Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

COVID-19 Weekly Digest

Wednesday, August 12, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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University News

UM’s Campus Ready Plan highlighted in “CBS Sunday Morning” feature story
On Sunday, August 9, the university’s planning and preparation for a safe return to campus this fall was featured in a segment about higher education during the pandemic by CBS Sunday Morning.
Travel guidance updates
The CDC recently updated its travel guidance and now does not recommend a 14 day quarantine for international travelers entering the U.S.  The university is following the CDC guidelines so it is no longer a requirement for international travelers to quarantine for 14 days after entry into the U.S. Please visit the CDC information for practicing precautions after travel.
  • On-Campus Students: Students who are currently in a quarantine space due to this previous international travel restriction are able to leave and move into their semester space and their quarantine period has ended.  Please contact Student Housing to make arrangements to move into your semester space. Those who are arriving soon will be able to move directly into their on-campus space.
  • Off-Campus Students: Since there is no longer a requirement to quarantine for 14 days due to international travel restrictions, your quarantine period has ended.
Ole Miss Bookstore hours of operation
August 13: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
August 14: 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
August 15: 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
August 16: CLOSED
August 17-21: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
August 22-23: 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
August 24-28: 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
August 29: 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
August 30: CLOSED
Ole Miss Dining hours of operation for Move-In Week 2020 (August 17–23; All hours are subject to change.)
August 17–18
  • Residential: Rebel Market 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m./3:30-8 p.m.
August 19
  • Residential: Rebel Market 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m./3:30-8 p.m.
  • Union restaurants: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
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.
Parking
Normal parking and enforcement operations will be in effect Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning Thursday, August 13. Visit the Parking & Transportation webpage or call 662-915-7235 for more details. 
O.U.T. Bus Operations
  • Oxford University Transit (O.U.T.) has resumed full operations with most standard routes operating on a normal schedule.
  • The Rebel Red campus circulator shuttle (counter-clockwise) will not operate this fall, but the Rebel Blue campus circulator shuttle (clockwise) will operate with two buses in order to provide a more consistent service for the shuttle. Riders that used the Rebel Red bus stop locations in the past will need to identify the closest Rebel Blue stop. Signage at affected shelters will be posted prior to August 24.
  • All O.U.T. buses are equipped with hand sanitizer dispensers, cleaned regularly and disinfected. Buses are equipped with additional protections for riders and the drivers. Seating capacity is limited on all buses and all riders must be seated (no standing).
  • Riders are required to wear a mask at all times while waiting at a crowded bus shelter and while riding a bus. Riders should allow at least six feet of clearance for arriving buses to allow riders to disembark prior to approaching to board a bus.
  • Please DO NOT ride O.U.T. buses if you are experiencing Covid-19 or other flu-like symptoms.
Visit Oxford University Transit for routes and schedules.
Gate Operations
  • Traffic gates on All-American Drive, Student Union Drive, and Athletics Lane will be lowered starting Thursday, August 13.
  • Gates on All-American will return to operating on a fixed schedule in which they will be closed weekdays from 7 a.m.-5 p.m., and remain open on weekends. During periods when the gates are closed, traffic will be limited to buses, authorized service vehicles and emergency vehicles.
  • Gates on Student Union Drive and Athletics Lane will remain closed 24/7 to all traffic except buses, authorized service vehicles and emergency vehicles.
Please contact the Department of Parking and Transportation at 662-915-7235 or parking@olemiss.edu if you have questions.
C19 Ambassador Program
Students, staff and faculty are invited to serve as a C19 Ambassador to provide encouragement and information to members of the university community about how to follow health and safety protocols established for the return to campus. C19 Ambassadors may be eligible to receive credit for community service. The next C19 Ambassador training session is Thursday, August 13 at 12 noon. Visit the C19 Ambassador application link for additional information about the program and to sign up.
Featured FAQ
What should I do if I have been tested for COVID-19 and I am awaiting results?
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) offers important guidance to monitor your health and avoid spreading the disease to others. If you have symptoms of COVID-19:
  • While waiting for the results of your test, isolate yourself and your household contacts should stay at home. (If household contacts are healthcare workers, they are encouraged to contact their employer. They may still be allowed to work while wearing a mask).
  • Stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home to the extent possible. Use a separate bathroom, if available. Other household members can consider staying in a separate location, if available, to decrease their risk of exposure.
  • For more information, see the CDC’s guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19 at home.
  • If you must leave home, such as to seek medical care, wear a surgical mask if available.
  • If your results are positive, you will need to isolate for 14 days from the time your symptoms started.
Read the full guidance from MSDH.
University COVID-19-related news stories

