Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

COVID-19 Weekly Digest

Friday, May 1, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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Editor’s Note: Starting next week, the UM COVID-19 email update will be published once a week on Wednesdays (excluding holidays) for the immediate future as the university continues to share important announcements and information related to our operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

University News

Phishing Emails
During this pandemic, we are seeing many more phishing messages. When you receive an email that you suspect is phishing, please check this IT Security site created to list the most recent phishing messages to see if it has been posted previously. If it isn’t listed, please forward the email to abuse@olemiss.edu for further action if necessary.
Quick tip: Any email that contains [EXTERNAL] at the top of the message indicates that it originated outside the university, even if it says it came from the Chancellor, the Provost, a dean, or a director. In some instances, an @olemiss.edu email account has been compromised and used to send phishing messages, at which point the [EXTERNAL] tag would not exist. Recent emails offering dog walking & pet sitting services are examples of that approach.

 

COVID-19 Glossary Project by UM Students
Students in two UM integrated marketing communications classes created a Facebook glossary of more than 40 COVID-19 terms. They used the social media app Wakelet to create informative posts that include concise definitions of key terms plus explanatory articles, videos, infographics, tweets, and reader engagement polls. The IMC 390 students posted these “wakelets” to help promote their class client, the UM Biology Department, and to promote science literacy, said Kristie Swain, associate professor of journalism. Her IMC 585-Health Communication class contributed glossary posts to improve public understanding of COVID-19 public health terms that appear frequently in the news. You can also browse the A-to-Z index.

 

Other Things to Know

The Mississippi State Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline, 877-978-6453, is now open every day from 7 a.m.–11 p.m.
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.
  • May 2: Decatur, Clarke Venable Baptist Church
  • May 4: Natchez, Adams County Safe Room
  • May 4: Kosciusko, Attala County Coliseum
  • May 5: Macon, Noxubee Civic Center
  • May 5: Port Gibson, Claiborne County Parks and Rec
On the Lighter Side:
There are a number of university studies and surveys available that welcome your participation. Below is a series of links for you to learn about them and participate.

Wednesday, April 29, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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Today, Chancellor Boyce shared an update with the university community including:

  • Fall 2020: We remain committed to pursuing all possible ways to resume in-person instruction for all classes on the Oxford and regional campuses. Any future changes to our plan will depend on how the public health emergency unfolds over the coming months. This situation remains fluid, and university leadership will notify you about our plans for Fall 2020 no later than June 30.
  • Financial assistance for students: Funds are available through the federal CARES Act and the generosity of Ole Miss donors who supported Rebel Aid earlier this month. Students can apply online for an emergency assistance grant.
  • University Housing: When restrictions are lifted further, University Housing will unveil an appointment-based system for students to set a date when they can retrieve belongings. Current state and local orders remain in effect until May 11.
  • Class of 2020 celebration: On Saturday, May 9 at noon CDT, the university will host a livestreamed celebration of the Class of 2020. Be sure to visit the new Journey to Commencement site where you’ll find incredible stories of our graduating students and their academic and personal journeys from Ole Miss student to Ole Miss graduate. 
Read the chancellor’s entire message.

University News

Parks and Recreation Areas
The Shelter-in-Place order issued April 1 by Gov. Tate Reeves closed “all places of amusement and recreation, whether indoors or outdoors,” excluding walking trails, across the State of Mississippi. The closure of those spaces remains in effect under the governor’s current Safer-At-Home order and the City of Oxford’s Stay-At-Home resolution. As a result, the university continues to prohibit all gatherings in green spaces – including the Grove, the Circle, the Insight Park Intramural Fields, recreation facilities and biking trails. The South Campus Trails are open for walking only. 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.
SOUTH CAMPUS TRAILS ARE OPEN FOR WALKING ONLY
OPEN FOR LIMITED USE:
— The Grove
— The Circle
These areas are OPEN for essential or mission-critical faculty and employees who must access the Grove and the Circle. Pedestrian or foot traffic by the general public is permissible. These areas are CLOSED for public or group “amusement or recreation” such as picnics, social gatherings and pick-up games.
CLOSED AREAS:
— Insight Park Intramural Fields
— South Campus Intramural
— Campus Walk Fitness Center
— Campus Walk Basketball
— Golf Course

Other Things to Know

The City of Oxford issued “Serving Oxford Safely,” the first phase of a plan approved by the Board of Aldermen to guide recovery of the local economy 
 
Visit Oxford, the City of Oxford and Chick-fil-A are sponsoring a face coverings giveaway on Friday, May 1 at Oxford High School from 8-10 a.m. and 5-7 p.m.
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added several new symptoms to its existing list of symptoms for COVID-19, including chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.
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.
  • April 30: Bolton, Bolton Edwards Elementary/Middle School
  • April 30: Greenwood, Greenwood/LeFlore Co. Civic Center
  • May 1: Pittsboro, Calhoun County Extension Office
  • May 1: Hazlehurst, Multipurpose Building
  • May 2: Decatur, Clarke Venable Baptist Church
The Oxford Film Festival presents its second Virtual Film Festival Week (May 1-8) showcasing films that were scheduled previously for the 2020 festival’s run in local theaters.
 
