Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

COVID-19 Weekly Digest

Wednesday, July 8, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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University News

Video Message from Provost Noel Wilkin 
Provost Noel Wilkin issued a new video message this week that offers a description of class formats for the fall semester and information related to class schedules for returning students. When students registered in the spring, those courses were listed in MyOleMiss as delivered in-person. Since that time, work by the Future Planning Task Force to implement public health guidance and protocols required limits on classroom capacity and many on-campus activities. Those decisions were informed by a set of considerations developed to determine which courses and activities can be offered in person and the appropriate format, given capacity limitations. 
These formats are now being applied to student schedules in MyOleMiss. While some format changes are visible now in MyOleMiss, they are subject to change and will not be finalized until July 20.
The video also contains general information about recently issued guidance for international students, COVID testing and reporting, and the effect of the pandemic on the Fall 2020 semester. Additional information about the fall plan can be found in the university’s Campus Ready plan.
 
“Are We There Yet?” by Dr. Jean Gispen 
Dr. Jean Gispen, staff physician at the employee health center within University Health Services, recently shared a blog post about the importance of protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including wearing a face covering. Below is an excerpt but be sure to read the whole blog, which tackles this important topic with a unique combination of humor and honesty. 
“Wearing a mask protects other people from your sneezes, coughs, speaking and exhaled breaths. Every time you exhale, especially if the exhalation is forceful, you send germs into the air. A mask will trap some of those respiratory droplets and aerosolized germs and keep them from reaching another person.
“No one can tell who is sick and who is well. You may be carrying SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, asymptomatically or you might become sick tomorrow from the virus that is already in your throat, nose and nasopharynx. Wearing a mask will keep you from passing an infection on to the people around you.
“You wear a mask to protect the people around you.”
Ole Miss Preview Week
High school students are invited to join us for Ole Miss Preview Week Virtual Editions: July 13–17 or July 20–24 to hear from academic programs and various departments across campus. Sign up on the Visit page of the Admissions site and receive an all-access pass and a full schedule for the week.
University COVID-19-related news stories
Important Links

 

Other Things to Know

Gov. Tate Reeves has issued the following executive order related to COVID-19: 
Board of Aldermen vote to scale back the number of people allowed at indoor gatherings due to COVID-19
 
Oxford School District adopts return policy for 2020-21
 
Lafayette County School District approves return to school plan
 
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety mandates masks at all driver license offices effective July 13
 
Chicago implements emergency travel order; Mississippi among 15 states listed
UMMC and the Mississippi State Department of Health (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 9: Hazlehurst, Copiah County Saferoom
  • July 9: Holly Springs, Marshall County Fairgrounds
  • July 10: DeKalb, Kemper County High School
  • July 10: Canton, Canton Multipurpose Complex
  • July 11: Laurel, Shady Grove Community Center
  • July 11: Louisville, Louisville Coliseum
  • July 13: Tucker, Tucker Facility Building
  • July 13: McComb, Pike County Health Department
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:
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 1, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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University News

Return to Campus Plan for Fall 2020 
On June 30, Chancellor Boyce sent a message to faculty, staff and students sharing the “Campus Ready” plan outlining campus operations and modified academic parameters in preparation for the return to campus for the Fall 2020 semester. All of the materials listed below will be updated regularly as more information becomes available.
 
Parking Permit Registration for 2020–21 
The Go Live! dates for online parking permit registration for the 2020-2021 academic year will begin July 6 and continue through July 23.  Student parking permit classification is determined by residence and hours completed as indicated by the Registrar’s Office. Permit registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. U.S. CDT on your designated Go Live! date.  Please keep in mind that due to COVID-19 measures, all current plans for 2020-2021 vehicle registration are tentative and subject to change.  Visit the Department of Parking and Transportation for details and direct any questions to parking@olemiss.edu or 662-915-7235.
Summer 2020 Parking Policies
The Department of Parking & Transportation will start Summer Parking enforcement policies on July 1. DPT reminds faculty, staff, and students that during the summer months from 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. weekdays:  
  • Parking meter operation returns to normal Wednesday, July 1 at 7:30 a.m. Vehicles parked in a metered space must pay to park by using the Passport Phone App or by paying at the meter head or payment kiosk.
  • Any student parking permit is valid to park in any student-designated area: Residential Garage, East, Central, West and South, Commuter Zones & Campus Walk. 
  • Students are not permitted to park in faculty/staff-designated areas.
  • Park-N-Ride permit holders will be allowed to park in any student-designated area and undesignated areas, but not faculty/staff-designated areas.
  • Vehicles with faculty/staff permits will be allowed to park in areas designated for student residents.
  • Permit holders with reserved spaces are required to park in their reserved spaces with the following exceptions: South Lot, Jackson Avenue Center (Park-N-Ride area), Insight Park, Facilities Management Lot, South Campus Recreation Center, and South Oxford Center.
  • Faculty/staff and students are not permitted to park in visitor-designated areas.
  • Any permit type is valid in the Park-N-Ride sections (white-painted parking lines) at the Jackson Avenue Center, but there will be no bus service to campus. Commercial zones are still restricted to Malco Theater customers only.
  • Park-N-Ride bus services are suspended during the summer months.
All other posted restrictions remain in effect, including Reserved Parking spaces, ADA-regulated spaces, visitor spaces, service vehicle spaces, and posted timed spaces. These changes to zone restriction enforcement policies will be in effect from July 1-Aug. 17 during normal hours of operation from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. All other parking restrictions still apply. Please contact the DPT office at 662-915-7235 or parking@olemiss.edu with questions.  
University COVID-19-related news stories 

