Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

The University of Mississippi

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Wednesday, March 31, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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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/

Wednesday, March 24, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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University News

Vaccine Update
The university concluded its eighth day of appointments today (March 24) at the vaccination site on campus at the Tad Smith Coliseum. During that time, we’ve administered more than 2,300 doses! Thanks so much to all who helped make the vaccination site a success, especially to all the volunteers from our School of Pharmacy!
We continue to 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 2,500 in Lafayette County, 3,300 in Panola County, 2,000 in Lee County and 900 in DeSoto County.
The MSDH drive-thru site in Lafayette County is at the National Guard Armory/Oxford Conference Center, located at 102 Ed Perry Boulevard.
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, March 29: 1-5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 30: 1-5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 31: 8:30 a.m.-12 noon
To schedule your test text “2020” to 833-991-3009 OR click on this link
Vaccine FAQs
Q: Can students get the vaccine in Mississippi if they are from out-of-state?

A: Yes, you can use your Oxford/campus address when you register. If a student will return home at the end of the semester, they will need to schedule their first dose of the vaccine as soon as possible to ensure that they can receive the same kind of vaccine for their second dose from the same vaccination site.


Q: If I have already recovered from COVID-19, should I get the vaccine?

A: Evidence shows that re-infection is possible and that natural immunity may not last forever. The vaccines can protect against COVID variants that you may not have had. See this Mythbusters document for more information about the COVID-19 vaccines. 

Q: I have a history of allergic reactions. Can I still receive the vaccine?

A: If you have a history of anaphylaxis and carry an EpiPen, you will need to receive the vaccine in a clinical setting, such as Baptist Memorial Hospital. You can schedule an appointment with BMH by calling 662-636-4353. 

Q: What safety protocols should I follow after being vaccinated?

A: The CDC considers those who are more than two weeks past their last vaccination dose to be fully vaccinated. See the CDC’s interim public health recommendations for fully vaccinated people.
University COVID-19-Related News Stories

Students

Students can apply now for financial aid assistance related to COVID-19 (HEERF II)
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. 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 will typically not exceed $2,500 per person. Eligibility is not guaranteed. To apply for financial assistance related to COVID-19, UM students should complete the application form. For more information and FAQs, visit this page.
Grove Grocery: The UM Food Pantry
Located in Kinard 213, the UM Food Pantry helps alleviate food insecurity among UM students and employees on campus. The Food Pantry is open Mondays and Tuesdays, 12-8 p.m. and Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. All services are confidential, and all UM employees and students are eligible to use these services. To place an order for groceries, click here. To learn more about the Grove Grocery, click here.
RebelWell Telehealth Nutrition
RebelWell offers telehealth individual nutrition sessions at no cost to university employees and students. If you are interested in this service, contact University Health Services to make an appointment. For Employee Assistance, call 662-915-6550, for Student Assistance, call 662-915-7274.
Upcoming Events
Check out some upcoming events. See more registered student events in The ForUM.

Faculty/Staff

Work Strategies Task Force
The university has established a Work Strategies Task Force to review relevant laws, leave policies and state employee regulations in order to develop guidance on requirements and restrictions, determine need for a formalized telework policy and determine need for protocols for shared spaces. Please visit this page for a list of the members.

Other Things to Know

CDC News and Resources
Mississippi News and Resources
  • MSDH reported the following information for COVID-19 cases in Mississippi as of March 23:
    • 387 new cases, 4 new deaths and 27 long-term care facilities outbreaks.
  • Mississippi Vaccination Report as of March 24: 1,086,793 total doses administered; 704,242 people receiving at least one dose; 405,026 people fully vaccinated; and 1,349,035 vaccine doses distributed.
  • Vote for the City of Oxford in the second round of the sixth annual Strongest Town Competition. Voting closes Thursday, March 25 at 12 noon CDT.
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/

 

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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University News

Vaccine Update — ALL Mississippians now eligible for COVID-19 Vaccines
Gov. Tate Reeves and the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) announced earlier this week that all Mississippi residents are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (note that the vaccines are indicated for those 16 and older, depending on which vaccine you receive).
Individuals are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment through one of the following: 
As of March 17 at 5 p.m., the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduler is showing appointments are available at drive-thru vaccination sites across the state, including approximately 1,000 in Lafayette County, 3,000 in Panola County and 700 in Lee County.
 