Disney is releasing “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” on its Disney+ platform two months ahead of schedule due to the pandemic. The movie debuts on the platform globally on May 4.
On the Lighter Side: Traveling by Ear: Podcasts for Wandering Souls
There are a number of university studies and surveys available that welcome your participation. Below is a series of links for you to learn about them and participate.

Monday, April 27, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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Students

Student Survey
This spring has presented unprecedented challenges for the University of Mississippi community. To learn more about student experiences and what the university can do to further help you, students are invited to participate in a short, voluntary survey (requires about 10 minutes to complete). Link also included at the end of this email.

ASB Elections Wednesday
Eligible undergraduate and graduate students are invited to vote in the Associated Student Body’s second Spring election of 2020 on Wednesday, April 29 from 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. CDT. Voting will be open for all 48 ASB senator positions plus senior class president, vice president and secretary/treasurer. To vote, click the “Vote here” button on the ASB election webpage or log-in to your MyOleMiss account, select the “Student” page, click the “Get Involved” tab and choose “Vote in Student Elections.” If you encounter any issues while voting, please contact the Attorney General immediately at ASB.AG@go.olemiss.edu.

Faculty/Staff

Faculty Survey
This spring has presented unprecedented challenges for the University of Mississippi community. To learn more about faculty experiences and what the university can do to further help you, faculty are invited to participate in a short, voluntary survey (requires about 10 minutes to complete). Link also included at the end of the email.

Other Things to Know

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.

  • April 28: Madison Co., Shirley Simmons Middle School
  • April 28: West Point, West Point Civic Center
  • April 29: McComb, Pike County Health Department
  • April 29: Carthage, Carthage Coliseum

FAQs on Mississippi’s “Safer at Home” order

The Mississippi Small Business Development Center has a COVID-19 resource page that is regularly updated to provide a quick and easy portal for business owners looking for the latest information.

Around the country, museums, libraries, zoos and even federal agencies are offering lessons, activities and fun for learners of all ages.

On the Lighter Side: Some Good News with John Krasinski, Episode 5, focused on food

There are a number of UM studies and surveys available that welcome your participation. Below is a series of links for you to use to learn about them and participate.

Friday, April 24, 2020 COVID-19 Updates

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Quote of the Day
“This new challenge has sparked so much creativity in our staff, and I think we’re going to end up better for it. We’re thinking in new ways about high-impact online learning, about accessibility, about meaningful, personalized support that inspires students and meets them where they are. I think what we’re building now will become just a normal part of our future programs, and I’m super excited about that!”

— Wendy Pfrenger, Associate Director of Pre-College Programs (excerpted from Ole Miss News story, “17 Inspirational Messages from Ole Miss with Love.”)

Featured FAQ
Q: What do I do about rental returns and book buyback with the Ole Miss Bookstore?
A: Updated information on rental returns and book buybacks is available from the Ole Miss Bookstore, including information on how to return books free by shipping via UPS.

University News

Face Covering Recommendations
To limit the spread of coronavirus, the CDC and the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) recommend wearing face coverings in public settings. Effective Saturday, April 24, the City of Oxford will require all employees and customers to wear face coverings as a preventive measure.

The university will adopt the city mandate as part of its operational practices as long as the mandate remains in effect. Any mission-critical personnel who are reporting to campus to work are expected to wear their face covering in any indoor setting when in the presence of other people, or outdoors when it is not possible to maintain at least six feet between yourself and others. Departments and offices are expected to establish their own protocols for wearing personal protective equipment based on the responsibilities of their personnel (including potential interactions with visitors) and existing public health recommendations.

If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor.

Summer Programs for High School Students Move Online
The university is providing opportunities and scholarships for rising 11th and 12th graders that will allow them to try out college classes while making friends and connections that prepare them for life after high school. The UM Summer College for High School Students (known as SCHS), the Lott Leadership Institute and the ARISE research programs all have been converted to an online format for summer that allows high school students a chance to earn college credits while they are at home. Students also will learn from state and campus leaders, all while being a part of special online communities and mentorships that will prepare them for their upcoming college experiences. Read more details.

