Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

COVID-19 Weekly Digest

Wednesday, September 16, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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University News

White House official visits UM to discuss COVID-19 response efforts
As part of a series of visits to select universities across the country, Dr. Deborah Birx – the coronavirus response coordinator for the White House Coronavirus Task Force — toured the Oxford campus on Sept. 12 to meet with university, state and local officials and students to learn more about the university’s protocols and procedures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Read the full story.
 
Executive Order 1522
On Sept. 13, Gov. Tate Reeves issued Executive Order 1522 to extend the mask mandate; update capacities for retail businesses, restaurants, gyms, reception halls and conference centers; and update the allowable number of participants for indoor and outdoor social gatherings. The order is in effect until Sept. 30. See this summary of Executive Orders shared by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH).
 
University launched Sentinel Testing Program
The university is offering free COVID-19 tests to asymptomatic members of the university community. The Sentinel Testing Program is designed to provide university officials with a better understanding of the virus’s presence in asymptomatic carriers and how it spreads on campus. See this video address from Noel Wilkin, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, for more information.
 
University COVID-19-related news stories

Students

Drive-in movie featuring “Grease!”
Join the Student Activities Association and the William Magee Center for Wellness Education on Sept. 17 at the Oxford Film Fest Drive-In for a showing of “Grease!” Spots are limited – Guests must RSVP to reserve a spot for a vehicle. Visit this page for more information.
 
Reporting COVID-19 tests over the weekend or after business hours
Need to report your positive COVID-19 result to University Health Services outside business hours? There are two ways you can accomplish this.
  1. Download the Everbridge App and select the “Report Positive COVID-19” button. Scan or take a picture of your results and upload it to our HIPAA-compliant UMBOX. Only University Health Services personnel will be able to view your documentation.
  2. Fill out the UHS Self Report form, scan or take a picture of your results and upload both the form and your results to our HIPAA-compliant UMBOX. Only University Health Services personnel will be able to view your documentation.

Faculty and Staff

Contract Administration during COVID
More than 1,000 employment contracts are now loaded into Box accounts for Chairs, Department Heads, Program Directors, or designees, as instructed. The contracts were delivered in electronic format, rather than the traditional paper format. Each chair and department head is required to review for accuracy.  As an “editor” of the Box folder, the designee may “share” with an administrator or business manager and determine the best mechanism to distribute the employment contract to each eligible faculty or staff member in your area.
 
Sharing Contracts Electronically:
  • Box option:  Share the document individually and not to a group, so each recipient will only be able to view their own contract.
  • Email option: Email the contract between @olemiss.edu accounts.  Keeping it internal to the UM system preserves security and encryption and keeps the information secure.
 
Electronic Signatures:
Due to the COVID pandemic, an electronic signature is acceptable. To use this option, you must have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader is required (download here), then follow these directions to fill and sign the document.
 
Each area may upload signed documents into the Box folder or send hard copies to Human Resources. Please upload or return the signed contracts to Human Resources by Sept. 30.
 
As in the past, edits and additions are expected. Forward any corrections or questions directly to Desha Ferguson, Manager of Payroll. The initial data was pulled Aug. 17.  Additional hires were included, however, we recognize that additional E-forms for changes (title and pay rates) may have been processed since there was not a traditional budget upload this year. Your patience and understanding when requesting edits is appreciated.
 
Sign-up opens soon for “Naturally Slim through State Health Plan”
During the pandemic, when many people are experiencing COVID-related weight gain, State Health Plan members in Naturally Slim experienced clinically significant weight loss. A recently conducted study shows that of the 4,208 Mississippi State and School Employees’ Health Insurance Plan members enrolled in Naturally Slim, the total weight loss (so far) for 2020 is 19,761 pounds! Participants also experienced other quality of life improvements, including 58% who improved their mood, 63% who increased their energy levels and 70% who increased their physical activity.
  • Application period: Sept. 21-Oct. 2—Apply at www.naturallyslim.com/mississippi
  • Program starts: Oct. 21
  • Eligibility: Naturally Slim is offered at NO COST to Plan participants 18 and older, provided Mississippi’s State and School Employees’ Health Insurance Plan is your primary insurance coverage. This includes employees, covered spouses, and covered adult dependents.
  • Naturally Slim is offered at NO COST to Plan members
  • Questions? Contact customer service at support@naturallyslim.com