 

Faculty/Staff

Staff Appreciation Event Goes Virtual
No in-person Staff Appreciation event? No problem! While we were unable to host our annual Staff Appreciation event in-person due to COVID-19, the Ole Miss Staff Council couldn’t let an opportunity pass to celebrate the outstanding work of our staff. We’re proud to recognize members of our staff who reached new service milestones in 2020, honor our Equal Employment Opportunity category winners, and give away a few door prizes during this virtual celebration. 
Temporary Reassignment Program
UM is implementing a temporary job reassignment option for staff employees. The program is designed to assist the UM community in connecting available UM staff employees affected by the reduction in work with UM schools and departments who may have temporary projects or assignments.
Snappy Hour to Resume by Appointment Only
“Snappy Hour,” when university photographers will capture portraits for faculty and staff members free of charge, will resume Monday, July 6 but by appointment only. Appointments are available from 9-11 a.m. every Monday. To schedule an appointment, email Kevin Bain, Manager of Digital Imaging Services. Please note that University Marketing & Communications staff will follow all appropriate safety protocols, and the new appointment-based system is part of our effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Other Things to Know

Gov. Tate Reeves has issued new executive orders related to COVID-19: 
Oxford Board of Aldermen keep mask requirement in place
FBI warns of potential fraud in antibody testing for COVID-19
UMMC and the Mississippi State Department of Health (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 1: Booneville, Prentiss County Agri-Center
  • July 1: Belzoni, UMMC Clinic
  • July 2: Ripley, Tippah County Coliseum
  • July 2: Liberty, Amite County Harrison Building
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.
Mississippi among states added to quarantine list in New York, New Jersey
USA Today reviews 10 popular cloth face masks
COVID risk level map and COVID suppression guidance for policy makers and the public launched by Harvard Global Health Institute, Harvard’s Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics, Rockefeller Foundation, CovidActNow, Covid-Local, CIDRAP and many others.
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, June 24, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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University News

Modification to Fall 2020 academic calendar 
As part of ongoing planning for the upcoming 2020 semester, the university is issuing a modified fall 2020 academic calendar as part of our efforts to protect the health and safety of the campus community. The modified calendar reflects the university’s efforts to mitigate the potential impact of COVID-19 during the late fall months.
  • Classes will begin as currently scheduled on Monday, Aug. 24.
  • The last day of classes will be on Tuesday, Nov. 17.
  • Final exams will be administered on Nov. 18–20 and Nov. 23–24.

For more details, visit https://registrar.olemiss.edu/academic-calendar/.

 

