Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

COVID-19 Weekly Digest

Wednesday, February 3, 2022 COVID-19 Updates

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Free COVID-19 Testing at Depot
What? FREE COVID-19 PCR testing
Who? For symptomatic or asymptomatic students, faculty and staff
Where? University-Oxford Depot on campus
When? Monday through Friday, 3-7 p.m., and Saturdays, noon-4 p.m.
How? To schedule your test:
  • Text “2020” to 833-991-3009 OR click on this link: http://86borders.com/l/68415e8f
  • Complete the Testing Intake Form
  • You will receive a confirmation # to present at the testing site
  • Show up (with your University-affiliated ID) any day, any time during testing hours that week.
Free COVID-19 Testing at Oxford Conference Center
What? FREE COVID-19 testing (rapid and PRC) offered by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH)
Who? Anyone can be tested for COVID-19 at an MSDH site. Testing is suggested for those who have COVID-19 symptoms, or who may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Where? Oxford Conference Center, 102 Ed Perry Blvd.
When? Appointments available Monday through Friday
How? More information and available appointments can be found on UMMC’s COVID-19 Scheduling Site.
Featured FAQ: I’ve just returned from travel. Is there anything I should do?
Travelers should continue to follow CDC guidance for traveling along with state and local travel return requirements. After a trip, travelers are recommended to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, and isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.
If you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get a COVID-19 viral test(regardless of vaccination status) before you travel by air into the U.S., and show your negative result to the airline before boarding. The CDC recommends that all travelers returning from international travel get tested for COVID-19 3-5 days after travel.
If you are not fully vaccinated, the CDC also recommends that you get tested for COVID-19 3-5 days after returning from travel (domestic or international), and to stay home and self-quarantine for 7 days after travel. If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.
For more information, see the Public Health Communications Collaborative.
News Stories and Resources
COVID-19 Data
  • MSDH reported the following information for COVID-19 cases in Mississippi (as of Feb. 1): o 5,940 new cases, 126 new deaths and 272 long-term care facilities outbreaks.
  • Mississippi Vaccination Report (as of Feb. 2):
    • 3,660,924 total doses administered; 1,714,486 people receiving at least one dose; and 1,490,308 people fully vaccinated.
    • Lafayette County: 71,156 Total Doses Administered; 29,250 People Fully Vaccinated, 54% of Total Population Fully Vaccinated.
Quick Links

Wednesday, January 26, 2022 COVID-19 Updates

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Masks Required in All Indoor Public Spaces on Campus
The university requires face coverings in indoor public spaces on campus, regardless of vaccination status. This includes public office spaces, classrooms, conference rooms, and other academic spaces like laboratories and libraries. Additionally, masks are required while traversing public spaces in residence halls, dining facilities, the Student Union, Campus Recreation, and retail spaces.
Masks are required for extracurricular activities, including athletics events, held in indoor on-campus spaces. Please help us protect our fans, students, employees, and student-athletes in the SJB Pavilion by wearing a face covering at all times except when eating or drinking. Face coverings are not required when outdoors. Visit this page for more information on current protocols.
Free COVID-19 Testing at Depot
What? FREE COVID-19 testing (PCR)
Who? For symptomatic or asymptomatic students, faculty and staff
Where? University-Oxford Depot on campus
When? Monday through Friday, 3-7 p.m., and Saturdays, noon-4 p.m.
How? To schedule your test:
  • Text “2020” to 833-991-3009 OR click on this link: http://86borders.com/l/68415e8f
  • Complete the Testing Intake Form
  • You will receive a confirmation # to present at the testing site
  • Show up (with your University-affiliated ID) any day, any time during testing hours that week.
Free COVID-19 Testing at Oxford Conference Center
What? FREE COVID19 testing (rapid and PRC) offered by MSDH
Who? Anyone can be tested for COVID-19 at an MSDH site. Testing is suggested for those who have COVID-19 symptoms, or who may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Where? Oxford Conference Center (102 Ed Perry Blvd.)
When? Appointments available Monday through Friday
How? More information and available appointments can be found here.
Place Your Order for Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of four free at-home tests from USPS.com. Click here to order tests. Here’s what you need to know about your order:
  • Limit of one order per residential address
  • One order includes four individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests
  • Orders will ship free starting in late January
Featured FAQ: What should faculty do if a student notifies them that they have been exposed to COVID-19?
Students who are asymptomatic AND have received a booster dose OR received two doses of Pfizer or Moderna within the last six months OR received one dose of J&J within the last two months do not have to quarantine. They are recommended to wear a mask around others for 10 days and consider getting tested on the 5th day after initial exposure. People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past three months and recovered do not have to quarantine or get tested again as long as they do not develop new symptoms.
Students who are unvaccinated OR received two doses of Pfizer or Moderna more than six months ago OR received one dose of J&J more than two months ago must quarantine for five days. It is recommended that they get tested on day five. They should also continue to wear a mask around others for an additional five days.
For more information, please review the MSDH Guidance on Quarantine and Isolation or visit the University Health Center FAQs.
News Stories and Resources
COVID-19 Data
  • MSDH reported the following information for COVID-19 cases in Mississippi (as of Jan. 26):
    • 6,596 new cases, 19 new deaths and 305 long-term care facilities outbreaks.
  • Mississippi Vaccination Report (as of Jan. 25):
    • 3,633,637 total doses administered; 1,708,249 people receiving at least one dose; and 1,480,641 people fully vaccinated.
    • Lafayette County: 70,785 Total Doses Administered; 29,119 People Fully Vaccinated, 54% of Total Population Fully Vaccinated.
Quick Links

