Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

COVID-19 Weekly Digest

Wednesday, September 22, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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FREE COVID-19 Testing Available on Campus
Starting today (Sept. 22), free PCR COVID-19 testing will be offered for symptomatic or asymptomatic students, faculty and staff at the University-Oxford Depot. 
  • Monday through Friday, 3-7 p.m.
  • Saturday, 12-4 p.m. (except on home game days)
  • Sundays (home game weekends only), 12-4 p.m.
To schedule your test:
  1. Text “2020” to 833-991-3009 OR click on this link: 
  2. Complete the Testing Intake Form
  3. You will receive a confirmation # to present at the testing site
  4. Show up (with your University-affiliated ID) any day, any time during testing hours that week. 
The walk-in testing center is at the University-Oxford Depot, 102 Depot St., located in the lower parking lot just north of the Ford Center. Designated parking is provided to individuals getting tested. If your test is positive, you will receive a phone call. Additional details about how you will receive your test results will be shared at the testing site.
MSDH FREE COVID-19 Testing in Lafayette County
COVID-19 testing is offered Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at the Oxford Conference Center for symptomatic or asymptomatic students, teachers, or staff members of K-12 schools and colleges/universities. Schedule an appointment.
October & November Pfizer Vaccine Clinics on Campus
Upcoming vaccine clinics administering the FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine for those aged 12 and up will be held at Johnson Commons. All clinics will offer the first or second Pfizer dose. Vaccines are FREE and no appointment is needed – simply stop by between 1-3 p.m. on any of the following dates:
  • Oct. 5, 12, 19, and 26 
  • Nov. 2, Nov. 9, and 30
Flu Shots Available On Campus
  • Sept. 29, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Galtney-Lott Plaza
  • Oct. 5, 1–4 p.m., Grove Stage
  • Oct. 6, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Student Union patio
  • Oct. 12, 1–4 p.m., Galtney-Lott Plaza
  • Oct. 14, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., The Pavilion 
The cost is $40 and can be billed to most insurance plans as university students, faculty, and staff should bring their Ole Miss ID and prescription insurance card. Costs not covered by insurance can be charged to Bursar accounts.
Indoor Mask Mandate Remains In Place on Campus
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 will be required while traversing public spaces in residence halls, dining facilities, the Student Union, Campus Recreation, and retail spaces. Masks will be required for extracurricular activities held in indoor on-campus spaces. Face coverings are not required when outdoors.
Featured FAQ: What is the proper way to wear masks indoors on campus?
Students and employees should follow CDC guidelines for how to wear a mask so that masks can be as effective as possible.
News Stories and Resources
MSDH Data
  • MSDH reported the following information for COVID-19 cases in Mississippi as of Sept. 21: 
    • 1,557 new cases, 22 new deaths and 103 long-term care facilities outbreaks.
  • Mississippi Vaccination Report as of Sept. 22:
    • 2,754,204 total doses administered; 1,487,182 people receiving at least one dose; and 1,287,822 people fully vaccinated. 
Quick Links

Wednesday, September 15, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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MSDH FREE COVID-19 Testing in Lafayette County
Testing offered Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at the Oxford Conference Center for symptomatic or asymptomatic students, teachers, or staff members of K-12 schools and colleges/universities. Schedule an appointment.

GET VAXXED: Upcoming Pfizer Vaccine Clinics

Upcoming vaccine clinics administering the FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine for those aged 12 and up will be held at Johnson Commons. All clinics will offer the first or second Pfizer dose. No appointment needed.
  • Sept. 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Oct. 5, 1-3 p.m.
  • Oct. 12, 1-3 p.m.
  • Oct. 19, 1-3 p.m.
  • Oct. 26, 1-3 p.m.
  • Nov. 2, 1-3 p.m.
  • Nov. 9, 1-3 p.m.
  • Nov. 30, 1-3 p.m.
Flu Shots Available On Campus
UM’s chapter of the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists is conducting its annual Operation Immunization to provide flu shots to the Ole Miss community. The cost is $40 and can be billed to most insurance plans as university students, faculty, and staff should bring their Ole Miss ID and prescription insurance card. Costs not covered by insurance can be charged to Bursar accounts.
  • Sept. 14, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Student Union patio
  • Sept. 21, 1–4 p.m., School of Pharmacy
  • Sept. 29, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Galtney-Lott Plaza
  • Oct. 5, 1–4 p.m., Grove Stage
  • Oct. 6, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Student Union patio
  • Oct. 12, 1–4 p.m., Galtney-Lott Plaza
  • Oct. 14, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., The Pavilion
 
