Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

COVID-19 Weekly Digest

Wednesday, December 2, 2020 COVID-19 Updates

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Editor’s note: Following today’s issue, the university’s COVID-19 newsletter will publish on an as-needed basis until Jan. 20, 2021, when weekly publication will resume for the Spring 2021 semester.
 
Please take a moment to respond to this survey to share your feedback about the COVID-19 newsletter so we can make sure it meets your needs. Thanks!

University News

MSDH Health Alert
Due to the growing burden of COVID-19 cases, excessive hospitalizations and the high risk of COVID-19 infection in the community, the Mississippi State Department of Health issued a Health Alert today (Dec. 2) urging all Mississippi residents to avoid any social or public gathering with anyone outside of their nuclear family or household. MSDH recommends that Mississippians participate only in work, school or other absolutely essential activities. See the full Health Alert for specific details and examples of social gatherings to avoid.
 
Scheduled network maintenance 
On Friday, Dec. 4, Network Services will trigger a brief outage from 7-8 a.m. to perform maintenance to equipment servicing the campus phone system. Services are expected to be operational again by 8 a.m.
 
Blackboard upgrade scheduled 
Blackboard will be offline during a scheduled upgrade from Dec. 14-21. See the announcement for additional details.
 
University COVID-19-related news stories

Faculty and Staff

Employee COVID-19 requirements, policies and best practices
Human Resources shared a memo with faculty and staff today (Dec. 2) that included timely reminders related to telecommuting, leave policies, reporting positive tests, isolation and quarantine, clearance for returning to work, planning for work holiday celebrations, and more. Please read the memo for complete details.
 
Upcoming payroll periods
Guidance is provided in this notice for non-exempt (hourly) employees and supervisors/managers approving their timesheets for upcoming payrolls in 2020.
 
MSDH free testing 
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) offers universal testing in every county for university students, faculty and staff. This offer includes symptomatic and asymptomatic testing. You can be tested free of charge at any county health department testing locations listed on this page, or daily at the free testing site in Jackson.
Currently, appointments in and around the UM community are available on the days and counties listed below: 
You will need to make an appointment before you visit by filling out an online questionnaire. You will receive an appointment regardless of whether you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is infected. If you are asymptomatic when completing the online questionnaire, be sure to provide answers through the fourth question, which asks, “Are you a student, faculty, or staff member of a Mississippi college or university?” When you respond “yes,” you will have options to choose a location and select a date and time.

Other Things to Know

Gov. Tate Reeves issued Executive Order 1533 to add 13 counties to mask mandate — Dec. 1, 2020
 
MEMA mask mandate map
 
CDC committee recommends health care workers and long-term care facility residents be first in line for COVID vaccine (CBS News)
 
Know When to Delay your Travel to Avoid Spreading COVID-19 (CDC)
 
Marshall’s Mississippi Zoom Tour: An Interview with Dr. Jennifer Bryan
 
10 ways families can minimize holiday travel risk (National Geographic)
 
The New York Times created a tool where you can build a dashboard to track coronavirus cases in the places you care about.
 
Sorry to Burst Your Quarantine Bubble: Pod means something different to everyone, and that’s a problem. (The Atlantic)
 
2020 Holiday Party Survey: COVID cancels, modifies most plans this year
 
On the Lighter Side

Quick Links

Wednesday, November 12, 2020 COVID-19 Updates

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A word of thanks during National Nurse Practitioner Week
This week, we celebrate our nurse practitioners for National Nurse Practitioner Week. They are integral to our team and have answered the call to continue to go above and beyond to serve our students during the pandemic. From everyone at University Health Services and the entire campus community, we wish to thank Jeni Bond, Lauren Durham, Miele Hudspeth, Corey Mauldin, and Millie Wright for their contributions to our society and our community. Your dedication and service help make this university so very special and, for that, we thank you.
Alex Langhart, Director of University Health Services
V. B. Harrison Health Center

University news

Expanded COVID-19 testing available before Thanksgiving; secure your spot now
The university has increased the number of available asymptomatic testing days. All students, faculty, and staff can get tested, including those who have been tested previously. Email invitation will continue to be sent out each week remaining in the fall semester, however, now all appointment times are open and people can secure their preferred appointment date from the remaining dates of November 19, 20, 23, 24, & 25. Remember that there is no charge for this asymptomatic testing through the university. Look for the email invitation from the Office of the Provost.
 