Other Things to Know

Gov. Tate Reeves signs “Safer-at-Home” order for Mississippi

Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill and the Board of Aldermen issued a fourth resolution with additional measures for the control of contagious and infectious diseases, the protection of public health and welfare, and related purposes.

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.

  • April 25: Columbus, Fairview Baptist Church
  • April 25: Belzoni, UMMC Belzoni Clinic
  • April 27: Tylertown, Walthall County Events Center
  • April 28: West Point, West Point Civic Center
  • April 29: McComb, Pike County Health Department

Help! My mask fogs my glasses. Health workers have a few tricks for solving this vexing problem

Starbucks extends free coffee giveaway to first responders, health care workers dealing with coronavirus through May 31

Thank an essential worker with a free SNICKERS® bar.

On the Lighter Side: Hospitals play ‘Songs of Hope’ as virus patients go home

Wednesday, April 22, 2020 COVID-19 Updates

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Quote of the Day
“Trust Americans. This is a nation of people who ‘can do.’ The public health infrastructure is not as strong as it might be, but individuals are stepping up, voluntarily, to fill gaps. An artist with a 3D printer is making face shields and donating them to local hospitals. People who work with fabric are switching to making masks for hospital and personal use. Professional fundraisers are raising money to buy and donate PPE (personal protective equipment). Most women and men and some children with sewing machines are making cloth facemasks from designs that flood the internet. Mayors and governors are seeing local needs and enacting local regulations to enforce social distancing in an effort to flatten the curve.” 
— Dr. Jean Gispen, Staff Physician, Employee Health Center (excerpted from Rebel Well’s “Take Care Tuesday! We will get through this.”)

 

Featured FAQ
Q: What should I do if I feel sick?
A: If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough and/or difficulty breathing or have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, stay home and call Student or Employee Health or your local primary healthcare provider. At this time, your healthcare provider will determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19 based on guidelines from the CDC and the Mississippi State Department of Health. Please note that many people will have only mild illness, and these patients can be managed at home without the need for hospitalization or visits to emergency rooms. For additional information, you can also contact Baptist Memorial Hospital’s 24-hour hotline, 866-941-4785 or the Mississippi State Department of Health’s 24-hour COVID-19 hotline, 877-978-6453.

 

University News

Correct Link for UM’s Free Communiversity Courses
Monday’s email update included a broken link for registration for the free online courses through UM’s Communiversity program. Here is the correct link.

 

Students

Rental Returns and Book Buyback
Updated information on rental returns and book buybacks is available from the Ole Miss Bookstore, including information on how to return books free by shipping via UPS.

 

Who’s Who Student Hall of Fame Ceremony
Make plans to virtually attend the 2019–2020 Who’s Who and Student Hall of Fame Ceremony on Friday, April 24 at 5 PM CDT via the University of Mississippi’s Facebook Page. All 200 recipients of Who’s Who will be officially announced and the members of the 2019 – 2020 Hall of Fame will be revealed. For more information, visit this link. 

 

Faculty & Staff

UM Research Town Hall April 27
Vice Chancellor Josh Gladden and other members of the ORSP management team will conduct a “town hall” Zoom meeting on April 27 to discuss how the university is moving forward with research and sponsored programs activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. All UM employees and students who have any role in research and sponsored scholarship are welcome to participate. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session. If you wish to submit your questions ahead of time, please e-mail them by noon 4/27 to the e-mail address listed below.
Date: Monday, April 27
Time: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Sign Up to attend
Zoom link to join call
Questions: orspresdev@olemiss.edu

 

Other Things to Know

UMMC and the Mississippi State Department of Health 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.
  • April 23: Jackson, Tougaloo Owens Health and Wellness Center
  • April 23: Tylertown, Walthall Co. Events Center
  • April 24: DeKalb, Kemper Co. High School
  • April 24: Oxford, Oxford Conference Center
  • April 25: Columbus, Fairview Baptist Church
  • April 25: Belzoni, UMMC Belzoni Clinic 
Inc. magazine and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will team up this Friday, April 24 for a fifth virtual National Small Business Town Hall to help small business owners and sole proprietors alike navigate the programs that are available to them. The event starts at noon ET. Space is limited and advance registration is required.
On the Lighter Side: On Thursday, April 23 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. CT, SAP is hosting a Virtual Take Your Child to Work Day event with kid-friendly athletes and celebrities who will share their talents and work experiences in a fun and engaging way. This event is in support of No Kid Hungry to reach kids who desperately and urgently need our help in the face of this crisis.