Students

Campus Rec
Campus Recreation facility operations will be conducted based upon national, state, local, and university guidelines. Operational procedures will be revised as guidelines are updated. Campus Rec is committed to keeping the health and safety of its patrons as the top focus of its operations, and your assistance in abiding by operational guidelines will be essential for service delivery. Read more about COVID-19 resources and re-opening plans.

Patrons must reserve their time slot by registering on the OleMissCR App or at the Campus Rec Intramural site. It is expected that patrons create their IMLeagues account on the Intramural site and register for time slots prior to arriving to the facility. See hours of operation through August 23.

Faculty and Staff

Faculty Town Hall
Faculty are invited to a Town Hall via Zoom on Friday, August 14 at 8:15 a.m. The one-hour Town Hall will provide faculty an opportunity to ask questions about the university’s COVID-19 response and Fall 2020 planning and preparation. Advance registration is required, and there is a limit of 1,000 attendees. Please register here to receive the Zoom link.
https://olemiss.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZeAB30sWTlWdimpzSwikKQ
If you need captioning to access this live video content or other access assistance related to a disability, please email Rod Guajardo. The Town Hall will be recorded and made available for viewing on demand.
Attendees will be able to submit questions during the Town Hall, or they can be submitted in advance to marcomm@olemiss.edu. Please indicate “Faculty Town Hall Question” in the subject line.
Staff Town Hall
Staff are invited to a Town Hall via Zoom on Tuesday, August 18 at 10:15 a.m. The one-hour Town Hall will provide staff an opportunity to ask questions about the university’s COVID-19 response and Fall 2020 planning and preparation. Registration is required and there is a limit of 1,000 attendees. Please register here to receive the Zoom link.
https://olemiss.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tCeoMi8sT8WjehvbA5CaJw
If you need captioning to access this live video content or other access assistance related to a disability, please email Rod Guajardo. The Town Hall will be recorded and made available for viewing on demand.
Attendees will be able to submit questions during the Town Hall, or they can be submitted in advance to marcomm@olemiss.edu. Please indicate “Staff Town Hall Question” in the subject line.
Academic Protocols
The Academic Planning and Experiences subcommittee has published the following COVID-19 protocol documents:
Telecommuting
As we near the start of the Fall semester, priority is given to preparing student services areas and classrooms. Some faculty and staff may be able to continue to telecommute, which allows employees to work at home or in a satellite location for all or part of their workweek. Temporary telecommuting arrangements may continue to be approved amid COVID-19 concerns.

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 first complete a free screening from a UMMC clinician through an online questionnaire found at umc.edu/covidscreening. Or, they 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 13: Meridian, Lauderdale County AG Center
  • August 13: Canton, Canton Multipurpose Complex
  • August 14: Columbia, Columbia Exposition Center
  • August 14: Starkville, Oktibbeha County Safe Room
  • August 15: Ripley, Tippah County Coliseum
  • August 15: Yazoo City
  • August 17: Heidelburg, Heidelburg High School
  • August 17: Oxford, Lafayette County Arena
  • August 18: Vicksburg, Pemberton Square Mall
  • August 18: Columbus, Lowndes County Soccer
  • August 19: Pontotoc, Pontotoc County Agri-Center
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.
List of Coronavirus-related restrictions in every state
 
NYT’s interactive guide to understanding and identifying COVID-19 symptoms
 
World Mask Week (August 7-14) promotes the use of face masks as one of the best tools to fight the pandemic 
 
A team of researchers at Columbia University established Wearing is Caring to educate about wearing masks properly, answer questions and dispel myths, all based on current research.
 