University Vaccine Site
The university opened a vaccination site on campus at the Tad Smith Coliseum that serves only University of Mississippi employees (faculty, staff, graduate students and undergraduate student workers) at this time. Working with MSDH and the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL), the university received 1,170 doses of the Pfizer vaccine on March 12 to administer to its employees. The first vaccines were given on Friday, March 12, and appointments continue this week ending on Friday, March 19. All appointments for the week have been reserved. As of Wednesday, March 17, the university had administered 708 vaccines.
The university requested additional vaccine supply from MSDH and will notify the campus if more appointments become available. We encourage everyone to get a vaccine at their earliest convenience through any vaccination site.
New Blog: How We All Get to the Finish Line … Together
Dr. Jean Gispen, staff physician with Employee Health, shared a new blog about COVID-19 vaccines, including updated guidance from the CDC about gathering after you’ve been fully vaccinated. As usual, she approaches the topic from the lens of her childhood and with a healthy dose of humor and perspective.
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:
  • Thursday, March 18: 1–5 p.m.
  • Monday, March 22: 1–5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 23: 1–5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 24: 8:30 a.m.–12 noon
To schedule your test:
  1. Text “2020” to 833-991-3009 OR click on this link
  2. Complete the Testing Intake Form
  3. You will receive a confirmation # to present at the testing site
  4. Bring your University-affiliated ID any day, any time during testing hours that week.
University COVID-19-Related News Stories

Students

Upcoming Events
Check out some upcoming events. See more registered student events in The ForUM.
OFF to the Drive-In
  • March 19, 7 p.m. — “Legally Blonde” and “Clueless”
  • March 20, 7 p.m. — Clueless” and “Legally Blonde”
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/

Wednesday, March 10, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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University News

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 EMT / paramedics
  • Persons 50 years of age or older
  • Persons 18 – 49 years of age with underlying medical condition
  • All teachers/staff/employees in K-12, preschool or childcare settings
  • All first responders (including law enforcement, public safety, fire services and emergency management officials)

As of March 10 at 5 p.m., there were over 1,700 appointments available in Lafayette County and over 1,900 appointments available in Panola County. Appointment availability and scheduling can be completed through one of the following:

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:
  • Thursday, March 11: 1–5 p.m.
  • Monday, March 15: 1–5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 16:  1–5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 17: 8:30 a.m.–12 noon
  • Thursday, March 18: 1–5 p.m.
To schedule your test:
  1. Text “2020” to 833-991-3009 OR click on this link.
  2. Complete the Testing Intake Form
  3. You will receive a confirmation # to present at the testing site
  4. Show up with your University-affiliated ID any day, any time during testing hours that week.

University COVID-19-Related News Stories

Students

Mental Health Edition of The Powder Blue
The Powder Blue issued a special, mental health-focused edition on March 4 highlighting mental health resources available on campus.

 

Student Success Workshops
The Center for Student Success and First Year Experience offers Student Success Workshops that are open to all students. All workshops for Spring 2021 will be offered virtually. 

March 16, 2 p.m. — Note Taking Strategies

March 23, 2 p.m. — Concept Mapping
March 30, 2 p.m. — Time Management
April 6, 2 p.m. — Reading Strategies
April 13, 2 p.m. — Test Prep Strategies
April 20, 2 p.m. — Test Prep Strategies

 

Academic Support Programs Services
Visit this page for information about tutoring resources and help sessions. For immediate questions please reach out to your instructor or the department first and then reach out to asp_cssfye@olemiss.edu with further questions. For academic consultations and student success coaching (freshmen through graduate students), please fill out this form.

 

Upcoming Events
Check out some upcoming events. See more registered student events in  The ForUM.

 

OFF to the Drive-In
  • March 12, 7 and 9:30 p.m. — “Sorry to Bother You”
  • March 13, 7 p.m. — “Moonlight” and “Lil’ Buck: Real Swan”
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/

Wednesday, March 03, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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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/