Other things to know

Letter to the Editor: UM asymptomatic testing is free, but there is a cost if we don’t participate
 
It’s ok to be smart: How well do masks work? (Schlieren Imaging In Slow Motion)
 
City of Oxford Shelter Show installation #2 with a piece by Frank Estrada is up on Belk Blvd. in front of NWCC
 
On the Lighter Side
 
Important 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, September 9, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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University News

Free asymptomatic COVID-19 testing

The university offers free asymptomatic (i.e., without symptoms) COVID-19 testing for faculty, staff and students on campus. This testing and data collection serve as the university’s Sentinel Testing Program (which involves asymptomatic testing of our population) and will add to the current protections to keep our community safe. Invitations to register for an appointment time will be sent weekly.

  • The first group of optional testing was conducted this week.
  • All testing will be administered in the Ford Center media parking lot, and you will be able to drive through or walk up to the testing area.
  • Invitations for random-sample testing will continue through October.
  • Faculty, staff, and students will receive an email, including a link to complete a brief (less than two-minute) eligibility survey, and then receive further instructions on how to register for an appointment (via an app) to be tested.
  • Results of the test will be communicated through the app on your phone by the testing company.
  • Answers to the eligibility survey questions will be kept confidential. Positive test results will be communicated to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) and the Contact Tracing Team, as required.

Sharing responsibility for keeping our campus healthy

Check out the recent blog from Dr. Jean Gispen, Staff Physician with Employee Health, who provides insight about why it will take every one of us to slow the virus spread so we can keep the university going and keep Oxford from being overwhelmed by COVID.

MSDH update about isolation period 

On Sept. 8, MSDH updated the State Health Officer Order for the Isolation of Individuals Diagnosed with COVID-19, with a change in the isolation period for COVID-19-positive individuals. The Order now requires all COVID-19 positive individuals to remain in isolation for 10 days from the onset of their illness (or 10 days from the date of test if there were no symptoms). Individuals may discontinue isolation after 10 days if they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours and show improvement of their symptoms. This is consistent with current CDC guidance and the current information regarding the infectious period after contracting COVID-19. See the Order for more information.

Gold and Silver Park-N-Ride route changes

Due to low utilization, Gold route shuttle service to the South Lot/Park-N-Ride parking lot will be suspended starting September 14 until the start of the spring semester. Park-N-Ride permit holders who utilize the South Lot will need to park at alternate locations such as the Jackson Avenue Center Park-N-Ride areas or the South Campus Recreation Center Park-N-Ride areas.

The dedicated Silver route shuttle service between the South Campus Recreation Center and Kennon Observatory will also be discontinued until the spring. Riders between these locations should use the Old Taylor Road Express route or the Green route buses. 

Additional changes to OUT operations during this time involve a reduction in the number of buses operating on various routes. These routes include: the Old Taylor Road Express, Yellow, Hathorn Express, Bronze, and Green. Service reduction in some cases will reduce bus frequency, extending the time between available buses. Reduced city and campus traffic congestion during this time will help lessen the impact to service but riders should still be prepared for longer wait times and should plan accordingly.

Please feel free to email Parking & Transportation or call 662-915-7235 with questions or concerns.

Group sheltering during Covid-19
Because of Covid-19, there may be questions about group sheltering in response to severe weather. MEMA Director Greg Michel advised, “Life safety is and should always remain your priority. Coronavirus, as serious as it is, does not trump life safety.” If persons on campus are forced to seek refuge or shelter-in-place from severe weather or other hazards, it is recommended they maintain social distancing to the greatest extent possible within their space. Face coverings should be used if at all possible to help prevent the spread of the virus. Consider adding masks, gloves and hand sanitizer to your emergency preparedness kits and/or pre-staging these items in places where you plan to seek shelter.

