June 1 - Updates on COVID-19
Section 1
UCI UPDATES
Reengaging campus operations
As the Chancellor mentioned in his May 11 message, we are working on a phased approach for reengaging on-site operations. Based on return-to-work guidelines from the State of California and Orange County, we are required to train employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19; apply individual control measures and screenings; implement cleaning and disinfecting protocols; and provide physical distancing instructions. Recent consensus standards adopted by the University of California Office of the President endorse these requirements. How we intend to address the requirements includes training for employees and measures to control the spread.
Principles for Graduate Education during COVID-19
Several weeks ago, at the direction of the Provost, the Graduate Division formed a sub-committee focused on Graduate Education and Instruction for the 2020-2021 school year in light of the effects of COVID-19. The first part of this group’s work includes a set of principles towards which the UCI campus will work in the coming year.
UCI COVID-19 NEWS AND STORIES
Couple on the coronavirus front lines
Ilhem Messaoudi Powers, associate professor of molecular biology & biochemistry at UCI, is enjoying a rare weekend at home with her husband, Dr. Michael Powers, when they hear the rustling of their two young children. When they’re not wearing their parent hats, Ilhem and Michael Powers are exploring and immersing themselves in an entirely different world: the COVID-19 pandemic.
COMMUNITY UPDATES & NEWS
Higher ed groups ask Congress for billions
Eighty-four higher education organizations signed and sent a letter Friday to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer reiterating a request for an additional $46.6 billion for institutions and their students to help recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
US missed early chance to slow coronavirus, genetic study indicates
The United States missed out on an early chance to catch imported cases of coronavirus earlier this year, genetics experts say in a new report. Their analysis of the virus imported by the first person known to have carried the infection to the US -- in Washington state back in January -- shows it probably was not the source of the later cases there. And that patient gave the federal government a perfect opportunity to stop further imports.
Testing giants ACT and College Board struggle amid covid-19 pandemic
The testing giants are reeling at a time when scores of colleges and universities have said they will not require an SAT or ACT score for students applying to enter in fall 2021 because of the covid-19 pandemic — and the influential University of California system just decided to start to phase out their use, with a 23-0 vote by the Board of Regents.
Pharmaceutical company starts first human trial of COVID-19 antibody therapy
Eli Lilly and Company has started the first human trial of antibody therapy to treat COVID-19. If successful, the therapy could be available by the fall.
South Coast Plaza will not reopen today
The South Coast Plaza retail center is postponing its reopening from the coronavirus lockdown due to protests. A new date will be announced soon.
U.S. officials worried about coronavirus spreading during protests
Across the nation, people have taken to the streets to protest the death of George Floyd. With large groups gathering, many government leaders and health officials worry about a potential rise in coronavirus cases among protestors.
Pandemic could be tied to decline in cancer patients enrolling in clinical trials
The coronavirus pandemic may be tied to a significant drop in cancer patients participating in clinical trials, especially in places most affected by COVID-19.
World Health Organization urges the U.S. to not end relationship
The World Health Organization said it hopes President Trump will not follow through with his decision to end its relationship. The Director-General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said “the world has long benefitted from the strong collaborative engagement with the government and the people of the United States.”
UCI IN THE NEWS - COVID-19 Article List
ABC News, June 1, 2020
Risk versus reward: How safe are popular summer outdoor activities?
Desert Sun, May 31, 2020
Nearly half of California counties approved for reopening failed to meet at least one standard
Orange County Register, May 29, 2020
Orange County releases coronavirus recovery numbers; estimates show thousands have pulled through
Tampa Bay Times, May 29, 2020
There’s a new theory about Florida, coronavirus and pneumonia deaths. Read this first.
CNN, May 30, 2020
What you need to know about vote-by-mail
CalMatters, May 30, 2020 (Commentary)
California needs to protect its prison staff and inmates during COVID-19 pandemic
CalMatters, June 1, 2020
Much of CA under curfew as unrest continues
Orange County Business Journal, May 29, 2020
Tu’s New Beat
Los Angeles Times, May 29, 2020
‘When and how can my housekeeper return?’ Experts explain how to calculate the risk.
Los Angeles Times, May 29, 2020
Engineer? Cancer expert? Physicist? They’re coronavirus researchers now
Patch, May 29, 2020
OC’s mask ordinance remains, county health officer threatened
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