Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

COVID-19 Weekly Digest

Monday, April 6, 2020 COVID-19 Update

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Quote of the Day

“(T)here hasn’t been a time in recent history where the entire world has been more united (albeit through a common enemy) than it is right now. From celebrities to government officials to even royalty across the globe, COVID-19 knows no limits. Those who only a month ago had zero in common can now relate at least on some level, forced to recognize our interconnectedness within the human community.”

—Patrick Woodyard, Ole Miss alumnus and Founder CEO of NISOLO (Source: Letter From NISOLO CEO About COVID-19 Impact)

 
Featured FAQ
Q: What resources are the university providing to students who need help with writing papers in an online environment?
A: The University’s Writing Center has arranged a series of live chat and correspondence appointments to help students with writing. Please visit the Writing Centers website for more information and step-by-step instructions for reserving an appointment.

University News

Making Surgical Masks for Healthcare Professionals 
Dr. Laura Vick, associate professor of general surgery and longtime seamstress, is making surgical masks for our healthcare professionals who are working in low-risk settings at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in order to free up personal protective equipment (PPE) for colleagues who are taking care of patients. She demonstrates how to make the masks in a Facebook video. 
 
2020 Honors & Awards Announced
While we couldn’t come together for the university’s 77th annual Honors & Awards Convocation, we have so much to celebrate and recognize across our community. Please visit this page to learn the recipients of our Elsie M. Hood Outstanding Teacher of the Year, Taylor Medalists and other awards.
Rebel Aid to Support Our Students
The Office of the Chancellor, Office of the Provost, Division of Student Affairs and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will launch Rebel Aid a 48-hour online campaign (April 7-8) to raise funds to help Ole Miss students and our community navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the campus pouring energies and efforts into helping students adjust to a “new normal,” the Rebel Relief Disaster Fund was created and has secured more than $13,000 from alumni and friends. Remaining resources will cover only around 40 more student requests. Rebel Aid will be an all-hands-on-deck push to educate our alumni and friends about needs for the Ole Miss Food Bank, Christopher Holman Student Emergency Fund, University Health Services, University Counseling Center, Academic Support Fund, Fins Up Fund (Athletics) and Rebel Relief Disaster Fund. Be sure to check the Ole Miss social media accounts on Tuesday for additional details.

Students

ASB Elections Tuesday
All undergraduate and graduate students are invited to vote in the Associated Student Body 2020 Spring Election on Tuesday, April 7 between 7 a.m.-7 p.m. CST for the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Attorney General. Senate elections will take place at another time to be announced. To vote, either click the “Vote here” button on the ASB election webpage, log-in to your MyOleMiss account, select the “Student” page, click the “Get Involved” tab and then click “Vote in Student Elections.” If you encounter any issues while voting, please contact the Attorney General immediately at ASB.AG@go.olemiss.edu.

Faculty and Staff

Reflecting on Remote Teaching
We’ve now completed two weeks of teaching under the restrictions of the Coronavirus. What have we learned about remote teaching? And where are we headed now? The Keep Teaching team has some thoughts that they’ve shared in a letter to faculty.

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 8: Clinton, Traceway Park
  • April 9: Smith County, Raleigh
  • April 9, Webster County, Eupora
  • April 10, Tunica County, Location TBD
Stuck at home? Check out the San Diego Zoo’s 10 live webcams for a virtual visit featuring koalas, penguins, polar bears, tigers and more.
On the Lighter Side: See how one Pennsylvania resident eased his isolation during COVID-19 by building a tiny picnic table for squirrels. Maybe our Grove squirrels would appreciate some of these!

Friday, April 3, 2020 COVID-19 Update

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Quote of the Day 
“(F)ew things are better than Saturdays in Vaught-Hemingway, and we can’t wait to be together this fall. The more we take the necessary safety precautions now, the quicker our lives return to normal. Please stay home and take care of yourself and your families.”
— Keith Carter, Director of Athletics (Source: A Letter to Rebel Nation)

Featured FAQ

Q: I am experiencing problems with the technology required to complete my coursework.
A: The IT Helpdesk is staffed during regular hours (Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) so that they may answer your questions and assist you with any technical problems. Because of the anticipated increase in call volume, consider emailing helpdesk@olemiss.edu rather than calling in order to avoid busy signals.

