Revised deadline for employees to fulfill COVID-19 vaccine requirement
On Nov. 8, the university sent a message to faculty, staff and student employees sharing updated federal guidance that states that employees are required to receive both shots of a two-dose vaccine, or one shot of a one-dose vaccine, by Jan. 4. Read the complete message.
Update on deadline for COVID-19 vaccine requirement for employees
On Nov. 2, the university sent a message to faculty, staff and student employees sharing that on Nov. 1, federal officials issued clarifying guidance that now permits the university to allow unvaccinated employees to continue to work after the Dec. 8 deadline “through a limited period of counseling and education.” Under the new guidance, employees do not need to be removed from the workplace unless these efforts result in “continued noncompliance.” Consistent with the latitude provided by the new guidance, university employees who are not fully vaccinated as of Dec. 8 will be allowed to continue working and not be placed on a leave of absence. Read the complete message.
All university employees required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec. 8
On Oct. 25, the university shared a message with faculty, staff and student employees about compliance with the terms of an Executive Order issued by President Biden on “Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors.” The order requires all federal contractors, such as the university, to comply with the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force’s “COVID-19 Workplace Safety: Guidance for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors.” The task force guidance requires all employees, including graduate and undergraduate student employees, working on or in connection with a federal contract to be vaccinated, and also requires all employees working in a covered contractor workplace to be vaccinated. The definition of the covered contractor workplace as outlined in the task force guidance is broad and covers all buildings and spaces on campus. Read the complete message. See the employee vaccine mandate FAQs.
Info about COVID-19 booster shots
Information and frequently asked questions about COVID-19 booster shots and their availability can be found on the COVID-19 booster shot FAQ webpage.
Free COVID-19 testing available on campus
Starting Wednesday, Sept. 22, free PCR COVID-19 testing will be offered for symptomatic or asymptomatic students, faculty and staff at the University-Oxford Depot. You may schedule an appointment at this link during these hours:
- 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.
More info here. Visit the “UM COVID-19 Testing / University-Oxford Depot Site Results Page” to see results from Fall 2021 COVID-19 testing (PCR COVID-19 test) at University-Oxford Depot for students, faculty, staff.
MSDH free COVID-19 testing in Lafayette County
On Campus Vaccine Clinics
- Oct. 12, (free Apple AirTag for those getting a vaccine dose on this day, while supplies last)
- Oct. 19 and 26
- Nov. 2, 9, and 30
More info at coronavirus.olemiss.edu/vaccination or c19@olemiss.edu.
Updated Vaccine Mythbusters
An updated COVID-19 vaccines mythbusters document has information about common vaccine misconceptions.
Update to Campus Protocols in Light of Current Cases and Data
Effective August 5, 2021, the university will temporarily require all individuals to wear masks in indoor public spaces. The new 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.
MSDH COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for College and University Settings
On August 4, 2021, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) issued COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for College and University Settings. It includes guidance about Universal Indoor Mask Use: “Consistent with CDC Public Health Guidance, MSDH directs that masks be worn universally indoors for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status. Due to the prevalence of the highly transmissible Delta Variant, masks must be worn in all indoor facilities to mitigate the risk of infection at this time. Consistent and correct mask use regardless of vaccination status is vital to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. In general, people do not need to wear masks when outdoors, but masks should be considered in crowded outdoor settings or during activities of close prolonged contact with others.”
Need to report your positive COVID-19 result over the weekend or after business hours? There are two ways you can accomplish this.
- 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.
- 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.
QUESTIONS?
- UM COVID-19 Info Line (Available: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) 662-915-3600
- UM COVID-19 Email: C19@olemiss.edu
- Baptist Memorial Hospital, North Mississippi 24-hour Hotline: (866) 941-4785
- MS State Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline: 877-978-6453