UM Confirmed Cases Page 
The university’s COVID-19 page is being updated with confirmed cases of COVID-19 among employees and students.
Parking and O.U.T. operations effective June 19-30 
Temporary parking rules: 
  • Parking rules and regulations will remain relaxed through Tuesday, June 30.
  • All motorists are allowed to park in any available legal parking space that is not reserved or restricted by posted signage.
  • ADA parking spaces still require an ADA credential.
  • Metered spaces will not require payment.
  • Vehicles with a South Oxford Center (SOC) decal are legal to park on main campus.
  • The Welcome Center on University Avenue will remain closed.
Please be on the lookout for information regarding another update on parking rules and regulations changes effective July 1, and permit sales for the 2020-21 academic year. 
Bus Operations 
O.U.T. buses will continue to operate on a reduced schedule/service level.  For questions or concerns contact Parking and Transportation by emailing parking@olemiss.edu or by leaving a message 662-915-7235. Visit www.outransit.com for detailed information regarding bus routes and schedules.
  • Purple Line: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday-Saturday
  • Blue East/West Lines:  6:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday-Saturday
  • Red North/South Lines:  6:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday-Saturday
  • Grey Line:  6:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday-Friday
  • Orange Line: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday-Saturday
  • The South Oxford Center (SOC) Connector Shuttle will discontinue operation until further notice.
Ole Miss Bookstore cafe open  
Hours of operation: Monday–Friday from 7 a.m.–2 p.m.
  • Entry/Exit at 1st Floor Patio Only
  • Student Union and Textbook Area Closed
  • Mask required, except when eating
  • Practice social distancing at all times
Bursar’s Office  
The Bursar’s Office will be open to receive departmental deposits from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on June 29-30.  We will be open regular hours from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. starting July 1.  If you need assistance, please call 662-915-1632 or email bursar@olemiss.edu.
Campus Mail  
Campus Mail is now open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for pick-up and drop-off of interdepartmental and outgoing mail.
UCC Virtual Drop-in Hours  
The University Counseling Center (UCC) will offer virtual drop-in hours every Monday from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. and every Wednesday from 1-2 p.m.  These times are open to everyone and are non-confidential and non-clinical.  Please join the staff of the UCC for open discussions.  For zoom link and information, visit the UCC website.
University COVID-19-related news stories  

Faculty and Staff

Important Links

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, Mon–Sat: Jackson, West Street Farmers Market
  • June 25: Macon, Noxubee Civic Center
  • June 25: Lambert, Lambert City Hall
  • June 26: Bay St. Louis, Hancock County Courthouse
  • June 26: Okolona, Okolona Vocational Complex
  • June 27: New Albany, Union County Fairgrounds
  • June 27: Pearl, Pearl High Schoo
  • June 29: Shubuta, Greenhill Missionary Baptist Church
  • June 29: Edwards, Edwards Community Center
  • June 30: Natchez, Adams County Safe Room
  • June 30: Oxford, Lafayette County Arena
For other testing locations available statewide, please visit the Mississippi State Department of Health website. Those testing locations are not affiliated with UMMC and have their own screening and appointment processes.
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.

Wednesday, June 17, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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University News

UM Confirmed Cases Page 
As the university continues to closely monitor COVID-19, and in compliance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the university’s COVID-19 page is being updated with UM confirmed cases of COVID-19 among employees and students that have been reported to the university and confirmed by state and/or public health agencies. Additionally, the COVID-19 banner on the university’s homepage has been updated with a direct link to the list of confirmed cases.
Chancellor Message about Return to Work on Campus 
On June 15, Chancellor Boyce shared an important update with faculty and staff about the university’s plans to Return to Work on Campus so that we continue to fulfill our core mission of providing an extraordinary educational experience for our students and enabling them to make progress toward earning their degrees. The Return to Work on Campus guidance includes new and modified operational parameters and protocols that will be in effect across campus, the relevant human resources policies and information about facilities that will be open.
Rebel Market In-Service Dining & Mobile Ordering 
The Rebel Market dining area is open in addition to mobile ordering with curbside pick-up. Rebel Market hours of operation are 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for lunch and 5-7 p.m. for dinner. All pick-up orders must be placed through GET mobile and picked up curbside on the north side of Rebel Market. Orders may be placed between 10:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. for lunch, and 5-6:45 p.m. for dinner. Pick-up orders may be scheduled for 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Pay with Meal Plans, Flex, Ole Miss Express, Visa or MasterCard. For questions or assistance, call (662) 915-1949.
University Counseling Center Telemental Health Services 
The University Counseling Center is offering telemental health services for enrolled students and employees of the University of Mississippi. If you are seeking mental health services, please contact the UCC to learn more about this option at (662) 915-3784 or counslg@olemiss.edu.   
Campus Mail  
Campus Mail is now open Monday–Friday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. for pick up and drop off of departmental mail, both interdepartmental and outgoing.
University COVID-19-related news stories  

Student

What to do if you test positive for COVID-19
For the protection of the health and safety of our campus community, any student in the Lafayette/Oxford/University area must report positive COVID-19 test results to Student Health at (662) 915-7274. 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.