Researchers created a test to determine which masks are the least effective
 
Mississippi State Department of Health Immunization Records and Forms Online
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 5, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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University News

“Are You Ready?” Pledge
Students, staff, faculty and the LOU community are invited to take the voluntary “Are You Ready?” Pledge to follow health and safety guidelines and watch out for each other’s well-being throughout the semester. This student-driven pledge is a symbolic commitment that acknowledges everyone’s responsibility to help our community thrive. Take the pledge here and then share on social media why you took the pledge!
C19 Ambassador Program
Students, staff and faculty are invited to become C19 ambassadors. The purpose of the C19 Ambassador program is to provide encouragement and information to members of the university community about how to follow health and safety protocols established for the return to campus. Our safety depends on everyone’s cooperation, and we encourage all students, faculty and staff to share in the responsibility of keeping campus safe. C19 Ambassadors may be eligible to receive credit for community service. If you are interested, visit the C19 Ambassador application link for additional information about the program and to sign up for one of two interest meetings.
Zoom User Training
Faculty, staff, students and all UM Zoom users are invited on Tuesday, August 11, from 12-1 PM (CDT) to a Zoom User Training. Join this event brought to UM by Zoom. Danny Mariscal will share new features, best practices, and relevant advice for effective use of Zoom. He is the school’s Zoom Technical Team Lead and Customer Success manager who will bring interactive, intentional and accurate training to help you teach, work, research, study, and flourish as a Zoom expert. Contact Sarah Campbell at smcampb4@olemiss.edu with questions.
University COVID-19-related news stories

Students

Featured FAQ
What will Groovin’ at Move-in look like this year?
Groovin’ at Move-in will look very different this year. Instead of being assigned a move-in day based on building and/or floor, each student will select their own appointment time to move into their room between August 15 and August 21. In addition, each student will be allowed to have no more than 2 guests helping them move in. All students and guests will need to wear face coverings and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Volunteers will not be available to assist students and guests with moving personal items.

Faculty and Staff

Featured FAQ
Am I required to complete the UM COVID-19 Daily Symptom Checker daily?
Yes, employees complete the UM COVID-19 Daily Symptom Checker each day before reporting to work. Employees will use this interactive tool daily to check for coronavirus symptoms and learn about resources available to help protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19.  The submissions are anonymous and no identifying information is collected.  The Checker is a public health program and a necessity as we promote a safe community.

State and Local Orders

Please note that there have been a number of recent state and local orders that we are highlighting because of the impact on our campus and community.

Mississippi State Department of Health, MS Health Alert: COVID-19 Isolation Order — August 2, 2020

  • All persons residing in Mississippi must immediately home-isolate on first knowledge of infection with COVID-19. 
  • Persons infected with COVID-19, and not hospitalized, must remain in the home or other appropriate residential location for 14 days from onset of illness (or from the date of a positive test for those who are asymptomatic). 
  • If your employer approves and says you are critical, you may return to work 10 days from the day your symptoms started (or from the day you were tested if you had no symptoms) and you have been fever free for at least 24 hours, and you have no other symptoms. 
  • The failure or refusal to obey the lawful order of a health officer is, at a minimum, a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $500.00 (41-3-59) or imprisonment for six months or both. If a life- threatening disease is involved, failure or refusal to obey the lawful order of a health officer is a felony, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000.00 or imprisonment for up to five years or both (41- 23-2). 
Gov. Tate Reeves Executive Order 1517 — August 4, 2020
  • “Every person in Mississippi shall wear a face covering, covering the nose and mouth, while inside a school building or classroom, or when outdoors on a school campus 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 order for a list of exceptions.
  • “The start of the 2020-21 academic year for public schools in Bolivar, Coahoma, Forrest, George, Hinds, Panola, Sunflower and Washington Counties for grades seven through twelves shall be delayed until Monday, August 17, 2020.”
Gov. Tate Reeves Executive Order 1516 — August 4, 2020
  • “Every person in Mississippi shall wear a face covering, covering the nose and mouth, while inside a business, school or other building or space open to the public, or when in an outdoor public space 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 order for a list of exceptions.
  • “Executive Order 1516 shall be effective at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, and shall remain in full force and effect until 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2020, unless it is modified, amended, rescinded, or superseded.”
Gov. Tate Reeves Executive Order 1514 — July 30, 2020
  • Executive Order 1514 extended the statewide Safe Return instituted in Executive Order 1492 until 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2020.   
  • On May 28, 2020, Gov. Tate Reeves issued Executive Order 1492 outlining the “Safe Return” order, providing guidelines for group gatherings, travel, business operations, healthcare activities, recreation and amusement activities, reception halls/conference centers, schools and courts of law, in effect until June 15. On July 24, 2020, Gov. Tate Reeves issued Executive Order No. 1511 establishing tighter restrictions on social gatherings statewide until 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 3, 2020.This was further extended until 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2020 by Executive Order No. 1514.  
    • Group gatherings (Indoor): Social gatherings/activities shall be limited to a maximum of 10 participants indoor. All individuals shall maintain social distancing of a minimum of 6 feet distance between individuals not in the same household. This limitation shall not apply to religious entities, students in classrooms or gatherings in facilities governed by other capacity limitations.
    • Group gatherings (Outdoor): Social gathering/activities shall be limited to a maximum of 20 participants outdoor. All individuals shall be limited to a maximum of 20 participants outdoor. All individuals shall maintain social distancing of a minimum of 6 feet distance between individuals not in the same household. This limitation shall not apply to religious entities or gatherings governed by other capacity limitations. 
Oxford Board of Aldermen amendment to Serving Oxford Safely plan — August 4, 2020
  • The Oxford Board of Aldermen held a meeting on August 4 and passed an amendment, a 10th emergency resolution to the Serving Oxford Safely plan that requires masks be worn outdoors when social distancing is not possible.