If a tornado warning is issued for your area:

  • Seek shelter immediately inside of a building
  • Go to the lowest floor available
  • Stay away from windows
  • Please remain in your area of refuge until the warning has expired

Please visit the Ole Miss Emergency Information website for additional information.

University COVID-19-related news stories

Students

Fall virtual career fairs

  • Sept. 15, 1-4 p.m.: Graduate, Law, and Health Professional School Fair, including recruiters from Yale, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, and the University of Mississippi. 
  • Sept. 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Engineering, Manufacturing, and Technology Fair, including recruiters speaking about internships and full-time openings. 
  • Oct. 6, 12 noon-4 p.m.: All Majors Career Expo to explore various career opportunities. 

All events will be hosted virtually. Register on Handshake for additional details and all employers currently registered. All students are welcome to participate in all fairs.

UM students offer words of encouragement to the freshman class

While the Class of 2024’s freshman year may not be the same experience as previous years, the university still provides opportunities and moments that create growth from freshman year to senior year — academically, professionally and personally. Check out this article to read advice to the Class of 2024 from upperclassmen that they wish someone had given them during their freshman year.

Student landing page

The COVID-19 website now has a Student landing page with updates and information specifically for students. 

Faculty/Staff

Faculty landing page

The COVID-19 website now has a Faculty landing page with updates and information specifically for faculty. 

Staff landing page

The COVID-19 website now has a Staff landing page with updates and information specifically for staff.

Other Things to Know

Mississippi Public Universities release video to help fight COVID-19

Updated MSDH guidelines for K-12 reopening during COVID-19 (September 2020)

On the Lighter Side

Important 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, September 2, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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Celebrate Safely Over Labor Day Weekend
  • Take celebrations outside.
  • Keep it small: outdoor events are limited to 20 people, indoor events are capped at 10, based on the governor’s Executive Order 1511.
  • Wear a mask.
  • Don’t share food or drinks.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the public’s behavior over the Labor Day holiday weekend will determine how the coronavirus spreads in the U.S. through the colder months.
“We know from prior experience as you get into the holiday weekend, the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, there’s a tendency of people to be careless somewhat with regard to the public health measures,” he said. “I want to use this opportunity to almost have a plea to the people in this country to realize that we really still need to get our arms around this and to suppress these types of surges we’ve seen.” (Source: CNBC)

University News

University COVID-19 Update
Read Chancellor Boyce’s recent update (Sept. 1) on COVID-19.
 
Zoom
The University offers a licensed Zoom account available to all UM employees and students. To gain access, go to olemiss.zoom.us and sign in with your WebID and password. Once you have logged in, you will have a licensed Zoom account with the ability to host up to 300 participants for an unlimited length of time. If you have any trouble or have questions, contact zoom@olemiss.edu.
 
Ole Miss Bookstore hours of operation
Mon 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tue 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Wed 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Thu 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Fri 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sat 12 noon-5 p.m.
Sun CLOSED
 
Ole Miss Dining
See this page for a complete listing of Ole Miss Dining fall hours of operation.
 
UM COVID-19 Info Line
The UM COVID-19 Info Line (662-915-3600) is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
 
University COVID-19-related news stories

Students

The Study Abroad Office is hosting a virtual Study Abroad Fair beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8 through Friday, Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. every weekday. Join via Zoom to meet with exchange partners and affiliates to learn about study abroad options.
Zoom Link: olemiss.zoom.us/j/98663907552
Zoom meeting ID: 986 6390 7552

Other Things to Know

Gov. Tate Reeves issued Executive Order 1520, which updates regulations for K-12 organized extracurricular events, in effect until 8 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 14.
 
