Latest Updates

Update on Campus Guidance and Protocols

• The university will continue to require all people to wear a cloth face covering or mask for the rest of the Spring 2021 semester in classroom settings and office settings.
• In addition, masks continue to be required while traversing public spaces in libraries, residence halls, dining facilities, the Student Union, Campus Rec, retail spaces and other on-campus facilities.
• We continue to promote good hand hygiene and distancing protocols for indoor spaces.
• In outdoor areas of campus, social distancing of at least six feet continues to be strongly recommended as well as wearing a mask when you cannot maintain distance unless the protocols for the outdoor venue differ.

Fall 2021 Announcement

On Feb. 26, Chancellor Boyce shared that the university will offer the Fall 2021 semester as a full in-person, campus experience. He also shared that the university will continue to monitor the health and safety of our campus community and adapt if necessary to government orders and public health guidance. Read the full message.

Kroger Offering Vaccine Appointments

Kroger grocery stores are now offering appointments for individuals to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Kroger’s website currently shows appointments at the Oxford Kroger (2013 University Avenue, 662-236-6811) as well as other stores in the state (Tupelo, Columbus, Starkville and Corinth). Visit the Kroger website for more information including eligibility and appointment availability.

MSDH Expanded COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility

MSDH Health Alert: Beginning March 1, 2021, all teachers/staff/employees in K-12, preschool or childcare settings, and all first responders (including law enforcement, public safety, fire services and emergency management officials) will be added to the groups eligible for COVID-19 vaccine in Mississippi.

Updated COVID-19 Quarantine Guidance for Fully Vaccinated Individuals

In alignment with the Mississippi State Department of Health, the university is updating it’s quarantine guidance for fully vaccinated persons after exposure to COVID-19 infected individuals as follows: Persons who are fully vaccinated (≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine), are within 3 months of completing vaccine at time of exposure and who remain asymptomatic are not required to quarantine after COVID-19 exposure.

Spring 2021 Events and Extracurricular Activities

On Feb. 18, the university shared a letter about student activities including the wide range of current events and activities, how to stay plugged into campus life and next steps for expanding engagement opportunities safely for Spring 2021.

Asymptomatic Testing Canceled This Week

Due to winter weather and the resulting closure of the UM Oxford campus on Thursday (2/18) and Friday (2/19), the university’s Asymptomatic Testing this week is canceled. Testing will resume next week at the University-Oxford Depot on the regularly scheduled days:

• Monday and Tuesday from 1–5 p.m.
• Wednesday from 8:30 a.m.–12 noon

New Blog by Dr. Gispen — Positive Vaccine Side Effects: Hugging and Herd Immunity

Dr. Jean Gispen, staff physician with Employee Health, has written a new blog that shares additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine with a healthy dose of her sense of humor and perspective.

Walmart Locations Offering Vaccine Appointments

Beginning February 9, select Walmart locations around the state will be receiving COVID-19 vaccine. Make a vaccination appointment online at https://www.walmart.com/cp/1228302 (Requires creation of free Walmart account).

• List of Walmart pharmacies providing COVID-19 vaccinations PDF
• Make a vaccination appointment at a Walmart pharmacy

New Asymptomatic Testing Location 

Due to winter weather, beginning Feb. 8 and until further notice, the university’s Asymptomatic Testing will transition from drive-through testing in the Ford Center parking lot to walk-in testing at the University-Oxford Depot, which is located in the lower parking lot, north of the Ford Center. The facility includes an ADA compliant access ramp, and designated parking will be provided for individuals getting tested. All other details of the testing program remain the same.

MSDH Vaccine Second Doses

MSDH shared that second-dose COVID-19 vaccination appointments will now be made through instructions in your first-dose confirmation e-mail. If you have already been vaccinated, watch for an e-mail message with instructions on scheduling your second appointment. For assistance, call 877-978-6453.

International Restrictions and Travel Guidelines

Vaccine Resource: Mythbusters

Free Asymptomatic Testing Continues

• Monday, 1–5 p.m.
• Tuesday, 1–5 p.m.
• Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.–12 noon

No need to complete a survey. You simply fill out your paperwork, show up and get tested — it’s that easy! Here’s how to schedule your test:

1. Text “2020” to 833-991-3009, click this LINK OR scan this QR code:
   
2. Complete the Testing Intake Form
3. You will receive a confirmation # to present at the testing site
4. Show up during the testing hours for that day
5. Bring your UM-affiliated ID

MSDH COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments

The MS State Department of Health COVID-19 vaccine appointments are available for the following populations:

• All Healthcare Workers and EMTs / paramedics
• All persons 65 years of age or older
• Persons 18-64 years of age who have underlying medical conditions*

Individuals from these groups are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment through one of the following contacts:

• MSDH COVID-19 Vaccination Drive-Through Scheduler application
• COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center, 877-978-6453 or 601-965-4071, or
• Local Vaccination Providers

Please note that the state will continue to offer COVID-19 vaccination appointments at MSDH drive through sites based on the number of vaccines allocated to the state of Mississippi each week by the federal government. The number of vaccines that Mississippi receives varies from week to week. This impacts appointment availability.

*Underlying medical conditions as follows: cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), Down syndrome, heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies), immunocompromised from solid organ transplant, obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2), pregnancy, sickle cell disease, smoking, diabetes, or other medical conditions determined by the medical provider.

COVID-19 Free Testing