Other Things to Know

Mississippi State Department of Health Guide to Executive Orders: Summary of the latest COVID-19 Executive Orders from Gov. Tate Reeves, organized by who and what they apply to
 
Through Mississippi Legislature’s House Bill 1799 and Senate Bill 3047, the MS Emergency Management Agency was allocated $70,000,000 of CARES Act money to assist counties and municipalities with their COVID-19 expenses
 
The Oxford School District Board delays the start of school two weeks to Aug. 24
 
Masks now required at mTrade Park in Oxford
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 first complete a free screening from a UMMC clinician through an online questionnaire found at umc.edu/covidscreening. Or, they 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 6: Richton, Perry County Multi-Purpose Center
  • August 6: Kosciusko, Attala County Coliseum
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.
New York Times Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker
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, July 29, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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University News

Library Update

The J.D. Williams Library is open for limited service to UM affiliates Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Face masks and social distancing are required. Visit the University Library site for information on services, resources and policies.

 
University COVID-19-related news stories
Featured FAQ
What is the difference between quarantine and self-isolation?
Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. Quarantine helps prevent spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms. People in quarantine should stay home, separate themselves from others and monitor their health for 14 days from the date of the last exposure to a person who tested positive.Isolation is used to separate people infected with the virus (those who are sick with COVID-19, with or without symptoms) from people who are not infected. People who are in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others as dictated by a healthcare provider. Please see these CDC guidelines to determine when it would be safe for someone in isolation to resume contact with others. In the home, anyone sick or infected should separate themselves from others by staying in a specific “sick room” or area and using a separate bathroom, if available.


Students

Virtual Involvement Week 2020
Be sure to check out the videos from Virtual Involvement Week for guidance on how to get involved and engaged at the university. The videos feature panels from various student organizations as well as leadership opportunities and campus activities, such as:
  • Sponsored and Peer Government Organizations
  • Academic and Professional Organizations
  • Religious Organizations
  • Political Organizations
  • Health and Wellness Student Organizations
  • Sport Clubs
  • Student Media Center – student newspaper, yearbook, TV and radio stations
  • Military and Intelligence Organizations
  • Multicultural and Women’s Interest Organizations
  • Fraternity and Sorority Life Organizations
  • Creative, Special Interest and Honor Society Organizations
  • Service and Philanthropic Organizations

 

Other Things to Know

Gov. Tate Reeves has issued the following executive orders related to COVID-19: 
Mississippi State Department of Health Guide to Executive Orders: Summary of the latest COVID-19 Executive Orders from Gov. Tate Reeves, organized by who and what they apply to
Gov. Tate Reeves’s Safe Return FAQs
 