Wednesday, January 19, 2022 COVID-19 Updates

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COVID-19 PCR Testing Offered at Depot Six Days a Week

The university continues FREE COVID-19 PCR testing for symptomatic or asymptomatic students, faculty and staff at the University-Oxford Depot on campus, six days a week.

  • Monday through Friday, 3-7 p.m.
  • Saturdays, noon-4 p.m.

To schedule your test:

  • Text “2020” to 833-991-3009 OR click on this link: http://86borders.com/l/68415e8f
  • Complete the Testing Intake Form
  • You will receive a confirmation # to present at the testing site
  • Show up (with your University-affiliated ID) any day, any time during testing hours that week.

The Health Center also offers COVID-19 testing on campus. Call Student Health at (662) 915-7274 or Employee Health at (662) 915-6550 to schedule a test. The Mississippi State Department of Health continues to have appointments for FREE COVID-19 testing at the Oxford Conference Center Monday through Friday. More information and available appointments can be found here. And these clinics around town offer COVID-19 testing. 

Events and Extracurricular Activities

University departments and registered student organizations (RSOs) may arrange events, gatherings and extracurricular activities. As the university returns for the spring 2022 semester, we are in the midst of the Omicron variant surge. We encourage Registered Student Organizations and Campus Departments to plan accordingly when hosting events and activities on campus and off-campus. It is highly encouraged for events, activities and meetings to be moved virtually and avoid serving food (or other activities that require mask removal) as much as possible during the first few weeks of the semester. As we proceed into the semester, we expect to return to previous formats and levels of activity.

The university continues to require face coverings in indoor public spaces on campus, regardless of vaccination status. This includes public office spaces, classrooms, conference rooms and other academic spaces like laboratories and libraries. Additionally, masks are required while traversing public spaces in residence halls, dining facilities, fraternity and sorority house common areas, The Gertrude C. Ford Ole Miss Student Union, Campus Recreation, and retail spaces. Masks are required for extracurricular activities held in indoor on-campus spaces. Face coverings are not required when outdoors but social distancing is encouraged.

Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) must submit their in-person events (all in-person meetings, programs, events and activities) through The ForUM and must comply with the University of Mississippi’s event registration policy https://union.olemiss.edu/about-event-registration/. RSOs can contact union@olemiss.edu. Academic and administrative units can contact Emily Ferris with the Events and Activities Task Force.

