June 24 - Updates on COVID-19

UCI UPDATES

Returning to campus: What’s next

Many of you have asked about the return-to-campus schedule. We are continuing to return to campus in phases, giving us a chance to assess as we go and build on lessons learned. As always, your health and well-being are our primary concern. If you are able to do your job effectively without returning to campus, we urge you to talk with your supervisor about continuing to work remotely. Deans and unit heads will determine which groups are needed to work in person. For those who are approved to return, we are instituting new protocols designed to protect yourself and others.

Why attend UCI during a pandemic?

As UCI announces that it will remain remote for the upcoming fall quarter, we want to assure our current and incoming Anteaters that students who attend UCI can still enjoy the interaction, engagement and holistic experience that make UCI one of the top 10 public research universities in the nation. In this video message, Vice Provost Michael Dennin explains the importance of coming to UCI during a pandemic.

Positive cases

Three essential campus employees have tested positive for COVID-19. They were last on campus on June 12, June 16 and June 17, respectively. Each is recovering in self-isolation at home, and those who may have come into contact with the individuals are being notified. An employee who has been working remotely since mid-March has also tested positive for COVID-19 and is recovering at home.

UCI COVID-19 NEWS AND STORIES

Thinking outside the box

A UCI infectious diseases researcher teams up with his father to convert a shipping container into a prototype for mobile, drive-thru COVID-19 testing centers.

Going ‘solo’ to come together

UCI Illuminations, an arts and culture initiative, has been showcasing creative student works through its inaugural Solos Contest. Each week since the beginning of the spring quarter, contestants have been encouraged to record a one-minute video of any art created during the pandemic. It can include a poem, a song, an art piece of any kind, a new recipe, a monologue or a dance. The only requirement is that the work must be original, solo and express a current state of mind. Videos were uploaded to Instagram or YouTube, and the reviewers – drama Ph.D. students Talin Abadian and Chee-Hann Wu – accessed them through the hashtag #illuminationschallenge. All skill levels were welcomed, and the winners received $50 gift cards.

UCI COVID-19 VIRTUAL EVENTS

The Big Read

UCI Great Big Read events in the coming weeks provide opportunities to discuss the selected first read of Kindred by Octavia Butler. All events are free and open to the public and registration is required for each event. The UCI Great Big Read aims at fostering engagement and social solidarity during a time when we are practicing physical distancing. 

How to Make Pantry Staples Healthier and Stock Your Pantry During a Pandemic

As part of its Anteaters at Home programming, UCI Campus Recreation offers a session of “Ask the Chef: live with Jessica” this Friday, June 26 at 11:30 a.m.via zoom. Chef Jessica will demonstrate How to Make Pantry Staples Healthier and Stock Your Pantry During a Pandemic.

Reinventing Yourself

UCI Wellness offers the next installment of its COVID-19 support webinar series with Reinventing Yourself, this Friday, June 26 at noon. We have the choice of reinventing ourselves as a positive response to change. Austrian bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger won Mr. Universe and other body-building titles, then moved to a successful acting career and then was elected governor of California. We can choose to reinvent ourselves as the people we would like to become, rather than waiting for the future to find us. This session will look at getting started with self-reflection and planning. We’ll also look at self-improvement techniques. The role of mentors will be examined as well as ways to stay motivated.

UC UPDATES

Janet Napolitano steps down after seven years as UC President

After seven years as president of the University of California, Janet Napolitano is stepping down in August. The first woman to serve as UC’s president, Napolitano oversaw increased enrollment systemwide, implemented initiatives addressing the climate crisis and Title IX and, last month, led a decision to drop the ACT/SAT requirement in admissions. Napolitano also notably weathered a 2017 audit scandal and sued the Trump administration when it first rescinded DACA -- the program she created while serving as Obama’s secretary of Homeland Security. Here she shares about her tenure and her thoughts on the future of the UC system as it continues to navigate the pandemic.

COMMUNITY UPDATES & NEWS

Fauci: Next few weeks critical to tamping down virus spikes

The next few weeks are critical to tamping down a disturbing coronavirus surge, Dr. Anthony Fauci told Congress on Tuesday — issuing a plea for people to avoid crowds and wear masks.

U.S. sees highest level of COVID-19 cases in two months

The U.S. has seen its highest level of coronavirus cases in two months and many areas are now back to where they were at the peak of the outbreak. Yesterday, there were 34,700 new cases of the virus. There have been only two previous days with more cases: April 9 and April 24.

Reusable grocery bags now OK to use in most of California

As California reopens, grocery stores in some counties may allow customers to resume using reusable grocery bags, with the exception that customers bag their own groceries.

New website connects manufacturers with businesses for PPE

California Manufacturing and Technology Association has launched a new website, called Safely Making California, that will link California manufacturers producing personal protective equipment with buyers.

Orange County Supervisors decline to address face mask enforcement

County supervisors declined to address any enforcement approach for the state’s new mandatory face mask order, despite many residents either advocating for or against the order.

Downtown Disney rolls out new health and safety protocols ahead of reopening

On July 9, Downtown Disney will reopen following a four-month closure due to the coronavirus. This is the first step in Disneyland’s phased reopening plan. Some of the additional safety and health measures include mandatory face masks, temperature checks, and reduced capacity.

California sees spike in coronavirus cases

For the second consecutive day, California shattered a daily record for new coronavirus cases by exceeding more than 6,600 infections yesterday. This is the largest single-day count in the state since the pandemic started.

California tourism offers a path to recovery

The COVID-19 crisis has snuffed out 10 years of economic growth in California’s travel and tourism industry. The fallout from this crisis is estimated to cost the state $72.1 billion in visitor spending this year and 613,000 tourism jobs last month alone. However, the tourism industry offers a path to economic prosperity.

New York, New Jersey, Connecticut implement 14-day quarantine for travelers from certain states

New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut will begin requiring certain out-of-state residents entering their states to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. The restrictions will be based on specific health metrics related to COVID-19. So far, California is not on the initial list of states under the advisory.

UCI IN THE NEWS - COVID-19 Article List

The Atlantic, June 24, 2020
What America asks of working parents is impossible

BuzzFeed News, June 23, 2020
The Black Lives Matter protests have taught us more about the coronavirus

NPR, June 23, 2020 (Audio)
‘Next couple weeks are going to be critical’, Fauci warns as new cases rise

American Banker, June 23, 2020
Supervision: Sharp focus on tech capability, customer well-being

LAist, June 23, 2020
COVID-19 Is pummeling Orange County’s poorest cities

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