What you need to know about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
The University of Mississippi continues to actively monitor the spread of the novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to infection with novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The university’s Emergency Management Services and Student and Employee Health Services remain in contact with state public health officials and Baptist Hospital. The safety and well-being of the university community is always our highest priority. We will update this page as needed to keep our campus community informed.
Resources:
Information about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) — CDC
Mississippi State Department of Health
Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi
U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories
What happens when a case is identified?
The Mississippi State Department of Health, local public health agencies and the university’s contact tracing team are integrally involved when a case detected in our area. Faculty and staff of the University of Mississippi are required to disclose to their supervisor and the Employee Health Services at 662-915-6550 if they have tested positive for COVID-19. Students who test positive are required to inform Student Health Services at 662-915-7274. Positive cases within the UM Community will be recorded here.
What should I do if I feel sick?
If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough and/or difficulty breathing or have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, stay home and call Student or Employee Health or your local primary healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19 based on guidelines from the CDC and the Mississippi State Department of Health. For additional information, you can also contact Baptist Memorial Hospital’s 24-hour hotline, 866-941-4785 or the Mississippi State Department of Health’s 24-hour COVID-19 hotline, 877-978-6453.
Preventing the illness
The best way to prevent infection is to get vaccinated. To prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, the CDC recommends everyday preventive actions, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
HEALTH CONTACTS
Student Health Services, 662-915-7274
Employee Health Services, 662-915-6550
Baptist Memorial Hospital, 866-941-4785 (Hours: 24/7)
Mississippi Department of Health, 877-978-6453 (Hours: 24/7)
