September 17 - Updates on COVID-19
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CAMPUS SNAPSHOT
A rogue ‘rock climber’ making its way up Plumwood House in Medical Sciences. Photo by Steve Zylius/UCI.
TODAY’S CAMPUS UPDATES
Happy Constitution Day!
Sept. 17 is the anniversary of the signing of the country’s founding document—the Constitution of the United States—four pages that created a new government more than 200 years ago. All members of the university community are invited to reflect on its historical and contemporary significance. UCI shares these graphics for use on your websites to honor the day.
No more COVID-19 newsletters on Fridays
It has been six months since UCI pivoted to remote teaching, learning and working. We have enjoyed bringing you this newsletter each day with campus and other updates related to COVID-19. We are stepping back to retool and consider more engaging content and during this time will not publish on Fridays. Additionally, your feedback is essential to providing content that is useful, please look for a survey soon seeking your input.
Positive case
One employee has tested positive for coronavirus since yesterday. For a cumulative case count of both students and employees please visit the UCI Forward website, formerly referred to as the UCI coronavirus website.
UCI COVID-19 NEWS AND EVENTS
Like it or not, the pandemic winter is coming (video)
UCI epidemiologist Andrew Noymer has become one of the nation’s go to experts during the pandemic. Watch him in this short Facebook video about how to socialize safely when it’s cold.
UCI Health on taming coronavirus in Orange County
“I do think Orange County has survived its first wave of the virus,” says Dr. Susan Huang, medical director of Epidemiology and Infection Prevention for UCI Health. “The people of Orange County deserve congratulations for the speed in turning this around.”
Anteater Insider Live: Reporting a case of COVID-19
If you missed the Anteater Insider Live podcast earlier this week, the YouTube video is available. Bob Martin, from UCI’s Human Resources team, shared the COVID-19 reporting process, and David Souleles, the director of UCI’s COVID-19 response team, described how the contact tracing process unfolds after a COVID-19 case is reported.
UC UPDATES
Why getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever in 2020
In a typical flu season, less than half of Americans get a flu shot, putting themselves and their loved ones at risk of a preventable disease. Some people may have doubts about vaccine efficacy. Others think the flu is no big deal. And during COVID-19, some worry about the risks of going to a doctor’s office. We asked the experts about these common concerns.
UC Investments grows portfolio to $140 billion during tumultuous year
“This year has certainly been one for the record books,” said Chief Investment Officer Jagdeep Singh Bachher. “A deadly pandemic, economic pain, social unrest — there’s uncertainty all around. More so than ever, we’ve focused intensely on helping the university and its many stakeholders, and it’s worked. We’re well positioned to keep building upon this year’s short — and most important — long-term gains.”
Coronavirus precautions at UC system likely until fall 2021
Dr. Carrie L. Byington, executive vice president of the UC Health system, said at the UC Board of Regents meeting yesterday that COVID-19’s impact on public health will require the university to continue its modifications, which include almost all classes done virtually and extremely reduced on-campus housing capacity, through September of 2021, improving gradually each month through July of 2022.
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.
If you have to wear a mask, It might as well be a masterpiece
In the Old Normal, you bought a new shirt, wore it to work and people noticed. These Now Normal pandemic days, working at home means wearing the same thing. The only thing people comment on when you go out — if you go out — is your face mask. Museum gift shops have caught on to this.
GENERAL COVID-19 NEWS
This section curates noteworthy coronavirus news, trends and opinions. No endorsement by UCI is implied. Note: Some news sites require subscriptions to read articles. The UCI Libraries offer free subscriptions to The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and OC Register for students, faculty and staff
Orange County public libraries reopen doors for grab and go services
With Orange County now in the red tier, libraries can reopen for grab and go service and public computer use, with modifications and capacity limited to 50% starting Sept. 22.
Irvine rental assistance program to reopen on September 21
The City of Irvine will reopen its Rental Assistance Program on Monday, September 21 to provide additional financial support to residents impacted by COVID-19. The program will provide financial assistance to an additional 200-250 tenants.
Additional 860,000 Americans filed for unemployment
Last week, another 860,000 Americans filed for first-time unemployment benefits. It was another week-on-week decline for jobless claims, but the improvements have been slow.
Newsom says state rules don’t prevent Pac-12 from playing
Governor Newsom said there are no state restrictions that prevent the Pac-12 from playing. As such, the Pac-12 is moving toward conversations that could see the league returning to play in October.
International air travel easing
The United States has ended the requirement of flights carrying international travelers to land at one of the fifteen designated airports and have stopped entry health screenings. Mitigation focus has shifted to the individual passenger to conduct potential COVID-19 testing, electronic contact information collections, and more.
7 ways the pandemic has changed how we shop for food
The six-month shift has been a behavioral scientist’s dream. Shoppers began by building bomb-shelter pantries. Then came a nostalgia phase, with bowls of Lucky Charms and boxes of Little Debbies offering throwback comfort. Soon, days were defined by elaborate culinary stunts, sourdough starter and kombucha clubs. Here are seven ways the pandemic has already changed the way Americans shop for food.
UCI IN THE NEWS - COVID-19 Article List
Spectrum News 1, Sept. 16, 2020 (Video)
Future doctors learn in a hybrid model at UC Irvine
The Desert Sun, Sept. 16, 2020
What do California’s COVID-19 reopening metrics mean? A health expert answers
EdSurge, Sept. 16, 2020
What should recess — and play — look like in a socially distanced world?
Medical Xpress, Sept, 16, 2020
When do people retweet health agencies’ COVID-19 messages?
Los Angeles Times, Sept. 17, 2020
Orange County mayors call on governor to let Disneyland and Knott’s reopen
Kaiser Health News, Sept. 17, 2020
KHN morning briefing