University News

Spring 2020 Finance Policies
The state’s universities have been asked by our governing body, the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL), to wait for guidance from state officials before we communicate next steps to our university community about items like housing and meal plans. We recognize that many of our families are eager for more information. The moment we receive guidance, we will communicate immediately with our students and their families.

UM Donates Supplies to Lafayette County Emergency Management
See this news story about how more than 1,300 ponchos will be used by medical personnel responding to COVID-19 crisis.
 
UM Library Buildings to Close
All UM Libraries will be closed until further notice. The online library is open and offers many remote services and electronic resources. Please contact umladmin@go.olemiss.edu with any questions or concerns.
 
Parks and Recreation Areas
The Shelter-in-Place order issued April 1 by Gov. Tate Reeves orders the closure of “all places of amusement and recreation, whether indoors or outdoors” across the State of Mississippi, while specifically excluding walking trails. As a result, the university is prohibiting all gatherings and other forms of recreation as outlined below as long as the order remains in effect. 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.
 
WALKING TRAILS ARE OPEN: SOUTH CAMPUS TRAILS
You will find most public recreation facilities across campus are closed, but the walking trails are open for your use.
 
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 area 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
 
Procurement
Mission-critical deliveries to departments will be scheduled for Thursdays only (exceptions may be made for extreme circumstances). Central Receiving will remain open to the public Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. for package pick-ups. For questions and assistance, please email receiving@olemiss.edu or call 662-915-7308 or -7448.
 
Bursar’s Office
The Bursar’s Office will be open to receive departmental deposits on Thursdays only from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. All deposits should include an email address in case of questions. If you need assistance, please call 662-915-1632 or email bursar@olemiss.edu.
 
University-Oxford Airport
Effective April 4, the University-Oxford Airport will operate on an all-call basis. For questions, contact 662-234-2036, 662-832-5689 or visit https://airport.olemiss.edu/.
 
Beware of Increased Phishing Attempts
In general, phishing scams have increased 667% since the onset of the global pandemic. Scams include statements related to refunds, consumer relief package, Help Desk impersonation, internal organization alerts, new cases in your area, donation scams, COVID-19 stimulus-package scams, social security scams, medical scams and more. Here are a few links with information to explain these further:
 
Music Watch Party, April 5
Join the Facebook Watch Party with highlights from recent Ole Miss Music performances on April 5 at 3 p.m. at facebook.com/olemissmusic. This Facebook Watch Party is part of the Music Major Advantage Weekend – now completely online – which opens classes, workshops, clinics and chats with students and faculty to prospective students interested in learning more about being a music major at UM. Information about the Music Major Advantage Weekend is available at www.music.olemiss.edu/advantage.

Students

ASB Presidential Town Hall
The Ole Miss Associated Student Body will host a live, virtual Presidential Town Hall on Monday, April 6 at 6:30 p.m. CDT on the ASB Facebook page with candidates Anna Hall and Joshua Mannery. DM News Editor Griffin Neal will moderate. To submit a question, click the “Question Submission” button on the ASB election webpage any time before the Town Hall begins. The ASB election will be Tuesday, April 7 from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. CDT on students’ MyOleMiss accounts.

Other Things to Know

The University of Mississippi Medical Center and the Mississippi State Department of Health will host mobile COVID-19 sample collection sites on the following dates:
  • April 4: Carriere, Pearl River County Health Department 

  • April 6: Ripley, Tippah County Coliseum 

The appointment-only testing is free of charge. Mississippians who have been screened as being at high risk of infection can give a specimen sample, via a nose swab, without exiting their vehicle. 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. Appointments for testing will be given only to people who are symptomatic for COVID-19 and determined to need testing. Anyone who is not experiencing symptoms is asked not to use the app or call.
 
For the next three months, LinkedIn will provide free job postings for “essential” businesses globally — companies in healthcare as well as warehousing, supermarkets, freight delivery and non-profits working in support or relief roles. Alongside this, LinkedIn is creating an “urgent jobs” board to give these openings high-priority visibility.
 
