1/29/20: Coronavirus Update

Jan 29, 2020

Dear Anteaters, 

We want to provide you this midweek update to address the latest information on Coronavirus and UCI operations, as well as to quell some of the rumors that are traveling through campus. As was noted in the campus zotmail dated January 26, there was a positive case of the Novel Wuhan Coronavirus identified in Orange County. That individual is recovering in isolation, and has no affiliation with UCI.

UCI continues to operate normally, classes are not cancelled and the campus is not closed. Additionally, all ancillary activities such as seminars, athletic competitions, performances, and events continue to proceed as scheduled. Students should plan to continue attending classes and participating in campus activities. 

You will soon see reminders around campus as we prepare to launch a poster campaign to maintain vigilance within the Anteater community during this time of progressing information. As a preventative measure, campus facilities and custodial are increasing the frequency for wiping down common areas and using disinfectant, as well.

Since the last email update to campus, a website was created to house all updates related to Coronavirus and UCI operations. We invite you to visit: https://ehs.uci.edu/PublicHealth/coronavirus.html. On this website are two sets of FAQs: one for students and one for faculty and staff. You can find the buttons for the FAQs on the right side of the screen. Please check back to this page often as we are continuing to post updates as information about Coronavirus evolves.

Additionally, please listen to this UCI podcast where I talk candidly about the common questions students are asking both on campus and in social media. Here you can learn the latest information on face masks, and the symptoms and criteria for Coronavirus, as well as addressing the anxieties and fears students are expressing.

We continue to work with the Orange County Health Care Agency and medical center leadership to evaluate the situation in Orange County, and we will share updates by email, social media, and on both the Student Health Center and Public Health websites. And, we continue to follow the guidance of the Center for Disease Control.

Please remember to stay healthy by washing your hands with soap and water frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep.

Thank you for your cooperation in protecting the UCI community.

Albert S. Chang, MD, MPH
Medical Director, UCI Student Health Center