Featured FAQ: If I am pregnant or planning to become pregnant, can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 12 and older, including women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future. If you have questions, talk with your healthcare provider about COVID-19 vaccination. While such a conversation might be helpful, it is not required before vaccination. Learn more about vaccination considerations for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
News Stories and Resources
MSDH Data
  • MSDH reported the following information for COVID-19 cases in Mississippi as of Sept. 14:
    • 2,353 new cases, 39 new deaths and 106 long-term care facilities outbreaks.
  • Mississippi Vaccination Report as of Sept. 14
    • 2,699,695 total doses administered; 1,470,328 people receiving at least one dose; and 1,254,522 people fully vaccinated.
Quick Links

Wednesday, September 8, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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COVID-19-related Financial Aid Available to Students
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) has provided pandemic-related funding for student financial aid grants that can be used for any component of a student’s cost of attendance, or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus (including tuition, food, housing, health care, mental health care, or childcare). At the University of Mississippi, grant amounts typically will not exceed $3,000 per person. Eligibility is not guaranteed, but has been expanded since last semester’s HEERF II grant. More people will qualify this time, including international students.

To apply for financial aid assistance related to COVID-19, UM students should complete the application form. For more information and FAQs, visit this page. For additional questions, please email umcares@olemiss.edu.

MSDH Offering FREE COVID-19 Testing in Lafayette County
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is now offering FREE COVID-19 testing in Lafayette County. Testing will be offered Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at the Oxford Conference Center (102 Ed Perry Blvd.).
Whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, if you are a student, teacher, or staff member of a K-12 school, college or university, you can be tested for COVID-19 at an MSDH site. You must make an appointment, which can be scheduled at covidschedule.umc.edu. New appointment slots will become available each week.
Those wishing to reach the Conference Center for Testing via the OUT Bus System can board either the Red North or the Blue West (most direct) routes at the Student Union transportation hub and ride to the transfer point at the downtown garage near the square. Transfer to the Grey route at the garage to reach the Conference Center. The return route is the same but in reverse.
Additionally, testing is available at the University Health Center and local clinics in town.

Upcoming Pfizer Vaccine Clinics
Upcoming vaccine clinics administering the FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine will be held at Johnson Commons. All clinics will offer the first or second Pfizer dose.
  • Wednesday, Sep. 15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Sep. 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 5, 1-3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 12, 1-3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 19, 1-3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 26, 1-3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 2, 1-3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 9, 1-3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 30, 1-3 p.m.
No appointment is needed for the Pfizer vaccine clinics. Everyone vaccinated will get Ole Miss swag to choose from including t-shirts, Silipint cups, Lane Kiffin bobbleheads, trucker hats and knit caps. Vaccines are available for everyone aged 12 and up. Second doses will be scheduled while you receive the first dose. Please print the two medical paperwork forms linked below to bring with you to your on-campus vaccination. (Blank paperwork will also be available.)
You may also visit the University Health Center Pharmacy any weekday between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. to receive a Pfizer vaccine. No appointment needed.

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots Available on Campus
The university is following CDC /MSDH guidelines to provide an additional dose of an mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech) at least 28 days after the completion of the initial mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series to people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. Moderately to severely immunocompromised includes people who are or have been:
  • Receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
  • Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
  • Advanced or untreated HIV infection
  • Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids (i.e., ≥20mg prednisone or equivalent per day for > 14 days) or other drugs that may suppress your immune response [e.g., alkylating agents (cyclophosphamide); antimetabolites (methotrexate); transplant-related immunosuppressive drugs (cyclosporine, tacrolimus, everolimus); TNF-blockers (etanercept)]
  • Other condition(s) which cause moderate or severe immunosuppression similar to the above conditions
Fall Convocation 2021 Rescheduled for Sept. 21
The University of Mississippi Fall Convocation has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 5:30 p.m. in the Grove. Fall Convocation commemorates the beginning of the college journey each year at Ole Miss. We will add a new wrinkle by moving Fall Convocation to the Grove, the same venue where our incoming students will participate in Commencement at the end of their college experience. More information about this year’s Fall Convocation event and speaker is at this link: https://news.olemiss.edu/author-aimee-nezhukumatahil-set-to-deliver-fall-convocation-keynote/

Featured FAQ: Do students, faculty and staff have to report a positive COVID-19 test to the university?
All students must report positive tests to Student Health and employees must report positive tests to Employee Health, regardless of where the test was performed. Positive COVID-19 tests should be reported using one of these anonymous reporting methods:
  • Call University Health Services: Students should call 662-915-7274; employees should call 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 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.
The anonymity and confidentiality of persons with COVID-19 will be protected during this process. University Health Services will collaborate with MSDH for contact tracing and to determine additional precautions that may be warranted.