Faculty and Staff

Employee Responsibilities
The university is taking necessary measures to maintain a safe workplace, consistent with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Gov. Tate Reeves’s Safe Return executive order, MSDH, the City of Oxford’s Serving Oxford Safely order, and local health authorities. These measures include:
  • Required Training: All employees (including faculty, administrators and supervisors/managers) are required to complete the “Return to Work on Campus” presentation that is accessible at blackboard.olemiss.edu.
  • Understanding of Employee Responsibilities regarding COVID-19: All employees (including faculty, administrators and supervisors/managers) are required to review the expectations of employees related to return to work on campus and certify via the digital attestation that it has been read and the expectations are understood.
  • Self-Monitoring: 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.
Visit https://hr.olemiss.edu for additional information and guidance.
What to do if you test positive for COVID-19
Employees must report positive tests to Employee Health (662) 915-6550 and to their supervisor. This is for the protection of the health and safety of the campus community. The anonymity and confidentiality of persons with COVID-19 will be protected during this process. University Health Services will collaborate with Mississippi State Department of Health for contact tracing and to determine additional precautions that may be warranted.
Facilities Parameters & Protocols
In the “Return to Work on Campus” plan, there are parameters and protocols related to facilities. Facilities Management will be contacting all Building Mayors and will be holding a Zoom information session about the process for implementing these parameters and protocols. Details about the information session will be shared shortly including the date and Zoom call-in details. Building Mayors may contact Dean Hansen, dlhansen@olemiss.edu with questions.

Other Things to Know

Gov. Tate Reeves has issued a new executive order related to COVID-19: Executive Order 1497.
On June 16, the Oxford Board of Aldermen voted to keep the mask requirement in place through June 30. The Board will revisit the issue on June 29 during a budget meeting.
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf issued a statement on the extension of non-essential travel restrictions with Canada and Mexico.
Cover smart. Do your part. Slow the spread: The National Institute of Standards and Technology shared a video on how to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a face covering made with a few layers of tightly woven fabric that fits snugly over your mouth and nose.
How to wear a mask and stay cool and safe during the warmer months
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
  • June 18: Louisville, Louisville Coliseum
  • June 18: Vicksburg, Pemberton Square Mall
  • June 19: Collins, Covington County Multipurpose Building
  • June 20: Carthage, Carthage Coliseum
  • June 20: Yazoo City, Wardell Leach Rec Complex
For other testing locations available statewide, please visit the Mississippi State Department of Health website. Those testing locations are not affiliated with UMMC and have their own screening and appointment processes.
Oxford Film Festival Week 8 virtual and drive-in options (June 12-19)
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.

 

Wednesday, June 10, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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Two University Employees Test Positive for COVID-19
In compliance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, this emergency notification was issued earlier today: 
The welfare and safety of our community during this time is our primary concern. We are writing to inform you of recent developments relating to COVID-19.
The University of Mississippi received notification today, June 10, 2020, that two employees tested positive for COVID-19. The Mississippi State Department of Health is currently conducting contact tracing and will communicate with those who may have been in close contact with these individuals.
We take this opportunity to remind our community of important information regarding COVID-19. In an effort to slow the spread of the virus, we are requesting your immediate attention to and compliance with the following health-authority-recommended practices – not only to ensure your own well-being, but the well-being of others:
  • Engage in social distancing of six or more feet. 
  • Wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. 
  • Stay home when ill or if other family members are ill.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
  • Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Watch for cough, troubled breathing, or other signs of respiratory infection.
  • Monitor temperature for a fever above 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C).
As stated above, ongoing updates regarding UM’s response to COVID-19 will be posted on https://coronavirus.olemiss.edu. For further information, please visit https://www.msdh.ms.gov/

University News

University COVID-19-related news stories 

 

Students

Apply for Summer 2020 CARES funds
The university is now accepting CARES applications for summer 2020. Students are encouraged to apply now! See FAQs for more details.

Other Things to Know

Gov. Tate Reeves has issued new executive orders related to COVID-19:
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 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Anyone determined to need testing will be given an appointment date and time at the testing site most convenient.
  • June 11: Ellisville, George V Harrison Multi-Purpose Complex
  • June 11: Canton, Canton Multipurpose Complex
  • June 12: Columbus, Vibrant Church
  • June 12: Greenwood, Greenwood/Leflore Co Civic Center
  • June 13: Bay Springs, Jasper County EOC
  • June 13: Kosciukso, Attala County Coliseum
  • June 15: Port Gibson, Claiborne County Parks and Rec
  • June 15: West Point, West Point Civic Center
  • June 16: Quitman, Clarke County EMA
  • June 16: Clarksdale, Coahoma County Youth Outreach Expo Building

 

Lafayette County and Oxford community daily COVID-19 data
Oxford Film Festival Week 8 virtual and drive-in options (June 12-19)
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.