Rebel Market
Rebel Market and other dining facilities on campus will be open Monday-Wednesday, Nov. 23-25. All dining facilities except the Marketplace at Residential College will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26 and only a few will be open on Friday, Nov. 27 before everything closes for the break.
 
Decision flow charts for determining what to do after you have taken a COVID-19 test
Check out these helpful flow charts that offer options for what to do based on why you took a COVID-19 test and the results of the test. The flow charts outline what you should do in the following situations:
  • You take a PCR COVID test because you have symptoms
  • You take a PCR COVID test because you had close contact with someone who has COVID
  • You take a PCR COVID test as surveillance testing
  • You take a rapid (Antigen) COVID test
 
SAP software upgrade
SAP, myOleMiss and myU systems will be unavailable Friday, Nov. 13 beginning at 5 p.m. to perform an SAP software upgrade.
 
University COVID-19-related news stories

Student News

Residence halls operations during the holidays
For on-campus residents, most residence halls will close Wednesday, Nov. 25, at noon and reopen Friday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. Students in Wintersession classes can return to their residence hall on Sunday, Jan. 3 at noon. Some residence halls will stay open over the break – more info here. If you want to request on- or off-campus housing over Winter Break, submit the Break Housing Request form in the Student Housing Portal or contact UMatter for help.
 
Before leaving on-campus housing for the semester:
  1. Close the windows.
  2. Open the blinds and curtains to let the sun in (unless you’re on the ground floor).
  3. Unplug appliances, including cleaning out fridges and letting them defrost.
  4. Take out the trash.
  5. Take anything you’ll need over the break.
  6. Turn off the lights.
  7. Checkout at the front desk with your Ole Miss ID.
 
End-of-the-semester guidance
The American College Health Association issued end-of-the-semester guidance for university students.

Faculty and Staff

Resources to stay well
RebelWell is a campus and community wellness program designed to support employees as they adopt and sustain behaviors that reduce health risks, improve quality of life, and enhance personal effectiveness. RebelWell offers a variety of activities such as nutritional education, on-site fitness classes, and more. Check out the RebelWell site to find wellness programs and activities right for you including resources during COVID-19. Programs that focus on worksite wellness ultimately benefit everyone involved: an employee’s quality of life is improved, which supports efficiency and raises quality of work in the workplace. Watch for a new program to launch in November for eligible-employees!

Other Things to Know

Gov. Tate Reeves extends “Safe Recovery” executive order through Dec. 11
 
CDC Guidance Updated Nov. 10: Face masks protect the wearer
 
CDC Resource: Celebrating Thanksgiving
 
MSDH issues health alert about criteria for investigation of potential COVID-19 re- infections
 
How Internal Communicators are Fighting Employee Burnout and Zoom Fatigue (PR News)
 
Testing options at airlines and airports are growing as more people consider traveling (NYT)
 
Ole Miss Gameday Information
 
2020 Oxford Christmas Parade Drive-Thru Event
 
On the Lighter Side
 
Quick Links

Wednesday, November 18, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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University News

Ole Miss Bookstore hours of operation
Current hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday 12–5 p.m.
Nov. 25: 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Nov. 26–27: Closed
Nov. 28: Game time vs. Miss. St. will determine hours
Nov. 30–Dec. 11: Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Dec. 5, 12, 19, 25, 26: Closed
Dec. 14–18: 7:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Dec. 21–24: 10 a.m.–3 p.m., patio entrance and exit
December 28–31: 10 a.m.–3 p.m., patio entrance and exit
Jan. 1, 2 and 9: Closed
Jan. 4–15: 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Jan. 16: Regular hours resume
 
Parking during the winter break and holidays
While administrative offices are open between Nov. 30–Jan. 19, all parking rules and regulations will still be enforced with the following zone exceptions:
  • Park-N-Ride (faculty/staff or student), Student Residential (East, West, Central, South, Campus Walk and Residential Garage), Pavilion Garage, and Commuters permits will be allowed to park in any student zone (residential or commuter).
  • Faculty/staff will be allowed to park in student residential and commuter designated areas.
  • All vehicles parked on campus will still require a parking permit.
Email parking@olemiss.edu with any questions.
 
