Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

The University of Mississippi

Physical Distancing

Must Do

  • Individual desks/workstations should be arranged to maintain at least 6 feet distance between employees.
  • Facilities Planning will develop seating plans for all classrooms and auditoriums with fixed seating. Fixed seating in classrooms and auditoriums should be conspicuously marked to identify the optimum seating pattern for appropriate physical distancing. Marks should be removable without damage to the seats.  Where appropriate, block or remove seats that are not available for use.  For assistance with marking and/or blocking seats, contact Facilities Management.
  • In classrooms with node chairs or moveable chairs, floor markings should be installed that show where chairs should be located. Where appropriate, excess seating should be blocked or removed.  For assistance in developing appropriate seating plans for classrooms with moveable furniture, departments should contact Facilities Planning.  For assistance in moving furniture or marking/blocking seats, contact Facilities Management.
  • Evaluate spaces to determine the maximum occupancy that will still permit appropriate physical distancing. Approximate planning factors should provide for 6 feet of physical distancing and/or 60 square feet per person. This allowance may need to be increased, depending on the configuration of the space (layout, fixed or loose seating, furniture, etc.) and/or how the space will be utilized. Departments should contact Facilities Planning for assistance, as needed, to determine the exact occupancy limits of a given space.
  • Maximum occupancy signage should be posted in classrooms, conference rooms, waiting rooms, break rooms, study rooms, and common areas to promote appropriate physical distancing. Signage should be standardized and should be removable without damage to walls or other surfaces.
  • Signage should be provided to discourage people from congregating in hallways, common spaces, and atria. Signage should be standardized and should be removable without damage to walls or other surfaces.
  • Visual cues such as floor decals, colored tape, or signage should be used in queuing areas, elevator lobbies, bus stops, and other locations where people commonly wait to indicate where people should stand to maintain appropriate physical distancing. Marks should be removable without damage to the floor.
  • The maximum occupancy of restrooms should be limited to one-half of the total number of fixtures (commodes, urinals, sinks) in the restroom. Maximum occupancy signage should be posted in each restroom. Signage should be standardized and should be removable without damage to walls or other surfaces.

Where Feasible

  • Barriers should be considered in workspaces where people must face each other or are unable to be 6 feet apart. (Note: Cubicle walls with a height of 5 feet or higher will be considered an appropriate physical barrier.)  Contact Facilities Management for assistance as needed
  • Plexiglass barriers should be considered at high-traffic areas, such as reception desks and check-in points. If used, plexiglass barriers should be freestanding and removable without damaging the furniture, countertop, etc., unless they are intended to be permanent installations.  Departments should contact Facilities Management for assistance, as needed.
  • Chairs and seating in classrooms, conference rooms, waiting rooms, break rooms, and common areas should be arranged (or removed) to promote appropriate physical distancing. Departments wishing to remove excess seating/furniture should consider making their own arrangements for storage since centralized storage options will likely not be available.  For assistance in moving furniture, contact Facilities Management.
  • The maximum occupancy of classrooms should be limited to fewer than 30 participants.
  • Eating, studying, etc. outdoors should be encouraged when possible
  • Teaching outside should be encouraged when the weather is good.
  • Non-traditional teaching spaces, such as at the Student Union Ballroom, Turner Center, Multipurpose Area at the JAC, and other locations should be considered as an alternative to traditional classrooms to increase teaching capacity, if necessary.
  • The maximum occupancy of a University-owned vehicle or cart should be limited to one-half of the total number of seats in the vehicle or cart. If more than one person is in the vehicle or cart, face masks/coverings should be worn.
  • In retail spaces, food courts, and other locations where monetary transactions take place, customers should be encouraged to make non-cash payments.