UMMC and MSDH are hosting mobile COVID-19 sample collection sites. The appointment-only testing is free of charge. Mississippians who want to be tested must complete a free screening from a UMMC clinician through an online screening questionnaire, or you can call the UMMC Center for Telehealth at 601-496-7200 on Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Anyone determined to need testing will be given an appointment date and time at the testing site most convenient.
 
Mississippi K-12 public, private and parochial teachers and school staff can be tested by appointment only, regardless of whether they show symptoms or have had close contact with someone positive for the virus, at the West Street Farmers Market in Jackson or at any one-day collection site coordinated by MSDH and UMMC. Testing is Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the West Street Farmers Market, corner of West and Woodrow Wilson Avenue, or 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at one-day sites.
 
For other testing locations available statewide, please visit the MSDH website. These testing locations are not affiliated with UMMC and have their own screening and appointment processes.
 
MSDH Updated COVID-19 COVID Isolation, Quarantine and Outbreak Guidelines for Colleges and Universities
 
CDC How to Select, Wear, and Clean Your Mask
 
School nurses can receive a free N-95 mask at scheduled county health department locations
 
On the Lighter Side
 
Important 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, August 26, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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University News

COVID-19 Dashboard
Supplementing data shared via the confirmed cases page, the University of Mississippi launched a dashboard Tuesday (Aug. 25) that tracks a number of metrics related to the presence of the virus on campus, including:
  • Active confirmed cases (including a breakdown of student, staff and faculty cases)
  • Number of outbreaks on campus (currently defined by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) as the confirmation of three or more concurrent cases of COVID-19 in the same environment, space, or program that has the potential to spread or have been spread to others in the same environment space, or program. Note that it is possible for overlap of outbreaks. For example, if an outbreak occurs in a program, and they also live in the same area, it will show up in the counts of both.)
  • Percentage of university-provided isolation and quarantine beds available on campus for on-campus residents
The dashboard will be updated daily by noon with data as of midnight the previous day.
 
Isolation and Quarantine
Below is an overview of what on-campus residents can expect if they are directed to isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19. This process is triggered if:
  1. You test positive for COVID-19,
  2. You show symptoms and are awaiting results of a COVID-19 test, or
  3. You have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
The university has designated isolation spaces for on-campus residents who test positive for COVID. The university has additional spaces designated for on-campus residents who need to quarantine because they have been identified as a close contact of someone who tested positive. The designated isolation and quarantine spaces are in different areas.
 
Guidance from MSDH advises that an outbreak occurs when three or more cases emerge within the same environment, space, or program, such as a floor or a wing of a residence hall. Following that guidance, the other residents of that floor or wing need to quarantine for 14 days. In these cases, the quarantine order applies only to residents on the floor or wing, not the entire residence hall.
 
Students who are directed to quarantine will receive a letter from Student Housing as well as follow-up communications that outline student support and resources. Note that people in quarantine should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow directions from the Mississippi State Department of Health. Students who are in quarantine should not attend in-person classes.
 
The letter from Student Housing will encourage students to consult with their families to consider their options for quarantine, which require you to leave your assigned residence space. The options are:
  1. Relocate off campus or to a family residence, or
  2. Relocate to a designated quarantine space on campus identified by University Housing.
 
Please note that students who are directed to go into quarantine will have time to consult with family and Student Housing to make a plan for you and act on it.
 
Visit this page to learn more about the Department of Student Housing’s guide to isolation and quarantine for on-campus residents, Student Affairs support for all students and other resources.
 
Rules of the Road: Let’s Talk about COVID-19 Testing 
Check out the recent blog from Dr. Jean Gispen, Staff Physician with Employee Health. She provides an in-depth look at COVID-19 testing, including a deep dive into terms such as isolation, quarantine and close contact. The blog also includes four very helpful flow charts about 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
 
Student Disability Services Testing Center Guidelines
The SDS Testing Center has updated guidelines for Fall 2020.
 