Transportation update
Park-N-Ride Services Suspended During the Winter Break: The Gold, Silver, and Bronze Lines will not run Nov. 30–Jan. 19. When the Park-N-Ride services are not running, Park-N-Ride permit holders (faculty/staff or student) may park in any student area of campus including student residential and commuter zones. 
City Buses and the Campus Shuttle Rebel Blue Line: The city bus lines, including the Yellow, Green, Red (North and South), Blue (East and West), Hathorn Express, and Old-Taylor Road Express lines will operate on a reduced schedule.  Please visit the OUT Website for details. The campus shuttle line, Rebel Blue, will not operate Nov. 30–Jan. 19. 
South Oxford Center Connector Shuttle: The SOC shuttle will not operate Nov. 30–Jan. 19.  SOC permit holders (faculty/staff or student) may park in any student area of campus including student residential and commuter zones.
 
University COVID-19-related news stories

Student News

Final exam FAQs
Check out the FAQs about final exams that are posted on the Keep Learning site:
  • Where can I study on campus?
  • I’m really stressed. Where can I get help?
  • What if my final exam is delivered in a different modality?
  • What happens if I have to miss my final exam because I’m sick, quarantined, or experiencing an emergency?
  • What if I have 3 or more final exams on the same day?
Final exams testing support and spaces
The Testing Center is available to assist any student or faculty member with questions about finals. Please email detl@olemiss.edu or call 662-915-1267. Additionally, appointments are available to take remotely proctored finals at the Jackson Avenue Center for any student who would like to have a “test environment” or would like to ensure their laptop and/or Internet connection. Visit the Testing Lab site to make an appointment for lab usage.
Study spaces
College of Liberal Arts classrooms and public spaces are available for individuals or group study sessions during final exams. Lamar Hall floors 1-4 will be open for studying Nov. 17–23 from 7 a.m.–midnight. Grove-side entrance doors only will be open. There will always be security on duty at the building entrance, with several security personnel roaming the halls. 
The J.D. Williams Library will observe the extended hours of: 
  • Monday–Thursday: 7:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
  • Friday: 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Saturday: 12 noon–5 p.m. 
  • Sunday: 12 noon–8 p.m.
Staying healthy during exams (Tips from RebelWell)
Finals are a stressful time for students. You are so busy studying and trying to do your best on the exams that you may find yourself pulling all-nighters, loading up on caffeine, skipping meals, and eating junk food. In order to concentrate and perform at your best, your body needs optimal fuel and rest. Check out five tips from RebelWell to keep a healthy mind and body during finals week.
Returning home for the holidays
As students prepare to return home for the holidays, we encourage the following guidance:
  • Tighten your circle of “close contacts” prior to travel,
  • Know the prevalence of COVID-19 at your final destination,
  • Wear a mask consistently,
  • Use hand sanitizer, and
  • Get tested for COVID-19 before leaving to return home.
    • Keep in mind that a negative test is not a license to end other preventative measures such as mask wearing and physical distancing.
Isolation and quarantine space
The Department of Student Housing will continue offering isolation and quarantine spaces to on-campus residents after classes end and through the holiday break. Please contact Student Housing for more information.

Faculty and Staff

Free online holiday decorating class
Get ready to Deck the Halls with fun ideas for designing holiday wreaths, trees, and centerpieces. 
Date: Dec. 2 and 3
Location: Online via Zoom
Time: 12:00 p.m. (CST)
Instructor: Griffin R. Stroupe
Cost: Free
Limited to the first 250 registrants. Zoom link will be provided approximately 2 hours prior to session start time. Classes are intended for participants who are at least 18 years old. Classes are livestreamed but are not recorded and not available after the end of the class session. Live captioning provided upon request. See more information and how to register here.