CDC guidance about what to do while waiting for a COVID-19 test result
 
FDA reiterates warning about dangerous alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing methanol
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 first complete a free screening from a UMMC clinician through an online questionnaire found at umc.edu/covidscreening. Or, they 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
  • July 30: North Carrollton, JZ George High School
  • July 30: Pascagoula, Jackson County Fairgrounds Civic Center
  • July 31: Louisville, Crystal Ridge Facility Building
  • July 31: Rolling Fork, Sharkey Issaquena Community Hospital
  • August 1: Choctaw, Pearl River Community Building
  • August 1: Lucedale, George County Municipal Complex
  • August 3: Iuka, Tishomingo County Fairgrounds
  • August 3: Batesville, Panola Medical Center
  • August 4: Brookhaven, The Brookhaven Building
  • August 4: New Albany, Union County Fairgrounds
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.
Community Conversation with the superintendents of the Oxford School District and the Lafayette County School District will be held August 2 at 3:00 PM
 
How to get your kids to stay 6 feet away… from everything
 
List of major retailers requiring customers to wear face masks
 
How face masks work and which types offer the best Covid-19 protection
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, July 22, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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University News

Video Message from Provost Noel Wilkin
As work continues on COVID-19 plans for the fall, Provost Noel Wilkin issued a video message this week that highlights many of the protocols that form the new foundation for how we will operate in the fall. He discusses a CDC study that illustrates why wearing face coverings is effective in preventing spread.
Stressed by COVID? Find simple moments and revel in them

Dr. Jean Gispen, staff physician at the Employee Health Center within University Health Services, shares some thoughts for people who are now much busier or more stressed out by COVID-19. Be sure to take a moment and read her blog.

University COVID-19-related news stories

Students

Student Housing
Fall 2020 Move-In Information
The Department of Student Housing communicated information this week through Ole Miss Gmail to all Fall 2020 students living on campus about information and instructions for scheduling an appointment to move into their Fall 2020 room. Move-in will take place from August 15-21. Once students have reviewed and signed the Housing Contract Addendum, they will have the option to schedule their move-in appointment. Students should check their student email account for more information.
Online Courses
Any students who currently have a housing contract for 2020-21 and have all online courses for Fall 2020 can submit a Student Housing Appeal to be released from living on campus for the Fall 2020 semester. Requests will be evaluated by the Student Housing Appeals Committee. Course schedules will need to be verified after the tenth day of classes in the fall semester before an appeal is approved. Please note that this appeal only applies to the Fall 2020 semester. Both first-year freshmen and continuing students who signed a housing contract for the 2020-2021 academic year and are approved for the Fall 2020 exception will be required to live on campus for the Spring 2021 semester. Please contact Student Housing at housing@olemiss.edu or 662-915-2378 for more information. 
Course delivery modes in schedules
Course delivery modes for Fall 2020 courses are now updated in the scheduling system. Students can log into myOleMiss to see delivery modes for each course on their schedule. For details about the four delivery modes, please see the definitions for each delivery format. Room adjustments will be completed by August 15 — students who have face-to-face or hybrid courses should check their schedule again after August 15 to verify the classroom. Please note that individual course delivery changes or university-wide delivery course changes may be required due to the evolving pandemic and our implementation of strategies to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Disability-related exemption of face covering requirement
Students who would like to explore a disability-related exemption to the University’s face covering requirement, should contact Student Disability Services (SDS). Students who are not currently registered with SDS should complete an online application available on the SDS site. The application process requires an interview with an SDS staff member and the submission of medical documentation that specifically addresses the ways in which wearing a face covering may aggravate a diagnosed medical condition. Students who are already registered with SDS should log into their Rebel Access portal and complete a form to request a new accommodation. Please note: If an exemption is approved, the student is required to wear a face shield instead.
FAQ video for students and families
Watch this video for students and families to learn more about how the university will return to on-campus instruction for the Fall 2020 semester.
Featured FAQ
For in-person classes offered this fall, will classrooms operate like they did before the pandemic?
You will see several changes in classrooms this fall. Seating will be limited in order to maintain social distancing. Students will have assigned seats, and faculty and students will be required to wear a mask or a cloth face covering in the classroom. Hand sanitizer stations will be provided in classroom buildings. As a shared responsibility, faculty and students will be asked to wipe down high-touch surfaces in classrooms before leaving.