Pharmacy Health Services Curbside Pickup
As faculty, staff and students return to Oxford, Pharmacy Health Services (PHS) wants to facilitate the convenience of curbside service and keep the campus community safe and healthy. PHS will continue to provide curbside pickup, but modify its operation for the safety of campus pedestrians.
  • Customers will pull into the main parking lot, located on the south side of the V.B. Harrison Health Center and Meek Hall.
  • You are allowed to remain in the lane but please don’t block traffic. 
  • Customers should contact the pharmacy upon arrival and wait in their car until a staff member brings them their medications.
The PHS staff can be reached via phone at (662) 915-5279 or email your questions or concerns to umpharmacy@olemiss.edu. Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. CT and Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. CT. Visit the University Health website for more information.
 
Ole Miss Bookstore hours of operation
Aug. 26-28: 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Aug. 29: 12 noon-5 p.m.
Aug. 30: CLOSED
 
Ole Miss Dining 
Ole Miss Dining is pleased to offer an on-campus delivery option called “Starship,” which is delivered by robots from select on-campus locations. To download the app or learn more about Starship delivery, visit Dining Services’ Starship Deliveries site. And be sure to check out the Ole Miss Dining website for hours of operation of various dining options.
 
University COVID-19-related news stories

Student News

COVID-19 Student Self-Report Form/Support for Students in Quarantine or Isolation
Whether you are on an on-campus resident or live off campus, completing this Student Self-Report Form will help the university provide support and resources to students who are directed to go into quarantine or isolation. No information from this form will be used for student conduct purposes. Students in quarantine may be awaiting results of a COVID-19 test or have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, while students in isolation have tested positive for COVID-19. See the letter from the Dean of Students and contact him at bmarsh@olemiss.edu for additional information.
 
10 Things to Know for Fall 2020
Check out the letter from Dr. Charlotte Pegues, Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, that shares helpful information for Fall 2020.
 
COVID-19 accountability information for students
All students are strongly encouraged to visit the COVID-19 Student Action Response Tier webpage, which details the expectations for conduct and behaviors as well as potential disciplinary referrals for students and residents (on and off campus), student organizations, events and activities on and off campus, and transportation provided by O.U.T. and university entities.
 
Student Zoom Stations
Students on campus who need a place to Zoom for an hour or two for a remote or hybrid course may use a Student Zoom Station on campus. These spaces are designed for students to bring their computer and sit at a desk/table to Zoom for a course. They are not designed as study stations, but rather as a place to sit for an hour or two to Zoom for a course while on campus. A list of spaces with the number of Zoom stations available is listed below.  Students may also use the WiFi in the Grove and other outdoor spaces or in some classrooms/buildings which may not be occupied. Students should remember to follow all safety protocols while Zooming, including wearing a mask and physical distancing.
  • Tad Smith Coliseum — 20 spaces
  • Yerby Lobby Area — 22 spaces
  • Lamar 208 — 8 spaces
  • Lamar 315 — 8 spaces
  • Hume 113 — 12 spaces
  • Bondurant E114 — 5 spaces
  • Bondurant 116W — 5 spaces
 
Welcome Week Activities
Students can anticipate both virtual and in-person activities during annual Welcome Week, which continues through Friday, Aug. 28.
 
Important Updates for Registered Student Organizations
Updates for the Fall 2020 semester for Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) regarding COVID-19 Protocol and events/activities:
 
Visit the Student Union website to sign up for RSO Orientation and learn more about important processes for the fall. If you have any questions, email getinvolved@olemiss.edu. 

Faculty and Staff

COVID-19 Fact Sheet for Faculty
This roadmap for UM faculty provides a quick, centralized overview of COVID-19-related information available through olemiss.edu websites. It will be updated as more information becomes available.
 
Public Education and Awareness
The Public Education and Awareness Subcommittee has developed resources and materials to communicate changes in operations, expectations and health information in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Visit this page for physical and digital signage, photography, “Are You Ready” digital email signature images and social media graphics. 

