Student, Employee Test Positive for COVID-19
In compliance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the following emergency notification was issued:
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 3, 2020, that a student and an employee both 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:
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 3, 2020, that a student and an employee both 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).
For further information, please visit https://www.msdh.ms.gov/
University News
Campus Green Spaces
The Grove, Circle and other green spaces on campus will be following current local and state guidance concerning group gatherings:
- Group Gatherings (Social Distancing IS NOT Possible): Public and private social gatherings and recreational activities shall be limited to groups of no more than 20 people in a singe indoor space or groups of no more than 50 people in an outdoor space where individuals are in close proximity (less than six feet) to each other.
- Group Gatherings (Social Distancing IS Possible): Except as otherwise provided, public and private social gatherings and recreational activities shall be limited to groups of no more than 50 people in a single indoor space or groups of no more than 100 people in an outdoor space where individuals are able to maintain a minimum of six feet separation.
Please do your part to slow the spread of the coronavirus by practicing social distancing. Thank you for taking steps to protect the health of our community.
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.
Virtual Career Center Drop-In Hours
The Career Center will now host virtual drop-in hours for students starting June 2. The drop-in hours are scheduled for Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Please email office@career.olemiss.edu to gain access to the sessions.
Faculty & Staff
COVID-19 and CARES Act Funding Opportunities
UM personnel who would like to be notified about funding opportunities related to COVID-19 or the CARES Act are invited to subscribe to UM’s weekly COVID-19 Pivot newsletter e-mail. There are currently at least 28 such opportunities that academic institutions are eligible to apply for and where Mississippi is an eligible activity location. Sponsors range from the USDA to the U.S. Department of Education to the Institute of Museum and Libraries Services. Visit https://keepdiscovering.olemiss.edu/covid-19-curated-funding-opportunity-list/ to subscribe, or to view the opportunities online via Pivot. For questions on using Pivot to view these or search for additional funding opportunities, e-mail orspresdev@olemiss.edu.
Other Things to Know
Gov. Tate Reeves has issued additional executive orders related to COVID-19:
- Executive Order 1494 extends certain protections for healthcare facilities and healthcare workers – May 29, 2020
- Executive Order 1493 updates the list of counties remaining under the “Safer at Home” order until June 8, 2020 – May 29, 2020
- Executive Order 1492 outlines 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 – May 28, 2020
- Executive Order 1491 allows outdoor sports complexes, theaters, libraries and museums to reopen with limitations – May 27, 2020
UMMC and MSDH are hosting mobile COVID-19 sample collection sites. The appointment-only testing is free of charge. Anyone experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, who wants to be tested must first undergo a free screening from a UMMC clinician through the C Spire Health UMMC Virtual COVID-19 Triage telehealth smartphone app. Those without a smartphone can call 601-496-7200.
- June 4: Amory, Becker Community Center
- June 5: Philadelphia, Neshoba County Coliseum
- June 6: Lumberton, Ben Barrett Community Center
On the Lighter Side:
- The Best Films of 2020 (So Far), and They’re All Streaming
- Online sales of caterpillar kits are booming, and the chance to watch an insect turn into a butterfly has caught the imaginations of every age group in the age of social distancing.
- Denny’s Celebrates Graduates with a Special Promotional Offer on “Grad” Slams
There are university studies and surveys underway that welcome your participation. Below is information how you can learn about them and participate.
- Social Environment Changes during COVID-19 Quarantine https://uofmississippi.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7Veid9lbE6wFiSh
- Measurement of COVID-19 Health Impact (MOCHI): uofmississippi.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4O5zfNRsjf0zF65