Editor’s note: In an effort to keep the campus community updated on information relevant for our students, faculty and staff, the university’s COVID-19 newsletter will resume publication each Wednesday.
Get Vaccinated on Campus
Vaccination is our most effective tool to stop the spread of the virus. Given the high demand of vaccines on campus, the university has added an additional FREE Pfizer vaccine clinic. First doses of Pfizer will be available at Johnson Commons next Wednesday, Sep. 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Walk up, no appointment needed. More info at coronavirus.olemiss.edu/vaccination or c19@olemiss.edu.
Additionally, from now until supplies last, the University Health Center Pharmacy on the Oxford campus is offering the single-dose Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine and the two-dose Pfizer vaccines FREE for faculty, staff, graduate students, undergraduate students and the families of those in the university community. Johnson & Johnson vaccines are for those ages 18 and up, and Pfizer is for those ages 12 and up.
Other Ways to Get Vaccinated
- MSDH COVID-19 Vaccination Drive-Thru Scheduler application
- COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center, 877-978-6453 or 601-965-4071
- Local (Oxford) vaccine providers
- Visit VaccineFinder.org to identify vaccination providers nationally
Current Campus Protocol: Masks Required in Indoor Public Spaces
Until further notice, the university requires face coverings in indoor public spaces on campus, regardless of vaccination status. This includes public office spaces, classrooms, conference rooms and other academic spaces like laboratories and libraries. Additionally, masks will be required while traversing public spaces in residence halls, dining facilities, the Student Union, Campus Recreation, and retail spaces. Masks will be required for extracurricular activities held in indoor on-campus spaces. Face coverings are not required when outdoors. This policy is consistent with public health guidance from the CDC and MSDH and comes as a direct result of the spike in COVID-19 cases nationwide and locally due to the Delta variant. Read the message from Chancellor Glenn Boyce about this protocol update.
City of Oxford Mask Mandate
Effective Wednesday, Aug. 25 at 4 p.m., the City of Oxford requires “every person in the City of Oxford shall wear a face covering, covering the nose and mouth, while inside a business, or other building or space open to the public whenever it is not possible to maintain a minimum of six feet of social distancing from another person not in the same household.” See the resolution for complete details.
Seeking Medical Care
In light of the rise of COVID-19 cases and the strain on our local hospital, Baptist Memorial Hospital – North Mississippi must prioritize emergency visits. The hospital needs our help. Carefully evaluate whether you could utilize University Health Services or local urgent care clinics for more routine or non-urgent items. They can provide services for many symptoms that can mostly wait until the following day including: cold symptoms, sore throat, mild fever, headache, muscle strains, minor lacerations, urinary tract infections or rash.
Quarantine and Isolation
The university continues to follow guidelines for colleges and universities for COVID-19 isolation, quarantine and outbreak from MSDH. See the Q&I section of the Campus Plan for information and FAQs.
Where to Get Tested
Symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 testing will be available in Fall 2021 through University Health Services. If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms, you may schedule a test at the UM Health Center. Additionally, please refer to this list of clinics around Oxford and area county health departments that also offer COVID-19 testing.
Reporting Positive COVID-19 Tests
UM students and employees must report positive COVID-19 tests to University Health Services. Visit this page to see how to report.
University Communications
- Letter to faculty and staff from Chancellor Glenn Boyce (Aug. 23)
- Letter to students from Chancellor Glenn Boyce (Aug. 23)
- Fall 2021 Message to Faculty and Staff from Provost Noel Wilkin (Aug. 17)
- Letter to students from Dr. Charlotte Pegues, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (Aug. 16)
University COVID-19-Related News Stories
- UM physician provides information on coronavirus safety, urges everyone to get vaccinated
- More COVID-related pediatric hospitalizations to come, UMMC experts warn
- How monoclonal antibodies fight COVID-19
- Ivermectin cures parasites in cows, not COVID-19 in humans
Other News Stories and Resources
- FDA Approves First COVID-19 Vaccine
- Vaccine hesitancy: How do we best address it in Mississippi? (Clarion-Ledger)
- What should you do if you get a breakthrough infection? (CNN)
- COVID-19 vaccines for moderately to severely immunocompromised people (CDC)
- Delta Variant: What we know about the science (CDC)
- Families and COVID-19 (CDC)
Mississippi State Department of Health Data
- MSDH reported the following information for COVID-19 cases in Mississippi as of Aug. 24:
- 3,385 new cases, 22 new deaths and 186 long-term care facilities outbreaks.
- Mississippi Vaccination Report as of August 24:
- 2,465,772 total doses administered; 1,383,910 people receiving at least one dose; and 1,125,877 people fully vaccinated.
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