April 14 - Updates on COVID-19

UCI UPDATES

Mental Health Assistance for Students

The Center for Student Wellness & Health Promotion is available to help students with the various challenges they may face while sheltering-in-place, including navigating challenging relationships, managing stress, emotional eating and nutrition, and substance abuse. Students can contact the center to set up a phone, email or Zoom consultation. Resources are also offered on the center’s website and social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram: @UCIStudentWellness).

Paid Leave Chart

UCI Human Resources has posted an explanatory flow chart on paid leave.

New Work Check-in Procedure Begins April 15

To better protect patients and employees, UCI Health will operate health screening checkpoints for all staff, faculty and residents at six key entrances to Douglas Hospital, Tower and Bldg. 3, as well as at entrances to ambulatory clinics, effective April 15.

Counseling and Support for Healthcare Faculty and Staff

For healthcare workers feeling stress, the Department of Psychiatry is offering supportive therapy, techniques to manage anxiety and other resources for emotional help. Sign up for a free 30-minute support session via the links below. You’ll receive an email confirming your appointment.

For faculty: https://forms.gle/pAYUE7XCNBCjn98s8
For staff: https://forms.gle/i5yAK6ZoQtuCokyJ6

Please note: If you’re feeling suicidal, go to the nearest emergency room or call the National Suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Podcast Explores UCI Response to Coronavirus

Two key UCI Health officials – Linda Dickey, senior director of quality & patient safety, epidemiology & infection prevention, and Joe Brothman, director of environmental health & safety – discuss various efforts undertaken to deal with pandemic in this UCI podcast.

UCI COVID-19 NEWS AND STORIES

Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

How the Coronavirus is messing with our perceptions of time.

Sleeping Beauty and Rip Van Winkle vs. COVID-19

Can lots of sleep help protect you from the virus? A UCI slumber expert explains the ins and outs of sleep, immunity and COVID-19.

A Smorgasbord of Free Movies (New and Classic) and Books

On the home entertainment front, UCI Libraries’ Swank collection enables students, faculty and staff to stream more than 500 films and documentaries. The catalog features cinema classics and recent blockbusters. For book lovers, the Internet Archive offers two-week rentals of old and new titles in all genres. Perfect for sheltering in place.

KUCI Interviews Dr. Albert Chang

UCI’s COVID-19 guru, Dr. Albert Chang, discusses the symptoms, treatment, prevention and emotional effects of America’s least favorite virus during a KUCI-FM interview with Oswaldo Diaz.

Another Drive-by Salute to UCI Health

On the heels of Saturday’s caravan of 150+ cars showing support for UCI Health caregivers, a second drive-by homage – this time by UCI PD, Highway Patrol and local fire, police and ambulance agencies – began at noon today.

Research Roundup: Quicker Tests and More

A speedy alternative to painful swab tests; innovative antibody detectors; a bathroom transmission study; and other virus research projects at the School of Engineering.

The Story Behind UCI’s First Drive-Thru Test Clinic

Nursing professor Susanne Phillips rallied the troops and got the site running in four days.

COMMUNITY UPDATES & NEWS

Europe Begins Easing Restrictions

Italy, Spain and Austria are cautiously loosening their lockdowns. Sweden is continuing its policy of minimal closures, but some are calling for stricter measures.

Newsom Outlines Criteria for Lifting California’s Lockdown

The governor listed six goals that need to be met before he’ll modify California’s stay-at-home order.

Number of New Cases in OC Drops to 9

Confirmed new cases of COVID-19 in Orange County fell from 55 on April 12 to nine on April 13, according to OC’s latest health report. The number of people hospitalized with the virus has declined for four straight days, from 127 on April 8 to 103 on April 12. Of those, 51 were in intensive care on April 12, down from a high of 63 two days earlier. No new deaths were reported yesterday, leaving the cumulative total at 19.

FDA Authorizes New COVID-19 Saliva Test

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized a new saliva test for diagnosing COVID-19 in emergencies. The test was developed at Rutgers University.

Three Southern California Churches Sue Governor

A trio of churches that want to remain open during the pandemic is suing California’s governor on grounds that social distancing violates the 1st Amendment right to freedom of assembly and religion.

California, Oregon and Washington Announce Reopening Pact

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced an agreement Monday on how to reopen the West Coast, saying they would act in coordination to ensure the virus doesn’t spread wildly as restrictions are relaxed.

14,000 People in Orange County Have Been Tested

Of the 14,000 people who have been tested for coronavirus in Orange County so far, 1,283 were found to be infected.

Blood Donations Sought from Recovered COVID-19 Patients

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian is asking for blood donations from people who have fully recovered from COVID-19, as it investigates treatments for the disease. Those donating blood need to be symptom-free for at least 14 days.

Advice on How to Help

In new guidelines for citizens, the FDA urges people to refrain from panic buying, report fraudulent coronavirus testing/treatments and – for those who have recovered from COVID-19 – donate plasma and blood.