Other Things to Know

Gov. Tate Reeves issued Executive Order 1530 to extend Executive Order 1525 and Executive Order 1527 until December 11, 2020, and amended the list of counties impacted by Executive Order 1527.
 
On Nov. 17, Dr. Thomas Dobbs of the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) provided an updated COVID-19 Isolation Order and a new COVID-19 Quarantine Order requiring a 14-day quarantine period from last exposure for all household contacts to a person with COVID-19.
 
Marshall’s Mississippi Zoom Tour: An Interview with Dr. LouAnn Woodward (Mississippi Today)
 
CDC confirms masks also protect the wearer, outlines which ones are most effective (Yahoo!)
 
Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker (NYT)
 
Covid Winter Is Coming. Could Humidifiers Help? (Wired)
 
Coronavirus Restrictions and Mask Mandates for All 50 States (NYT)
 
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation presents Path Forward Special Edition: A Conversation with CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield on Nov. 19 from 2—3 p.m.
 
On the Lighter Side
 
Quick Links

Wednesday, November 4, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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University News

Updated COVID guidance for students
The American College Health Association has issued guidance recommending what college and university students should consider doing before departing at the end of the fall semester.
Sentinel testing expanded as holidays approach
The university’s Sentinel Testing Program (asymptomatic testing) will be available to students, faculty and staff through the end of the semester at no charge on Nov. 10-11, 19-20 and 23-25. Testing takes place in the Ford Center media parking lot, and you will be able to drive through or walk up to the testing area. Getting tested takes less than five minutes and results are usually shared within a few hours. Anyone who has already been tested is eligible to do so again. Faculty, staff and students are welcomed and encouraged to get tested before the holidays.
Other ways to get tested for COVID-19
In addition to symptomatic COVID-19 testing through University Health Services, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has universal testing available in every county for college and university students, faculty and staff. This offer includes symptomatic and asymptomatic testing. You can be tested free of charge at any county health department testing locations listed on this page, or daily at the free testing site in Jackson. Testing is offered at these locations only on scheduled days (see complete list of locations and testing days here). 
You will need to make an appointment before you visit by filling out an online questionnaire. You will receive an appointment regardless of whether you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is infected. When completing the online questionnaire, if you are asymptomatic be sure to provide answers through the fourth question, which asks, “Are you a student, faculty, or staff member of a Mississippi college or university?” When you respond “yes,” you will have options to choose a location and select a date and time.
The COVID-19 site also includes a list of area clinics that offer COVID-19 testing.
Zoom Chat available for all faculty/staff/students
The Chat feature built into Zoom is available to all UM employees and students and offers the features needed by most UM organizations for day-to-day operational communications. From the Zoom application on your chosen device, choose the Chat function from the buttons at top (on most computers) or bottom (on most mobile devices) to get started. From here, you can create direct messages to individual users or create multi-user “channels” similar to those used in Slack or other products. Both individual messages and channels can be used to exchange plain text messages, documents, images, audio or video files, and much more. See the UM Today announcement for more information.
University COVID-19-related news stories

Students

Videos about course formats
Be sure to check out the collection of faculty videos about  “What Can You Expect in Your Hybrid, Remote, or Online Class?” These videos describe the course formats and let you hear directly from professors about how they are teaching their particular mode. The collection is organized by mode and represent just some of the ways that your instructor will be engaging with you in the Spring 2021 semester.
UM Libraries upcoming workshops
Nov. 5, 12:15-12:30 p.m. — Shortshop: Finding Free 3D Printable Designs
This 15-minute workshop will show you how to use Thingiverse, a website where you can download FREE 3D printable files such as models, miniatures, tools and more.
Nov. 6, 12:15-12:30 p.m. — Shortshop: Recording Audio on PowerPoint
This 15-minute workshop will show you how to record audio on your PowerPoint presentation.
Nov. 10, 12:15-12:30 p.m. — Shortshop: Making a Stop Animation Video Using Your Smartphone
This 15-minute demo will cover how to use smartphone apps to create your own stop animation video.
Nov. 11, 12:15-12:30 p.m. — Shortshop: Podcast from Your Smartphone
In this 15-minute workshop, learn how to create your own podcast using just your smartphone.
Student success workshop
Thursday, Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. — Test Prep Planning
No registration required. Visit the CSSFYE site for details to attend.
Strut your mutt
Who will be crowned the cutest dog in Oxford? Join the Student Activities Association at the Grove Stage on Sunday, Nov. 8 from 3-5 p.m. for their first-ever dog pageant, Strut Your Mutt!  Check out more information here.