News Stories and Resources
MSDH Data
  • MSDH reported the following information for COVID-19 cases in Mississippi as of Sept. 7:
    • 1,934 new cases, 102 new deaths and 132 long-term care facilities outbreaks.
  • Mississippi Vaccination Report as of Sept. 7:
    • 2,615,422 total doses administered; 1,444,316 people receiving at least one dose; and 1,203,290 people fully vaccinated.
    • Quick Links

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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Board Of Trustees Votes Against COVID Vaccine Mandate
In a specially called meeting last week, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning voted against a mandate to require students and employees at the state’s eight public universities to show proof of vaccination as a condition of employment or enrollment. For additional details, see the IHL news release.
Do Your Part — Be Smart About When to go to the ER
We can all do our part to help our local hospital, Baptist Memorial Hospital – North Mississippi, prioritize emergency visits because of the strain from the Delta variant. Do you have routine or non-urgent items? Consider using University Health Services or local urgent care clinics which can provide services for many symptoms that can mostly wait until the following day.
Get Vaccinated on Campus
Upcoming vaccine clinics for FDA-approved Pfizer at Johnson Commons. All clinics are for first or second Pfizer dose.
  • Tuesday, Sep. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.  
  • Wednesday, Sep. 15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 
  • Wednesday, Sep. 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 5, 1-3 p.m. 
  • Tuesday, Oct. 12, 1-3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 19, 1-3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 26, 1-3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 2, 1-3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 9, 1-3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 30, 1-3 p.m.
No appointment needed for Pfizer vaccine clinics. Vaccines are available for everyone ages 12 and up. Second doses will be scheduled while getting the first dose. Please print these two medical paperwork forms below to fill out and bring with you to your on-campus vaccination. Blank paperwork will also be available.
You may also walk in to the University Health Center Pharmacy any weekday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. to get a Pfizer vaccine, no appointment needed. 
MSDH COVID-19 Isolation Order
Per the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) statewide Order for the Isolation of Individuals Diagnosed with COVID-19, all persons residing in Mississippi must immediately home-isolate on first knowledge of infection with COVID-19. Please read the Order to review the consequences (including imprisonment, fines or both) for failure or refusal to obey the lawful order of Mississippi’s health officer.
Mask Up
Consistent with public health guidance from the CDC and MSDH and as a direct result of the spike in COVID-19 cases locally and nationally due to the Delta variant, the university continues to require face coverings in indoor public spaces on campus, regardless of vaccination status. Face coverings are not required when outdoors. Students and employees should follow CDC guidelines for how to wear a mask so that masks can be as effective as possible.
Support and Resources for Students in Quarantine and Isolation Housing
The Department of Student Housing offers Quarantine and Isolation housing to students who are living on campus (residence halls) and have been exposed to and/or test positive for COVID-19. Please see this page for details and FAQs as well as the information below.
  • Meal delivery options are available to each student in on-campus quarantine and isolation housing.
  • Student Housing provides staff members at the front desk of Brown Hall to assist students in isolation, as well as on-call support incase students need assistance after-hours.
  • Student Housing, Student Health, and Dean of Students staff members check-in with students frequently throughout the quarantine or isolation period to provide support and answer questions.
  • Each quarantine and isolation room is supplied with campus and housing resources information and bottled water to assist in the transition process. Starting the week of Sept. 6, snacks will also begin being placed in each quarantine and isolation room as well.
  • Students can submit a COVID-19 Student Self-Report Form to have university personnel provide additional outreach and support.
Where to Get Tested
At this time, testing is available at the University Health Center and local clinics in town. The City of Oxford and the university are working with MSDH to bring a free testing site to Oxford next week, and we hope to announce details of that soon.
University Kicks Off Semester With Vaccination Clinics
The university is working to ensure that members of the university community have plenty of opportunities to be vaccinated at convenient times and locations. Over the course of four days near the beginning of the semester, volunteers from the School of Pharmacy administered more than 200 Pfizer vaccinations on campus to employees, students and students’ families visiting campus. To date, the university has administered more than 5,500 vaccine doses to the university community. See story here.
UM Physician Provides Information on Coronavirus Safety
Dr. Hubert Spears, a physician with the University Health Services, shares pandemic-related updates and guidance for the Ole Miss community, including: effectiveness of the vaccines against the Delta variant; which behaviors place you at the greatest risk for getting COVID; and new symptoms with Delta variant that we haven’t seen before. Read the article.
Featured FAQ: Do I Have to Quarantine if I am a Close Contact?
Quarantine if you have been in close contact (within 6 feet of someone for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone who has COVID-19, unless you have been fully vaccinated. People who are fully vaccinated do NOT need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19 unless they exhibit symptoms. However, fully vaccinated people should get tested 3-5 days after exposure (even if they don’t show symptoms), and wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until their test result is negative. If you have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days (proof must be shown), you are not required to quarantine after exposure if:
  • you have fully recovered (10 days from symptom onset or date of test, and fever free for at least 24 hours), and
  • you have been asymptomatic since your COVID-19 exposure.
For additional details, University Health Services maintains updated guidance on quarantine and isolation on this page.
About the COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a plan to begin offering COVID-19 vaccine booster shots this fall. The goal is for people to start receiving a COVID-19 booster shot beginning in the fall, with individuals being eligible starting 8 months after they received their second dose of an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna). This is subject to authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommendation by CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). FDA is conducting an independent evaluation to determine the safety and effectiveness of a booster dose of the mRNA vaccines. ACIP will decide whether to issue a booster dose recommendation based on a thorough review of the evidence. See more on this page from the CDC.
News Stories and Resources
MSDH Data
  • MSDH reported the following information for COVID-19 cases in Mississippi as of Aug. 31:
    • 2,939 new cases, 81 new deaths and 176 long-term care facilities outbreaks.
  • Mississippi Vaccination Report as of Aug. 31: 2,547,351 total doses administered;
    • 1,420,136 people receiving at least one dose; and 1,164,995 people fully vaccinated.
Quick Links