The New York Times compiled more than two dozen pieces of journalism in “Answers to Your Coronavirus Questions,” available to download for free.
 
On the Lighter Side: One family’s video of their living room performance of a lockdown-themed adaptation of a Les Misérables song has become an online sensation.

Thursday, April 2, 2020 COVID-19 Update

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Quote of the Day
“I am witnessing heroic work every day. But we also have to acknowledge that even heroes have fears and uncertainties. Even heroes have frustrations that can make them upset and angry.  Even heroes can become sad at times and need to call on others for help. If all of that were not true, then being a hero wouldn’t be such a big deal, would it? If you are ‘bulletproof,’ then what does it matter that you’re willing to take a bullet for a cause that’s bigger than yourself? Being a hero is a big deal for the very reason that heroes are human. They have fears and frailties. They get tired. They suffer, often in silence. But when everything is on the line, they respond.  As I said last week, when others step back, we step up.”
— Dr. LouAnn Woodward, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and Dean of the School of Medicine (Source: VC Notes, A Weekly Word from Dr. LouAnn Woodward)
Featured FAQ
Q: What if I have library materials checked out?
A: UM Libraries ask that you do not return materials to the library at this time. At a later date, the library will post instructions and notify patrons as to how to return materials. All due dates for materials currently checked out have been extended. No overdue fines or fees will be assessed during this time.  Email umladmin@go.olemiss.edu with questions. 

University News

Update from Violence Prevention Program
The Violence Prevention Program is sharing a resource sheet for people who have family or friends in abusive relationships. For additional information, contact Shelli Poole at sapoole@olemiss.edu.
 
UCC Transitions to Telemental Health Services
The University of Mississippi Counseling Center has transitioned to online video sessions to serve clients in the safest possible way. Read this article about UCC counselors who became credentialed for telemental health in the wake of COVID-19. 

Students

New Student Health Hours
Effective April 6, Student Health will close from 12-1 p.m. everyday.
Student Conduct and Expectations
Nearly two weeks after moving to online instruction and virtual student service delivery, this is a good time to remind ourselves of the UM Creed and how it can motivate us all to be our very best. Even though we’re learning and engaging in ways none of us imagined a few short weeks ago, let us strive to uphold the ideals set forth in the Creed and recall that Conduct Rules and Regulations still apply. Visit the Office of Conflict Resolution and Student Conduct website to read a letter to students.
Food Bank Executive Committee
The Ole Miss Food Bank is currently accepting applications for its Executive Committee for the 2020-21 academic year. Check out the application information and job board. For additional information, contact Chloe Grant at cagrant1@go.olemiss.edu.

Other Things to Know

The mayor and board of aldermen of the City of Oxford passed a third resolution declaring additional measures for the control of contagious and infectious diseases and for the protection of public health and welfare and for related purposes. The updated resolution remains in effect until April 20.
The University of Mississippi Medical Center and the Mississippi State Department of Health will have mobile COVID-19 sample collection sites on the following dates:
  • April 4: Carriere, Pearl River County Health Department
  • April 6: Ripley, Tippah County Coliseum

The appointment-only testing is free of charge. Mississippians who have been screened as being at high risk of infection can give a specimen sample, via a nose swab, without exiting their vehicle. 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. Appointments for testing will be given only to people who are symptomatic for COVID-19 and determined to need testing. Anyone who is not experiencing symptoms is asked not to use the app or call.
Forbes published an article about five ways to stay productive for dual career couples working from home.
On the Lighter Side, you get two options today:

Wednesday, April 1, 2020 COVID-19 Update

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Mississippi Adopts Statewide Shelter-In-Place Order

Gov. Tate Reeves issued a statewide shelter-in-place order today in an effort to protect public health. The shelter-in-place order takes effect this Friday, April 3 at 5 p.m. and will remain in effect until Monday, April 20 at 8 a.m. For the governor’s announcement and proclamation, click here. You can track similar orders and actions adopted by other states in this USA Today article.