Suggestions and Recommendations for Events and Extracurricular Activities

  • In-person events and activities are recommended to take place only if they have a clear and specific business or educational purpose.
  • All individuals must wear masks while indoors in a public or event space and maintain social distancing when indoors and outdoors. Please follow CDC guidelines for how to wear a mask so that masks can be as effective as possible.
  • Physical distancing is highly recommended for indoor events and extracurricular activities (Capacity of space should allow for 6 feet distancing or 3 feet distancing for classroom-style seated events).
  • Food service and other activities indoors that require removal of masks are not recommended.
  • List of attendees is recommended to assist with potential contact tracing.
  • Transportation: Masks required per CDC guidance (vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals).

COVID-19 Vaccines

Please get vaccinated or boosted if you are eligible. Vaccines are available for free for Ole Miss employees and students at the University Health Center Pharmacy weekdays 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Get a shot and get Ole Miss swag! Pharmacy Health Services is located inside the V.B. Harrison Health Center on campus, (662) 915-5279. Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available for those aged 18 and up, while Pfizer is available for anyone 12 and up. A list of local vaccine clinics is available on UM’s vaccination webpage. More information about where to get a vaccine can also be found at vaccines.gov.

Featured FAQ:  How do I end isolation if I’ve tested positive for COVID-19 but had no symptoms?

According to the CDC, if you test positive for COVID-19 and never develop symptoms, isolate for at least 5 days. Day 0 is the day of your positive viral test (based on the date you were tested) and day 1 is the first full day after the specimen was collected for your positive test. You can leave isolation after 5 full days. If you continue to have no symptoms, you can end isolation after at least 5 days. You should continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others at home and in public until day 10 (day 6 through day 10). If you are unable to wear a mask when around others, you should continue to isolate for 10 days.

News Stories and Resources

COVID-19 Data

  • MSDH reported the following information for COVID-19 cases in Mississippi (as of Jan. 18):
    • 8,460 new cases, 48 new deaths and 308 long-term care facilities outbreaks.
  • Mississippi Vaccination Report (as of Jan. 19):
    • 3,601,077 total doses administered; 1,700,015 people receiving at least one dose; and 1,471,798 people fully vaccinated.
    • Lafayette County: 70,261 Total Doses Administered; 29,008 People Fully Vaccinated, 54% of Total Population Fully Vaccinated.

Quick Links

Public Health Officials Recommend Masks That: Have two or more layers, cover your nose and mouth, fit snugly, don't have gaps, have a nose wire. The university requires face coverings in indoor public spaces on campus, regardless of vaccination status.

Wednesday, January 12, 2022 COVID-19 Updates

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Spring 2022 
With the spring semester starting in-person as scheduled on Tuesday, Jan. 18, university leaders have shared several messages this week offering updates on COVID protocols:
Masks Required in Indoor Spaces on Campus
The university requires face coverings in indoor public spaces on campus, regardless of vaccination status. This includes public office spaces, classrooms, conference rooms, and other academic spaces like laboratories and libraries. Additionally, masks are required while traversing public spaces in residence halls, dining facilities, the Student Union, Campus Recreation, and retail spaces.
Masks are required for extracurricular activities, including athletics events, held in indoor on-campus spaces. Please help us protect our fans, students, employees, and student-athletes in the SJB Pavilion by wearing a face covering at all times except when eating or drinking. Face coverings are not required when outdoors. Visit this page for more information on current protocols.
Mask-wearing remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to limit the spread of COVID-19. Research indicates that the better the mask, the better the protection. The best masks available for public use are the KN95 and KF94 masks. Please follow CDC guidelines for how to wear a mask so that masks can be as effective as possible. Choose masks that:
  • have two or more layers,
  • cover your nose and mouth,
  • fit snugly,
  • don’t have gaps, and
  • have a nose wire.
CDC, MSDH Update Quarantine and Isolation Guidance
The CDC has updated its guidance for a shortened isolation period when infected and a shortened quarantine period when exposed. The MS State Department of Health (MSDH) recommends the updated guidance as well. People with COVID-19 should isolate for five days and if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours), follow that by five days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter.
If you test positive for COVID-19, feel sick or experience symptoms, stay home to avoid contact with others and do not attend school, work, meetings or events. Notify your supervisor or instructor.
All students are encouraged to have a plan in case they need to quarantine or isolate. The university provides limited quarantine and isolation space for students living on-campus in residence halls.