Wednesday, August 25, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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Editor’s note: In an effort to keep the campus community updated on information relevant for our students, faculty and staff, the university’s COVID-19 newsletter will resume publication each Wednesday.

Get Vaccinated on Campus

Vaccination is our most effective tool to stop the spread of the virus. Given the high demand of vaccines on campus, the university has added an additional FREE Pfizer vaccine clinic. First doses of Pfizer will be available at Johnson Commons next Wednesday, Sep. 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Walk up, no appointment needed. More info at coronavirus.olemiss.edu/vaccination or c19@olemiss.edu.

Additionally, from now until supplies last, the University Health Center Pharmacy on the Oxford campus is offering the single-dose Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine and the two-dose Pfizer vaccines FREE for faculty, staff, graduate students, undergraduate students and the families of those in the university community. Johnson & Johnson vaccines are for those ages 18 and up, and Pfizer is for those ages 12 and up.

Other Ways to Get Vaccinated

Current Campus Protocol: Masks Required in Indoor Public Spaces

Until further notice, 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 will be required while traversing public spaces in residence halls, dining facilities, the Student Union, Campus Recreation, and retail spaces. Masks will be required for extracurricular activities held in indoor on-campus spaces. Face coverings are not required when outdoors. This policy is consistent with public health guidance from the CDC and MSDH and comes as a direct result of the spike in COVID-19 cases nationwide and locally due to the Delta variant. Read the message from Chancellor Glenn Boyce about this protocol update.

City of Oxford Mask Mandate

Effective Wednesday, Aug. 25 at 4 p.m., the City of Oxford requires “every person in the City of Oxford shall wear a face covering, covering the nose and mouth, while inside a business, or other building or space open to the public whenever it is not possible to maintain a minimum of six feet of social distancing from another person not in the same household.” See the resolution for complete details.

Seeking Medical Care

In light of the rise of COVID-19 cases and the strain on our local hospital, Baptist Memorial Hospital – North Mississippi must prioritize emergency visits. The hospital needs our help. Carefully evaluate whether you could utilize University Health Services or local urgent care clinics for more routine or non-urgent items. They can provide services for many symptoms that can mostly wait until the following day including: cold symptoms, sore throat, mild fever, headache, muscle strains, minor lacerations, urinary tract infections or rash.

Quarantine and Isolation

The university continues to follow guidelines for colleges and universities for COVID-19 isolation, quarantine and outbreak from MSDH. See the Q&I section of the Campus Plan for information and FAQs.

Where to Get Tested

Symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 testing will be available in Fall 2021 through University Health Services. If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms, you may schedule a test at the UM Health Center. Additionally, please refer to this list of clinics around Oxford and area county health departments that also offer COVID-19 testing.

Reporting Positive COVID-19 Tests

UM students and employees must report positive COVID-19 tests to University Health Services. Visit this page to see how to report.

University Communications

University COVID-19-Related News Stories

Other News Stories and Resources

Mississippi State Department of Health Data

  • MSDH reported the following information for COVID-19 cases in Mississippi as of Aug. 24:
    • 3,385 new cases, 22 new deaths and 186 long-term care facilities outbreaks.
  • Mississippi Vaccination Report as of August 24:
    • 2,465,772 total doses administered; 1,383,910 people receiving at least one dose; and 1,125,877 people fully vaccinated. 

Quick Links