Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

Wednesday, March 31, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

University News

More On-Campus Vaccine Appointments Available
The university has received an allocation of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 SINGLE-dose vaccine and will book appointments for faculty, staff, graduate students and undergraduate students on the Oxford campus while supplies last. To make an appointment, please visit the university’s appointment scheduling site. The on-campus vaccination site serves everyone in the university community — faculty, staff and all students. The vaccine will be administered free of charge.
  • Thursday, April 1, 12:30–4:00 p.m.
Additional appointment days and times for Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 SINGLE-dose vaccine will be shared in the coming weeks once those details are finalized. For questions about logistics, scheduling and other FAQs, please see UM’s vaccination appointments FAQs, call the Ole Miss info line at (662) 915-3600 or email c19@olemiss.edu.
Off-Campus Vaccine Update
We encourage everyone to get vaccinated at your earliest convenience through any vaccination site, including the following ways:
As of 3 p.m. today, the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduler is showing appointments are available at drive-thru vaccination sites across the state, including approximately 5,000 appointments in Lafayette County, 4,000 in Panola County, 3,900 in Lee County and 2,600 in DeSoto County.
A Word of Thanks for National Doctors’ Day
Yesterday was National Doctors’ Day. One year ago, I wrote about the dedication and expertise of our own doctors here at the university. While the pandemic roared, our medical team remained vigilant, compassionate, and resilient. Besides providing excellent care to our campus community, they have put in countless hours in recommendations on protocols that have put our health and wellbeing first.
We’re very grateful to have such caring, knowledgeable and experienced physicians. On behalf of University Health Services, I would like to thank: Dr. Jean Gispen, Dr. Susan Gunn, Dr. John Black, Dr. Marshall Crowther, Dr. Hubert Spears, and Dr. Travis Yates. Today and every day, we appreciate and respect their selfless drive to serve our campus community. Please join me in recognizing them on National Doctors’ Day.
Alex Langhart,
Director of University Health Services

V. B. Harrison Health Center
Upcoming Dates for Free Asymptomatic Testing
The university’s free asymptomatic testing is available at the University-Oxford Depot on the following days and times:
  • Monday, April 5: 1-5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 6: 1-5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 7: 8:30 a.m.-12 noon
To schedule your test text “2020” to 833-991-3009 OR click on this link
Vaccine FAQs
Q: If I have an underlying condition, can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
A: People with underlying medical conditions can receive a COVID-19 vaccine as long as they have not had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. Learn more about vaccination considerations for people with underlying medical conditions. Vaccination is an important consideration for adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions because they are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Q: If I am pregnant, can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
A: Yes, if you are pregnant, you might choose to be vaccinated. Based on how COVID-19 vaccines work, experts think they are unlikely to pose a specific risk for people who are pregnant. However, there are currently limited data on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant people because these vaccines have not been widely studied in pregnant people. Systems are in place to continue to monitor vaccine safety, and so far, they have not identified any specific safety concerns for pregnant people. Clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant people are underway or planned. Learn more about vaccination considerations for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Q: Do I need to wear a mask and avoid close contact with others if I have gotten two doses of the vaccine?
A: It depends. For now, fully vaccinated people can gather indoors without physical distancing or wearing masks with:
Until more is known, fully vaccinated people should continue to wear masks and stay 6 feet apart from other people in other settings, like when they are in public or visiting with unvaccinated people from multiple households. Additional recommendations can be found at When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated.
University COVID-19-Related News Stories

Students

Student Financial Aid Assistance Related to COVID-19
The university received an allocation of federal stimulus money from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) to award financial aid grants to students. Students can apply now. In keeping with federal guidance, top priority must be given to students with exceptional need (particularly students who receive Federal Pell Grants). These funds may be used for any component of a student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or childcare. Grant amounts at UM typically will not exceed $2,500 per person. Eligibility is not guaranteed. To apply for financial aid assistance related to COVID-19, UM students should complete the application form. For more information and FAQs, visit this page.
Library Hours During Finals  
  • April 18, 12 noon–12 midnight
  • April 19-22, 7:30 a.m.–12 midnight
  • April 23, 7:30 a.m.–10 midnight
  • April 24, 12 noon–10 midnight
  • April 25, 12 noon–12 midnight
  • April 26-29, 7:30 a.m.–12 midnight
  • April 30, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Student Career Development Summit
The Career Center will hold its first Student Career Development Summit, where students will have the opportunity to learn and engage with alumni, employers, and career service professionals from other universities. The event will be held virtually on April 9 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Please register for the event here. The Zoom link will be emailed to registrants on the day prior to the event.
Upcoming Events
Check out some upcoming events. See more registered student events in The ForUM.

Faculty/Staff

Employee Vaccination Guidance
All employees are encouraged to receive vaccinations as determined by MSDH and your medical provider. In accordance with the university’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards, we are providing guidance to safeguard the health of our employees and their families; our customers and visitors; and the community at large from infectious diseases, such as COVID-19 or influenza, that may be reduced by vaccinations.
  • All employees will be paid for time taken to receive vaccinations administered on campus. Vaccines on campus are taking an average of 30 minutes.
  • For off-site vaccinations, employees are to work with their managers to schedule an appropriate time that is least disruptive to the work day. Up to two hours of administrative leave is available for non-exempt/hourly employees receiving the vaccine offsite when it cannot be scheduled before or after work or during a lunch break.
Please direct any questions regarding this guidance to the Department of Human Resources, hr@olemiss.edu.

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/