Quote of the Day

“We have not experienced the amplitude of the COVID-19 pandemic, so that makes it more difficult to process. A tornado is quick by comparison. What we’re experiencing now is insidious. It unfolds over a period of time. And it’s also different because this is an event that affects everyone, whether they objectively realize it or not. While there are some groups that appear to be more vulnerable than others – the elderly, those with underlying medical conditions – COVID-19 doesn’t care where you live, what your socioeconomic status is or what your political beliefs are. It’s a human issue.”
– Stefan Schulenberg, professor of psychology and director of UM’s Clinical-Disaster Research Center (Source: Ole Miss News)


Featured FAQ

Q: Where can students go for information about emergency financial aid?
A: Students may reach out to the UMatter Office if they are in need of emergency financial aid, or Rebel Relief. Financial Aid will review each case and students will be asked to provide documentation of financial need, such as monthly bills or evidence of a lost job, etc. Rebel Relief awards are small microgrants and may not cover ongoing expenses that students may face. Food expenses will likely be referred to the Food Bank, Oxford Food Pantry or other resources that address food insecurity. Please contact UMatter at umatter@olemiss.edu or 662-915-7248.

University News

Virtual 5K 
Join Ole Miss Campus Recreation and the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce for a Virtual 5K on April 25. Run, walk or roll your way to a 5K — wherever you are, however you can. Everyone in the Lafayette/Oxford/University community is invited to participate in this fun and free event. We can be fit while practicing social distancing. We are apart, together. Click here to register: https://raceroster.com/events/2020/31035/virtual-5k and see the Rebel Well page for creative ways to exercise while in self-quarantine and social distancing.

Faculty and Staff

“Keep Discovering” Site Established 
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs has launched the Keep Discovering website to keep the campus research community informed on key issues as we strive to maintain mission-critical research activities safely during the COVID-19 outbreak. Check the site daily for updates to FAQs, key announcements from sponsoring agencies, and emerging funding opportunities related to COVID-19.
Communiversity Classes 
The university’s Communiversity program is offering free non-credit classes for the Ole Miss and Oxford community to support and encourage members during this time. To register for these free online courses, please visit www.outreach.olemiss.edu/communiversity/classes.html
  • If you would like to polish your Zoom meeting protocol, check out “Speaking with Confidence Online” with UM Speech Instructor Ellie Moore. The 40-minute class will help you consider the environment, technology, appearance, tone, and non-verbal delivery in your online meetings. The online class will meet Thursdays beginning April 2 at 1 p.m.
  • Self-care is important. The Midweek Movement and Meditation course offered Wednesdays from 4:30-5:15 p.m. can help you manage anxiety and find calm through stretching and mindful meditation. UM Professor of Dance Jennifer Mizenko leads the class. 

Other Things to Know

Mayor Robyn Tannehill and the Oxford Board of Aldermen will hold a Special Called Meeting on Thursday, April 2 at 10 a.m. The Board will consider an extension of the time frame of Oxford’s Stay-at-Home resolution that passed on March 22. The current resolution is set to expire April 6. The Board will consider extending the resolution to April 30. For more, see City of Oxford updates.
The University of Mississippi Medical Center and the Mississippi State Department of Health will have mobile COVID-19 sample collection sites on the following dates:
  • April 2: Natchez, Adams County Safe Room
  • April 4: Carriere, Pearl River County Health Department
  • April 6: Ripley, Tippah County Coliseum
The appointment-only testing is free of charge. Mississippians who have been screened as being at high risk of infection can give a specimen sample, via a nose swab, without exiting their vehicle.
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. Appointments for testing will be given only to people who are symptomatic for COVID-19 and determined to need testing. Anyone who is not experiencing symptoms is asked not to use the app or call. Click here for full details.
Though the 27th annual Oxford Conference for the Book was cancelled, conference organizers are posting audio and video from previous conferences. Visit the Oxford Conference for the Book website daily for audio, video, interviews and book reviews.
On the Lighter Side: Actor John Krasinski’s “Some Good News” show is inspiring people to share uplifting stories.

