June 18 - Updates on COVID-19
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UCI UPDATES
In honor of Juneteenth...
Our COVID-19 updates newsletter will not appear Friday in recognition of Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865. For reflection on the occasion, UCI Strategic Communications has created a collection of campus messages and resources on racism and UCI’s role in confronting anti-Blackness. In addition, a special UCI Podcast with Jessica Millward, associate professor of African American studies, will go online Friday to discuss the importance of Juneteenth.
UCI COVID-19 NEWS AND STORIES
Coronavirus in toilets and sewage systems
Can the virus be spread by flushing a toilet? Can it be detected in municipal wastewater treatment plants? Sunny Jiang, professor and chair in UCI’s Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, is researching both questions, which she discusses in a new episode of the UCI Podcast.
Helping teens and young adults grapple with an uncertain future
The virus has upended celebrations and cast into doubt college, grad school and employment plans as a worldwide recession looms. An expert offers advice.
Cultivating calm amid the coronavirus
UCI’s Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute offers free online classes to relieve stress, anxiety during the pandemic. Read about the program here.
UCI COVID-19 VIRTUAL EVENTS
Cooking with Jessica
Chef Jessica Van Roo will prepare an Ultimate Black Bean Burger and Sundried Tomato Hummus Pasta on Monday, June 22. The video will be available here.
COMMUNITY UPDATES & NEWS
California orders statewide use of face coverings
Face coverings must now be worn statewide in indoor public spaces, workplaces, outdoor lines, public transportation and other high-risk settings under guidance issued today by Gov. Newsom and the California Department of Public Health. “We are seeing too many people with faces uncovered – putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease,” Newsom said. “California’s strategy to restart the economy and get people back to work will only be successful if people act safely and follow health recommendations.” The new rules and exceptions can be read here.
The ultimate COVID mystery: Why it spares some and kills others
Blood type, genetics, race and various other factors can play a role. The goal of many researchers is to develop a personalized risk score — so people can better navigate the pandemic.
OC officials monitoring increase in ICU virus cases
ICU hospitalizations have climbed 76% over the last six weeks. One county supervisor says outbreaks in skilled nursing homes and two dozen patients from Imperial County account for some of the uptick.
How likely are kids to get COVID-19?
Scientists see a “huge puzzle” with no easy answers. But if children don’t play a big role in spreading the virus, as studies seem to suggest, then the high cost of restrictions isn’t warranted by the small benefits gained.
Johns Hopkins calls for nationwide antibody tests
A new report from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health offers a national strategy for expanding coronavirus antibody testing. These efforts could lead to data showing what proportion of the population has been previously infected.
Most funds for OC small businesses haven’t been distributed
Many small businesses in Orange County are still waiting for stimulus funds from the $75 million aid. Officials say the process is well underway, and money should be distributed by July.
What COVID models get wrong
It’s better to watch hospitalization and ICU rates, not predictions, which too often overestimate problems, suggests a Wall Street Journal editorial.
1.5 million more Americans file for unemployment
First-time claims for jobless benefits totaled 1.5 million last week, exceeding the projected 1.3 million. This marks the 13th straight week that total claims topped 1 million.
SoCal homebuying hits record low in May
Southern California saw its third-lowest homebuying numbers since 1988, with just over 12,000 new and existing homes changing owners. Read more here.
UCI IN THE NEWS - COVID-19 Article List
Miami Herald, June 17, 2020
Lockdowns aren’t coming back as coronavirus cases rise, experts say. Here’s why
EdSource, June 18, 2020
University of California campuses plan to offer most classes online this fall
Science News, June 18, 2020
COVID-19 case clusters offer lessons and warnings for reopening
Voice of OC, June 18, 2020
Orange County’s coronavirus death, hospitalization rates now higher than San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino counties
Voice of OC, June 17, 2020
OC Medical Association, disease experts argue county supervisors should have kept mask order
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