrictions (added Claiborne and Tunica counties; removed Adams, Jefferson, Lawrence, Quitman and Wilkinson counties). EO 1542 remains in effect until Feb. 3.
 
MSDH seeks participants for online survey about perceptions of COVID-19 vaccination among Mississippi residents. The survey only takes about 10 minutes to complete and can be found here. 
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an Order requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving from a foreign country to the U.S. This order takes effect Jan. 26.
 
CDC Resource: Masks Protect You and Me
 
CDC Resource: Improving Ventilation in Your Home
 
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Resource: Coronavirus Small Business Resources Guide
 
On the Lighter Side
 
Quick Links