Other Things to Know

Gov. Tate Reeves issued Executive Order 1519, which outlines regulations for college and university stadium events and accompanying social gatherings outside stadiums, in effect until  Aug. 31.
 
UMMC and MSDH are hosting mobile COVID-19 sample collection sites. The appointment-only testing is free of charge. Mississippians who want to be tested must complete a free screening from a UMMC clinician through an online screening questionnaire found, or you can call the UMMC Center for Telehealth at 601-496-7200 on Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Anyone determined to need testing will be given an appointment date and time at the testing site most convenient.
  • Weekly, Monday-Saturday: Jackson, West Street Farmers Market
  • August 27: Waynesboro, City Auditorium
  • August 27: Ashland, Benton County Courthouse
  • August 28, Eupora, Garran Parking Lot
  • August 28: Greenville, Washington County Convention Center
  • August 29: Laurel, Cameron Center
  • August 29: De Kalb, Kemper County High School
  • August 31: Ackerman, Choctaw County EOC/Old County Building
  • August 31: Itta Bena, MVSU Football Stadium
For other testing locations available statewide, please visit the MSDH website. Those testing locations are not affiliated with UMMC and have their own screening and appointment processes.
 
City of Oxford COVID-19 data
 
3 key steps to take while waiting for your COVID-19 test result
 
How to help your child wear a mask
 
Read about the “Mask Now Party Later” pledge focused on bringing back live events sooner
 
5 things we know about flying right now
 
On the Lighter Side
 
Important 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, August 19, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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University News

16 Individuals Test Positive for COVID-19
The university received notification today (Aug. 19, 2020) that 15 student-athletes and one employee tested positive for COVID-19, which constitutes an outbreak of cases on campus per the Mississippi State Department of Health’s guidelines. These individuals were tested earlier this week as part of a mass screening for student-athletes returning to campus and were instructed to quarantine until test results were received. Eleven of the 15 student-athletes are members of the same team. Per MSDH guidance, these individuals will be isolated immediately to prevent the spread of the virus. UM and MSDH are conducting contact tracing and will communicate with those who may have been in close contact with these individuals.
 
See notification: https://umtoday.olemiss.edu/av.jsp?umtid=34780
 
UM Contact Tracing Team
The university has created an internal contact tracing team and an extensive process to notify members of the campus community who may have come into contact with a positive case as another tool to help curtail the spread of COVID-19. The university’s contact tracing team is composed of 21 volunteers from the School of Applied Sciences. Every volunteer from the School of Applied Sciences has completed the COVID-19 Contact Tracing Course from Johns Hopkins University and trained for HIPAA compliance to protect the privacy of faculty, staff and students. Read the full story.
 
Reminder about outdoor gatherings, social distancing and face masks
Under current executive orders (1492, 1511, 1514 and 1518) issued by Gov. Tate Reeves, no more than 20 people can gather for outdoor social gatherings. Social distancing of six feet must be maintained between individuals not living in the same household. Masks are required outside when social distancing can’t be maintained.
 
Ole Miss Bookstore hours of operation
August 19-21: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
August 22-23: 12 noon-5 p.m.
August 24-28: 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
August 29: 12 noon-5 p.m.
August 30: CLOSED
 
Ole Miss Dining hours of operation 
August 20
  • Residential: Rebel Market 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m./3:30-8 p.m.
  • Union: Chick-Fil-A 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Panda Express/Which Wich/Qdoba/McAllister’s 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
August 21
  • Residential: Rebel Market 7 a.m.–1:30 p.m./3:30-8 p.m.
    • Marketplace 7 a.m.–2 p.m./4-8 p.m.
  • Union: Chick-Fil-A 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
  • Panda Express/Which Wich/Qdoba/McAllister’s 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
  • Retail: Papa John’s 12 p.m.–12 a.m.
  • PODs: Minor/Towers/Crosby 12 p.m.–12 a.m.
August 22
  • Residential: Rebel Market 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m./3:30-8 p.m.
    • Marketplace 10 a.m.-2 p.m./4-8 p.m.
  • Union restaurants: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Retail: Papa John’s 12 p.m.-12 a.m.
    PODs: Minor/Towers/Crosby 12 p.m.-12 a.m.
August 23
  • Residential: Rebel Market 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m./3:30-8 p.m.
    • Marketplace 10 a.m.-2 p.m./4-8 p.m.
  • Union: All restaurants except Chick-fil-A 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Retail: Papa John’s 12 p.m.-12 a.m.
  • PODs: Minor/Towers/Crosby 12 p.m.-12 a.m.

