Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

Wednesday, March 03, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

University News

Message from Chancellor Boyce: Update on Campus Guidance and Protocols
In light of the new state and local orders issued this week, we have reviewed our guidance and protocols and are issuing the following updates.
The university will continue to require all people to wear a cloth face covering or mask for the rest of the Spring 2021 semester in classroom settings and office settings. In addition, masks continue to be required while traversing public spaces in residence halls, dining facilities, the Student Union, Campus Rec, retail spaces and other on-campus facilities. We continue to promote good hand hygiene and distancing protocols for indoor spaces.
In outdoor areas of campus, social distancing of at least six feet continues to be strongly recommended as well as wearing a mask when you cannot maintain distance unless the protocols for the outdoor venue differ.
The implications of the orders for off-campus student events will be forthcoming and will be communicated directly to Registered Student Organizations.
Our community has done a tremendous job of adopting and adhering to our university protocols to limit spread of the virus, and those protocols continue to work effectively. We look forward to getting vaccines on campus to administer to faculty, staff and students, which may offer future opportunities to reevaluate our approach.
Current State of Mississippi COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility
Here is the complete list of currently eligible populations for MSDH COVID-19 vaccine appointments:
  • all healthcare workers and EMTs / paramedics,
  • all persons 65 years of age or older,
  • persons 18-64 years of age who have underlying medical conditions,
  • all teachers/staff/employees in K-12, preschool or childcare settings, and
  • all first responders (including law enforcement, public safety, fire services and emergency management officials)
On Feb. 27, the FDA issued Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine. This one-dose vaccine will be available through select MSDH drive-thru vaccination sites beginning this week. Visit MSDH for additional information.
Appointment availability and scheduling can be completed through one of the following:
Kroger Now Offering Vaccine Appointments
Kroger grocery stores are offering appointments for individuals to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Kroger’s website currently shows appointments at the Oxford Kroger (2013 University Ave., 662-236-6811) as well as other stores in the state (including Tupelo, Columbus, Starkville, and Corinth). Visit the Kroger website for more information, including eligibility and appointment availability.
Asymptomatic Testing Update
The university’s free asymptomatic testing is available at the University-Oxford Depot on Thursday, March 4 from 1–5 p.m. Additionally, testing will be offered four days next week:
  • Monday, March 8: 1–5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 9: 1–5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 10: 8:30 a.m.–12 noon
  • Thursday, March 11: 1–5 p.m.
To schedule your test:
  • Text “2020” to 833-991-3009 OR click on this link.
  • Complete the Testing Intake Form
  • You will receive a confirmation # to present at the testing site
  • Show up with your University-affiliated ID any day, any time during testing hours that week.
University COVID-19-Related News Stories

Students

Updated Safe Ride Hours
Starting March 3, Safe Ride’s updated hours for the semester are Thursday-Saturday, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. The shuttle picks up downtown in front of the Federal Building (911 Jackson Ave. East) and loops around campus. See the route here.
Upcoming Events
Check out some upcoming events. See more registered student events in The ForUM.
OFF to the Drive-In
  • March 4, 7 p.m. — “Minari”
  • March 5, 7 p.m. — “Coming to America” and “Minari”
  • March 7, 6:30 p.m. — “Minari” and “Coming to America
Buy tickets here.

Other Things to Know

CDC News and Resources
Mississippi News and Resources
National News Stories and Other Resources
On the Lighter Side
Quick Links
Studies and Surveys
  • College Student COVID-19 Impact Survey: 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/