Faculty and Staff

Flu Vaccine Available for Departments/Buildings
Employee Health Services and Pharmacy Health Services are available to distribute flu shots to on-campus departments and buildings. Those interested should contact UHS at 662-915-6550 or the pharmacy at 662-915-5279 or email umpharmacy@olemiss.edu to set up a group day and time. The flu vaccine is covered by most insurance plans, including the state’s plan.

Other Things to Know

MSDH issues Health Alert about inappropriate use of antibody (serology) testing to determine the need for quarantine
 
CDC Resource: Things to know about the COVID-19 pandemic
 
The ‘dose’ of coronavirus a person gets may determine how sick they get (CNN)
 
Take a visual journey through the microscopic world of the coronavirus to see how masks work (NYT)
 
The Science of Superspreading (Science Magazine)
 
On the Lighter Side
 
Quick Links
University studies and surveys
There are university studies and surveys underway that welcome your participation. Below is information on how you can learn about them and participate.

Wednesday, October 28, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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University News

The holidays and COVID-19
Check out the latest blog from Dr. Jean Gispen, Staff Physician with Employee Health, who shares memories of past Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays and the adjustments her family will make this year because of COVID-19.
 
Extended library hours
The J.D. Williams Library has extended its hours. Visit the UM Libraries site for more information.
  • Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • Saturday from 12 noon-5 p.m. (except home football game days)
  • Sunday from 12 noon-8 p.m.
 
University COVID-19-related news stories

Students

Spring 2021 class schedule now available
The Spring 2021 class schedule is posted online. All students can log-in to myOleMiss and click “Course Registration” to select their favorite courses ahead of their registration window next week. Course formats will be finalized Oct. 30, and room assignments will be completed by Dec. 11. Students should contact their advisor for questions or to set up an advising appointment if they have not already done so. More info about course registration is available here.
 
Class registration dates 
Nov. 2: special groups 
Nov. 3: graduate students, honors, pharmacy 
Nov. 4: seniors, provost scholars, unclassified 
Nov. 5: juniors, sophomores 
Nov. 6: freshmen, special, visiting 
Law students: check your myOleMiss for registration times
 
Student Engagement Guide
Be sure to check out this quick guide of resources for how to stay engaged in and informed about campus life.

Academic support and guidance
The Academic Support Programs branch of the Center for Student Success and First-Year Experience has moved to the remodeled and expanded Paul B. Johnson Commons East, next to Rebel Market on Dormitory Row West. Academic Support Programs continues to meet student needs through in-person and online services for all undergraduate and graduate students needing assistance. Offerings include academic consultations and success coaching in-person or via Zoom meetings, online videos for student success workshops and study skills, and contractual readmission program information online.
 
Mathematics Lab offers tutoring
Tutoring services offered by the Math Department have been adapted to a remote method of delivery. See the website for more information.
 
Student success workshops 
Below is an upcoming workshop hosted by the Center for Student Success and First Year Experience (CSSFYE). No registration required. Visit the CSSFYE site for details to attend. 
  • Thursday, Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. — Test Prep Planning
 
Student Housing 
Visit the Student Housing website for information about academic breaks and end-of-semester closings. 

Other Things to Know

The CDC released new guidance recently to update the definition of “close contact” as “someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.”
Gov. Tate Reeves Issued Executive Order 1528 — Oct. 26, 2020
Mask mandate map (MEMA)
Marshall’s Mississippi Zoom Tour: An Interview with Dr. Thomas Dobbs
CARES Act counties allocations
CARES Act municipalities allocations
Similarities and Differences between Flu and COVID-19
On the Lighter Side
Quick Links
University studies and surveys
There are university studies and surveys underway that welcome your participation. Below is information on how you can learn about them and participate.