Grill at 1810 
Due to certain COVID-19 restrictions and scheduled events, the Grill at 1810 in the Manning Center will be open only for regular service Monday-Friday from 6:30-10 a.m. during the Fall 2020 semester.
 
Featured FAQs
How do I know if I’m wearing my mask correctly?
The CDC recommends that people wear masks in public and when around people who don’t live in the same household. Wear a mask to protect others and follow this guidance:
  • Wash your hands before putting on your mask
  • Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
  • Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face
  • Make sure you can breathe easily
  • Don’t put the mask around your neck or up on your forehead
  • Don’t touch the mask, and, if you do, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to disinfect
 
Are masks with exhalation valves or vents recommended?
The CDC does not recommend using masks if they have an exhalation valve or vent. The purpose of masks is to keep respiratory droplets from reaching others to aid with source control. Masks with one-way valves or vents allow exhaled air to be expelled through holes in the material, which allows exhaled respiratory droplets to reach others and potentially spread the COVID-19 virus. 
University COVID-19-related news stories

Student News

Required Student Module on COVID-19 Protocols
All students are required to complete the Campus Ready Student Module by Sunday, August 23. You can access the module in the Blackboard portal under “Courses.” The module outlines the university’s plan to protect health and safety and aims to help students understand how to protect themselves and others. If you have questions, please email Student Affairs.

Faculty and Staff News

Recordings from Faculty and Staff Town Halls
The recordings from the Faculty Town Hall on Aug. 14 and the Staff Town Hall on Aug. 18 are now available. To access them, complete the registration process via the links below and it will take you to the recordings. Please email marcomm@olemiss.edu if you need assistance.
 
Faculty: https://olemiss.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZeAB30sWTlWdimpzSwikKQ
Staff: https://olemiss.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tCeoMi8sT8WjehvbA5CaJw

Other Things to Know

UMMC and MSDH are hosting mobile COVID-19 sample collection sites. The appointment-only testing is free of charge. Mississippians who want to be tested must complete a free screening from a UMMC clinician through an online screening questionnaire, or you can call the UMMC Center for Telehealth at 601-496-7200 on Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Anyone determined to need testing will be given an appointment date and time at the testing site most convenient.
Weekly, Monday-Saturday: Jackson, West Street Farmers Market
  • August 20: Pittsboro, Calhoun County Extension Office
  • August 20: Senatobia, Tate County Courthouse
  • August 21: Tupelo, Bancorp South Arena Parking Lot
  • August 22: Macon, Noxubee Civic Center
  • August 24: Meridian, Lauderdale County AG Center
  • August 24: Canton, Canton Multipurpose Complex
  • August 25: Natchez, Adams County Safe Room
  • August 25: Booneville, Prentiss County Agri-Center
  • August 26: Louisville, Louisville Coliseum
  • August 26: Tunica, Paul Battle Arena
For other testing locations available statewide, please visit the MSDH website. Those testing locations are not affiliated with UMMC and have their own screening and appointment processes.
Free testing now available for teachers and staff of K12 through UMC/MSDH/Nat Guard testing clinics
CDC guidance on duration of isolation and precautions for adults with COVID-19
CDC updated isolation guidance does not imply immunity to COVID-19
 
Webinar offers guidance for Lafayette and Panola County entrepreneurs
 
Researchers found a way to clean N95 masks for reuse — in a common electric cooker (Washington Post)
On the Lighter Side
Important 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.