If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19

If you:

Have been boosted

OR

Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months

OR

Completed the primary series of
J&J vaccines within the last 2 months
  • Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5.

If you:

Are unvaccinated

OR

Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted

OR

Completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted
  • Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
  • If you can’t quarantine, you must wear a mask for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5.

*If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html

Where to Get Tested
University-Oxford Depot: FREE COVID-19 testing is available for symptomatic or asymptomatic students, faculty and staff at the University-Oxford Depot on campus. Testing is offered six days a week.
  • Monday through Friday, 3-7 p.m.
  • Saturdays, noon-4 p.m.
To schedule your test:
  • Text “2020” to 833-991-3009 OR click on this link: http://86borders.com/l/68415e8f
  • Complete the Testing Intake Form
  • You will receive a confirmation # to present at the testing site
  • Show up (with your University-affiliated ID) any day, any time during testing hours that week.
University Health Center: The Health Center continues to offer COVID-19 testing on campus. Call Student Health at (662) 915-7274 or Employee Health at (662) 915-6550 to schedule a test.
Oxford Conference Center: The Mississippi State Department of Health has FREE COVID-19 testing at the Oxford Conference Center Monday through Friday. More information and available appointments can be found here.

UM Students and Employees Must Report Positive COVID-19 Tests
There are several ways to report positive COVID-19 tests:
  • Students: Call Student Health at 662-915-7274
  • Employees: Call Employee Health at 662-915-6550
  • Fill out the UHS Self Report form, scan or take a picture of your results and upload both the form and your results to our HIPAA compliant UMBOX. Only University Health Services personnel will be able to view your documentation.
  • Download the Everbridge App and select the Report Positive COVID-19 button. Then scan or take a picture of your results and upload it to our HIPAA compliant UMBOX. Only University Health Services personnel will be able to view your documentation.
Events/Gatherings
During the Omicron surge over the next few weeks, please consider holding large group meetings virtually when possible, and consider postponing non-essential gatherings or modifying them to reduce the spread. Also, please consider limiting food served that might require people to remove their masks.
Zoom offers live captioning and transcription for all Zoom sessions, and this feature is available to all Zoom users at the University of Mississippi. See this page for how to enable captions and transcription at the beginning of each Zoom meeting or webinar.

How to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine
Please get vaccinated or boosted if you are eligible. Vaccination is proven to lessen the severity of the symptoms of COVID-19, and to keep more people out of the hospital. And, initial data suggest COVID-19 boosters help bolster protection against Omicron.
Vaccines are available for free for Ole Miss employees and students at the University Health Center Pharmacy weekdays 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Come get a shot and some Ole Miss swag at Pharmacy Health Services (located inside the V.B. Harrison Health Center on campus, (662) 915-5279). Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available for those aged 18 and up, while Pfizer is available for anyone 12 and up. Second doses will be scheduled while receiving the first dose.
A list of local vaccine clinics is available on UM’s vaccination webpage. More information about where to get a vaccine can also be found at vaccines.gov.

C19 Ambassadors
C19 Ambassadors will be on campus again this semester to support the university community in following health and safety policies. A C19 Ambassador can help you find a mask, answer questions and direct you to resources if you need them. If one of our C19 Ambassadors reminds you about masks, please be respectful — they have been tasked with helping keep us healthy and safe.

Featured FAQ: What is the leave policy for employees who miss work due to COVID-19? Employees who need to take time off work to care for themselves or a family member who has contracted COVID-19 may use their family or medical leave, or they may work with their supervisor to make short-term arrangements to work from home if feasible. Faculty cannot simply switch face-to-face courses to remote or Zoom. If faculty become ill or need to care for an ill family member, please contact your chair or dean to discuss and determine how to keep the class on track. Under current state statutes and federal regulations, there is not an approval or mechanism for COVID-related emergency paid sick leave. See additional employee information on this page.

