June 26 - Updates on COVID-19
Section 1
UCI UPDATES
‘We need to reopen schools, but is it safe?’ says UCI op-ed in OC Register
Vice Chancellor of Health Affairs Steve Goldstein and Associate Vice Chancellor for Clinical and Translational Science Dan M. Cooper MD, authored, We need to reopen schools, but is it safe?, which appeared in today’s Orange County Register.
COVID-19 cases up at UCI Health
The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients at UCI Health has reached 55 – the highest daily total we’ve seen during the pandemic. Although we anticipated an increase in COVID-19 admissions, it is important that we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing excellent and safe care. While the COVID operations team meets regularly, we have also created five workgroups specifically tasked with addressing the following issues:
- Discharge strategy
- Expanding testing capacity
- Utilizing bed capacity in the CDDC
- Expanding ICU capacity
- Staffing resources
UCI COVID-19 NEWS AND STORIES
Nominate UCI Health for OC Register’s Best of Orange County 2020
As Orange County continues to reopen, UCI Health will be at the forefront of health care through its consistent commitment to quality and safe care. To shine light on the amazing work that takes place each day, please take a moment to nominate UCI Health for OC Register’s Best of Orange County 2020 by June 30.
UCI COVID-19 VIRTUAL EVENTS
Law and Privacy in the New Normal: Long-term COVID-19 Containment Strategy
The Center for Critical Korean Studies, the Korea Law Center at UC Irvine, and the American Law Center and Cyber Law Center of the Korea University Law School present: Law and Privacy in the New Normal: Long-term COVID-19 Containment Strategy. This webinar will discuss the role of law and privacy in long-term COVID-19 containment strategies both in the U.S. and Korea, the only major country that has neither closed its borders to any country nor mandated general lockdowns. Speakers include Michele Goodwin and David Kaye of UCI, and two professors at Korea University’s School of Law. The event takes place June 29, 4 to 6 p.m. Registration is required.
HOPE, INSPIRATION, LAUGHTER
Amid the heartbreaking loss of life and economic hardship wrought by the coronavirus, we recognize the need for stories of kindness, hope, courage and humor.
Two sisters wanted to lift lonely seniors’ spirits. Here’s what happened next
Their homegrown operation, Letters Against Isolation, has swelled into a worldwide network of volunteers sending cards and notes to assisted living residents and isolated senior citizens.
Thank You, Neighbor: 50+ Good News Stories From All 50 States
During the pandemic, Google searches for “help the community,” “help the elderly” and “how to volunteer” reached an all-time high, while searches for “thank you signs” surged in April. In late May, searches surged for “anti-racism books” and “how to be an anti-racist.” Here are stories from Americans from all 50 states who are spreading peace, lending a helping hand and building community.
COMMUNITY UPDATES & NEWS
The U.S. is averaging more new COVID-19 cases per day than any point during the pandemic
The U.S. average of daily new coronavirus cases hit the highest point of the pandemic, according to numbers provided by Johns Hopkins University. Yesterday marked a record for the most new cases reported in a single day--at least 39,972.
U.S. needs to flatten the curve to prevent potential drug shortages
According to experts at the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA), the U.S. needs to flatten the curve so that the supply of drugs is not outstripped by demand. Some of the drugs that are of concern are dexamethasone and remdesivir.
Orange County unveils revamped coronavirus data dashboard today
Today, Orange County’s revamped public coronavirus data dashboard is set to go live. The new site shows case rate per 100,000 residents, the percentage of positive tests, the percentage of ICU beds and ventilators available, and the change over time in hospitalization rate.
Orange County debates whether children need to wear masks when schools reopen
During a meeting hosted by the Orange County Board of Education this week, policy and health experts expressed support against wearing face coverings at schools. This conclusion triggered serious blowback from many educators, parents, and community members who believe masks should be required at schools.
Gov. Newsom unveils California COVID-19 assessment tool
Gov. Newsom released tools, technology, and data to allow everyone to better understand the COVID-19 impact in California. This includes the California COVID Assessment Tool, or CalCAT, --a “model of models” that contains assessments of the spread of COVID-19, disease trends, and scenarios of the course of the virus.
American Airlines to fly full flights next week
Starting next week, American Airlines will no longer block some of their middle seats. United and Spirit airlines are among the airlines already booking flights to full capacity.
UCI IN THE NEWS - COVID-19 Article List
Orange County Register, June 26, 2020 (Opinion)
Opinion: We need to reopen schools, but is it safe?
CBS2, June 25, 2020 (Video)
OC reports 7 additional COVID-19 deaths bringing total over 300, jump in hospitalizations
Background Briefing, June 25, 2020 (Audio)
As Trump does the opposite of what is needed, we could have 300,000 Covid deaths by November
WHYY, June 25, 2020
Pa. revises death toll during pandemic months upward by 2,000 fatalities
Voice of OC, June 25, 2020
Coronavirus increases caused Gov. Newsom to delay Disneyland reopening
Parade, June 26, 2020
Thank You, neighbor: 50+ good news stories from all 50 states
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