Tuesday, 31, 2020 COVID-19 Update

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Quote of the Day
“I’m not going to cry because the Olympics were delayed for one year. I’m going to look at it a different way. The next Olympics, the fifth-year Olympics, will be the most touted, the most popular, the most sought-after Olympics ever in its lifespan. Because it will be the Olympics (that was) delayed by a global unification event where everybody was talking about everybody all at once. It will be the one that everybody was in the vacuum of, waiting for the next year. All sports will come back with a clamor, hopefully, next year.”
— Sam Kendricks, Oxford native, Ole Miss alumnus and Olympic bronze medalist pole vaulter (Source: Oxford Eagle) 
 
Featured FAQ
Q: I am feeling really overwhelmed. Who can I talk to?
A: The University Counseling Center shifted last week to tele-mental health as a sole-service delivery platform. These services can be offered only to campus community members who are physically located in the State of Mississippi. Detailed information is available on the UCC website, including information for out-of-state students about referrals. The website will be updated and will reflect the most recent information and changes to UCC services. For additional information, please call the UCC at 662-915-3784 or email counslg@olemiss.edu.

University News

Research and Instruction Services for Faculty, Staff and Students
UM Libraries continues to provide services to assist in remote teaching and learning. Check out our Online Learning Resources Guide here. 
  • All research and instruction support is available remotely and can be conducted by telephone, email, chat or video conferencing. 
  • Schedule appointments with subject liaisons for group instruction and individual research consultations. Click here to contact your liaison.
  • Research Guides are available for many courses and topics. These guides provide curated lists of resources and research tips including full-text sources, reference sources and other websites of interest. Click here to access a full listing of research guides. 
Visit https://libraries.olemiss.edu/coronavirus/ for more information on Library Services during Covid-19. Please contact us with any questions, requests or concerns at umladmin@go.olemiss.edu or 662-915-7091.
 
EORC and Title IX Update
The Offices of Equal Opportunity and Regulatory Compliance and Title IX are providing services remotely. This decision comes out of concern for the safety, health and welfare of our community and staff and in keeping with the guidance issued by the university and governmental and civic leaders. While not physically present, EORC and Title IX remain available to serve you Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Please call or email and provide your contact information at:
 
Rebel Olympic Dreams on Hold, For Now 
Lifetimes of dreaming and training were put on hold when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo had been postponed until 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The IOC announced Monday morning that the Games would begin with Opening Ceremonies nearly one year to the day of its original schedule on July 23, 2021, now giving a specific target for athletes around the world – including several Rebel greats who have had Tokyo circled on their calendar for four years. Read more.

Students

New Leadership and Engagement Ambassadors Program   
Applications are available now for 2020-21 L&E Ambassadors through the ForUM. Applications are due April 10. Two Zoom Information Sessions about the program will be held Tuesday, March 31 at 1 p.m. CDT and Thursday, April 2 at 5:30 p.m. CDT. If you are interested in attending a Zoom session, email Will Takewell at wct@olemiss.edu. Please make sure to state which session you would like to attend and if you need any accommodations to participate fully in the Zoom session.

Faculty and Staff

Join the 2020 Resilience Challenge 
For UM employees on the state health insurance plan, improve your stress level and become more resilient with a 30-Day Challenge starting Monday, April 6 and continuing for the next 30 days. Upon registration you will receive challenge instructions, 30-Day Resilience Challenge tracking sheets and weekly tips. If you are interested in participating, please register no later than Friday, April 3. If you are interested in participating, please email pheflin@activehealth.com no later than Friday, April 3, 2020.

Other Things to Know

The University of Mississippi Medical Center and the Mississippi State Department of Health will have mobile COVID-19 sample collection sites on the following dates:
  • April 1: Meridian, Bonita Lakes Mall 
  • April 2: Natchez, Address TBD 
  • April 2: Picayune, Address TBD

The appointment-only testing is free of charge. Mississippians who have been screened as being at high risk of infection can give a specimen sample, via a nose swab, without exiting their vehicle.

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. Appointments for testing will be given only to people who are symptomatic for COVID-19 and determined to need testing. Anyone who is not experiencing symptoms is asked not to use the app or call. Click here for full details.

 
Girl Scouts launches two initiatives to serve girls, consumers and communities in need during the COVID-19 crisis
 
Need help with activities while kids are at home? Check out these lessons, games and videos from the National Weather Service to keep them engaged in science.
 
On the Lighter Side: Sesame Workshop enlists Elmo, Cookie Monster in new animated public service ads reminding young fans to take care while doing such things as washing hands and sneezing.