Faculty/Staff

FAQ video for faculty and staff
Watch this video for faculty and staff to learn more about how the university will resume daily operations and return to on-campus instruction for the Fall 2020 semester.
Featured FAQ
What do I need to do before I return to campus?
1. All employees (including faculty, administrators and supervisors/managers) are required to complete the “Return to Work on Campus” training module that is accessible at blackboard.olemiss.edu.
2. All employees (including faculty, administrators and supervisors/managers) are required to review what’s expected of employees related to returning to work on campus. The module requires that you certify via the digital attestation that it has been read and that you understand what’s you are expected to do to prevent spread.
3. All employees (including faculty, administrators and supervisors/managers) are required to complete the UM COVID-19 Daily Symptom Checker, which is based on current CDC guidance. Employees will use this interactive tool daily to check for coronavirus symptoms and learn about resources available to help protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19.  The submissions are anonymous and no identifying information or personal health data is collected.  The checker is a public health program and a necessity as we promote a safe community.

Other Things to Know

Gov. Tate Reeves has issued the following executive orders related to COVID-19:  
City of Oxford Board of Aldermen Meeting – July 21, 2020
 
CDC guidance on quarantining
 
More major retailers are moving from recommending to requiring customers to wear masks in order to enter their stores
 
How to help kids embrace mask-wearing
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 first complete a free screening from a UMMC clinician through an online questionnaire found at umc.edu/covidscreening. Or, they 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, Mon–Sat: Jackson, West Street Farmers Market
  • July 23: Lexington, Lexington Multi-Purpose Center
  • July 23: Tupelo, Bancorp South Arena Parking Lot
  • July 24: Heidelberg, Bogue Houma Facility Building
  • July 24: Brandon, Brandon City Hall
  • July 25: Pontotoc, Pontotoc County Agri-Center Extension Office
  • July 25: Southaven, Landers Center
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.
On the Lighter Side: 
Important Links
There are university studies and surveys underway that welcome your participation. Below is information on how you can learn about them and participate.

Wednesday, July 15, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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University News

Library Update
The library is offering contactless material pick-up. Library patrons can request items from our collection and schedule a time to pick them up. Visit the Libraries website for more information or to complete a request.

University COVID-19-related news stories

Important Links

Students

Featured FAQ

When will I learn which of my Fall 2020 classes meet in-person and which will be taught remotely?

Course delivery modes are being updated in the scheduling system, and we anticipate having all course delivery information updated in myOleMiss by Monday, July 20. Due to capacity limitations dictated by public health guidance, courses will be delivered in four delivery modes – face-to-face, hybrid, remote, or online. Face-to-face and hybrid formats will have on-campus educational components. For more details, please see the definitions for each delivery format.

Faculty and Staff

Featured FAQ

What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?

Employees must report positive tests to their supervisor and Employee Health at (662) 915-6550. The anonymity and confidentiality of persons with COVID-19 will be protected during this process. University Health Services will collaborate with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) for contact tracing and to determine additional precautions that may be warranted.

Other Things to Know

Gov. Tate Reeves has issued the following executive order related to COVID-19: 
City of Oxford Board of Aldermen meeting – July 15, 2020
 
Governor Reeves and MEMA launch COVID-19 emergency relief program to assist counties and municipalities with their covid-19 expenses
 
CDC guidance on how to wear cloth face coverings

CDC case study about adherence to community and company face-covering policy likely mitigated spread of SARS-CoV-2



Walmart and Sam’s Club to require masks nationwide starting July 20



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 first complete a free screening from a UMMC clinician through an online questionnaire found at umc.edu/covidscreening. Or, they 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, Mon–Sat: Jackson, West Street Farmers Market
  • July 16: Macon, Noxubee Civic Center
  • July 16: Red Water, Facility Building
  • July 17: Fayette, Jefferson County High School
  • July 17: Cleveland, Horace McCool Stadium
  • July 18: Columbus, Lowndes County Soccer Complex
  • July 18: Vicksburg, Pemberton Square Mall
  • July 20: Waynesboro, City Auditorium
  • July 20: Starkville, Oktibbeha County Safe Room
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.
 
Square Books is open for in-store shopping
 
Oxford Film Festival Presents Week 12 Drive-In Movies, VOD and Virtual Fest (July 10-17)
 
On the Lighter Side:
 
There are university studies and surveys underway that welcome your participation. Below is information on how you can learn about them and participate.