May 29 - Updates on COVID-19
Section 1
UCI UPDATES
Campus Recovery Implementation Team (CRIT)
UCI’s Campus Recovery Implementation Team (CRIT) has been established to help the campus community navigate the operational issues as we return to campus. The team meets daily to triage questions, review policy issues, and help coordinate the work of the various departments that are addressing COVID-19 issues. The CRIT reports to the Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) led by Interim Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, Hal Stern. If you need any guidance or have questions about the campus plans, the CRIT team can be reached by email at CRIT@uci.edu or at (949) 824 – 9599.
Medical Center to UCI campus shuttle announcement
Effective Monday, June 1, the campus to campus shuttle will no longer be in operation. Instead, the shuttle will be added to the medical center shuttle rotation to help co-workers practice social distancing while riding. We apologize for any inconvenience at this time. For parking inquiries, please call the parking office at 714-456-5636.
New UCI Zoom Temporary License Upgrade service available
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) is offering a new UCI Zoom Temporary License Upgrade service to faculty and staff who wish to host presentation-style webinar for up to 1,000 participants, a moderated discussion, or a collaborative meeting with up to 500 participants. A limited number of licenses are available for UCI Zoom users to check out, free of charge, for up to 7 days.
UCI COVID-19 NEWS AND STORIES
Could I have immunity to the COVID-19 virus?
As COVID-19 cases spread across the state and nation, demand is growing for blood tests to identify people who may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus and developed antibodies to it. Such antibodies may mean these individuals have at least some immunity to the virus, formally named SARS-CoV2, and therefore may be able to return to work and school — and help jump-start the flagging U.S. economy. But what is antibody testing and is it available? UCI Health shares some answers.
UCI COVID-19 VIRTUAL EVENTS
Cutting Through the Clutter
UCI Wellness continues in its series of COVID-19 support webinars with Cutting Through the Clutter. Most people have no idea how much their clutter affects them. It can affect their productivity, their self-esteem, their social life and even their weight! People who live with excess clutter say they can’t find the energy to begin to clear it. They constantly feel tired and overwhelmed. When surrounded by clutter, it is impossible to focus or have clarity about life. In this workshop you will learn that clutter is not the result of sloppiness, laziness or incompetence but several surmountable obstacles. Recognizing the source of your clutter problem can empower you to address the problem directly and without shame. Registration is required.
COMMUNITY UPDATES & NEWS
County Health Officer issues amended orders
In light of recently-issued industry guidance by the California Department of Public Health and Cal-OSHA regarding places of worship and hair salons, the County Health Officer issued amended Health Officer’s Orders and strong recommendations to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Orange County as more businesses move toward re-opening. They revise and supersede the May 23, 2020 Orders and recommendations.
CDC Guidance: COVID-19 Employer Information for Office Buildings
The CDC has posted employer information for office buildings, with steps to create a safe and healthy workplace and protect workers and clients from COVID-19 exposure.
Wuhan seafood market was a ‘victim’ of coronavirus, says director of China’s CDC
While the director of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention said in January that SARS-CoV-2 originated in the wildlife sold illegally in the Wuhan “wet” market, this week he said that the animals at the market showed no traces of the virus, although it was detected in some environmental samples, including sewage.
California college students fear pandemic will derail graduation, new poll shows
An Education Trust poll found 77% of college students nationally and 75% of California students had concerns about staying on track to graduate because of the coronavirus. And nationally, 84% of black and 81% of Latino students said they were worried.
Higher-ed lobbying group asks congress for liability shields
Higher-education leaders seeking to open their campuses for in-person operations this fall are asking Congress for protections that would insulate colleges from lawsuits brought by students, faculty, or staff who contract the new coronavirus.
Genealogy companies Ancestry, 23andMe begin COVID-19 research
Armed with massive data pools, 23andMe and Ancestry.com have both launched COVID-19 studies, asking U.S. adult customers who’ve already submitted DNA samples to answer online questions about how the virus affected – or didn’t affect – them.
California Historical Society launches online gallery featuring COVID-19 stories
As the official historical society of the State of California, the California Historical Society is collecting stories and images that reflect the experiences of Californians during the COVID-19 pandemic and is launching an online gallery to exhibit those stories.
Newport Beach allows businesses and churches to use parking lots, sidewalks
Newport Beach has removed a regulatory hurdle, allowing businesses and churches to spread out to adjacent parking lots, sidewalks or other property.
California and Illinois churches push Supreme Court to lift religious worship restrictions
Pentecostal and Baptist churches in California and Illinois are pushing the Supreme Court to stop their states’ governors from limiting the number of people that can attend religious services. The churches want the restrictions lifted before this Sunday, the Christian holy day of Pentecost.
Drop in vaccinations due to coronavirus pandemic
Senators are calling on the CDC for a plan to fight the “dramatic” drop in childhood vaccinations since the coronavirus pandemic began. There has been a notable decrease in the number of vaccines ordered and drops in immunizations.
UCI IN THE NEWS - COVID-19 Article List
The Sacramento Bee, May 28, 2020
‘We’re entering the unknown:’ Here’s what happened when these N. California counties reopened
ABC7, May 28, 2020
Santa Ana family hit by COVID-19 says improved access to testing is needed as OC reopens
Fox 11, May 29, 2020
O.C. Board of Supervisors quarrels over face mask order threats
Future Medicine, May 28, 2020
Why have nanotechnologies been underutilized in the global uprising against the coronavirus pandemic?
Teen Vogue, May 28, 2020
4 Asian Americans show us how they styled Sandy Liang from home
The Appeal, May 29, 2020
Coronavirus in jails and prisons
A Fair California, May 27, 2020
Letter to Los Angeles Times Editor Norman Pearlstein
MORE INFORMATION
OC-COVID19.org - powered by UCI and UCI Health, a website devoted to providing timely, useful, evidence-based information about the novel coronavirus pandemic to our friends and neighbors across Orange County
UCI Coronavirus Information Hub - more information on campus status and operational updates
UCI Health COVID-19 Updates - important information related to UCI Health