News Stories and Resources 
COVID-19 Data
  • MSDH reported the following information for COVID-19 cases in Mississippi (as of Jan. 10):
    • 5,737 new cases, 20 new deaths and 290 long-term care facilities outbreaks.
  • Mississippi Vaccination Report (as of Jan. 11):
    • 3,552,083 total doses administered; 1,686,162 people receiving at least one dose; and 1,462,668 people fully vaccinated.
    • Lafayette County: 69,500 Total Doses Administered; 28,844 People Fully Vaccinated, 53% of Total Population Fully Vaccinated.
Quick Links

Wednesday, December 8, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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Editor’s note: Following today’s issue, the university’s COVID-19 newsletter will publish on an as-needed basis until Jan. 19, 2022, when weekly publication will resume for the Spring 2022 semester.

Message from Chancellor Boyce About Federal Court Injunction of COVID Vaccine Mandate
On Tuesday, December 7, a federal court in Georgia issued a nationwide injunction prohibiting the federal government from enforcing the COVID vaccination mandate for federal contractors, which was set forth in a federal executive order and related guidance issued in September.

The Board of Trustees of the Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) gave university leaders the authority to follow the federal government’s executive order and related guidance as long as the order was not stayed, delayed or revoked. Since the executive order was stayed, the university is suspending its efforts to require vaccination of our employees. The vaccination requirement for those in an institutional clinical setting, which was permitted through separate board actions taken in August and September, shall remain in effect.

I want to thank all faculty, staff, and student employees who have been vaccinated. I especially want to express my appreciation to those who acted promptly to submit their vaccination record or request for an accommodation. Our community mobilized quickly in response to the mandate, and I appreciate the commitment shown by thousands of employees to respond. The university committee reviewing all pending requests for accommodation will put those requests on hold unless and until the mandate is reinstated.

We will continue to monitor any additional developments in the law, including any appeal of the Georgia decision and other court cases related to the vaccination mandate. As courts make their rulings, this situation could change. If the mandate is reinstated by a court, we will adjust our efforts accordingly.
While this action stays the mandate, the benefits of getting vaccinated are clear. As we approach the year-end holiday season when we will gather with family and friends, I urge everyone to make it a priority to protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated.

See the message.

On-Campus COVID-19 Testing Extended Through Dec. 18
The university will continue offering FREE COVID-19 testing for symptomatic or asymptomatic students, faculty and staff at the University-Oxford Depot on campus through Saturday, Dec. 18. Testing will be offered Monday-Friday from 3-7 p.m. and Saturday from 12 noon-4 p.m. See more details here. To schedule your test: Text “2020” to 833-991-3009 OR click on this link: http://86borders.com/l/68415e8f.

How to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine
Did you know that the university has hosted more than 60 vaccination events and administered 8,135 vaccines this year? Those who still need one or more doses may walk in to University Health Services weekdays between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. when the university is open to receive a vaccination. A list of local vaccine clinics is also on UM’s vaccination webpage.

Get a Flu Shot Before the Holidays
The best way to reduce your risk from seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated every year. This CDC page has resources to answer your questions about flu vaccines. Faculty, staff and students can receive a flu shot at the University Health Center weekdays from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Featured FAQ: What are the current COVID-19 testing requirements for air travel to the U.S.?
Starting this week, all air passengers, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 viral test taken no more than 1 day before travel to the United States. The CDC continues to recommend that all travelers get a COVID-19 viral test 3-5 days after arrival, and that unvaccinated travelers should quarantine for 7 days after travel. For more information, see the CDC press release or this CDC resource page.

News Stories and Resources

COVID-19 Data
  • MSDH reported the following information for COVID-19 cases in Mississippi (as of Dec. 7):
    • 787 new cases, 6 new deaths and 35 long-term care facilities outbreaks.
  • Mississippi Vaccination Report (as of Dec. 8):
    • 3,299,054 total doses administered; 1,625,066 people receiving at least one dose; and 1,423,193 people fully vaccinated.
    • Lafayette County: 64,794 Total Doses Administered; 28,065 People Fully Vaccinated, 52% of Total Population Fully Vaccinated.
Quick Links