UCI Forward

UCI Forward is our commitment to the well-being of our community as we ramp up campus operations. Working together, each of us doing our part, we can move UCI Forward.

October 26 - Updates on COVID-19

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Student Lynn Truong, an Anteater Pledge ambassador, created this cool artwork.

Student Lynn Truong, an Anteater Pledge ambassador, created this cool artwork

TODAY’S CAMPUS UPDATES

Silverado fire prompts suspension of campus activities

A fire near the intersection of Santiago Canyon and Silverado Canyon roads led to mandatory evacuation orders in parts of Orange County and prompted UCI to suspend campus operations, including COVID testing for students, for the day. However, UCI Health clinical operations on campus (Gottschalk Medical Plaza and the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute) are considered essential and remain open. We extend best wishes to those who are affected by the fire and evacuation order. For the latest information from UCI on fire impacts, visit uci.edu/status/.

Case count update

Eight new positive cases have been reported since our last newsletter: two employees and six students. That brings the number of active campus COVID-19 infections to 14. UCI’s coronavirus testing and case dashboard can be viewed on the UCI Forward website.

Mandatory flu shot reminder

Nov. 1 is the deadline for all faculty, staff and students to get a flu shot, as required by UC’s Office of the President.

UCI COVID-19 NEWS AND EVENTS

Safe Halloween tips from UCI Health

Dr. José Mayorga, executive director of the UCI Health Family Health Centers, offers tips to safely trick-or-treat and celebrate Dia de los Muertos.

COVID modules added to Confronting Digital Extremism course

UCI’s free Confronting Digital Extremism course has added two COVID-related modules, one on the racialization of pandemics in the past and present, and the other on an “infodemic” of coronavirus conspiracy theories.

Reporting cybersecurity incidents

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month wraps up, here’s a quick reminder that if you experience any kind of security problem (such as a compromised password, lost or stolen device, or falling victim to an email scam), it’s important to report it to OIT Security, which will help guide you on next steps.

Halloween week activities for students

  • UCI Associated Graduate Students is holding a virtual costume contest. Submit a photo of yourself, your family or your pet to the AGS Facebook page or email vpfinance@ags.uci.edu for a chance to win up to $50 in Target e-gift cards. See post for details and deadline.
  • Student government, aka ASUCI, is sponsoring Zotoween Spirit Week through Friday. Visit the Zotoween Facebook page to join the virtual fun and share photos of your costumes, pumpkin carvings and home decor for a chance to win prizes throughout the week.

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
  

New OC cases jeopardize move to orange tier

Orange County reported 247 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday. To move to the orange tier from the red, the daily average needs to drop to about 130 cases.

Are the risks of reopening schools exaggerated?

Based on new studies and other evidence, some medical experts say it’s time to shift the discussion from the risks of opening K-12 schools to the risks of keeping them closed, NPR reports.

Remdesvir approved for treating COVID

The antiviral remdesvir has been approved by the FDA for treating patients hospitalized with COVID-19, Gilead Sciences announced.

Pfizer tests its vaccine on 12-year-olds

Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is now being tested on its youngest age group: 12- to 15-year-olds. The move to younger children was approved by the FDA.

Coronavirus surges in college towns

Part of the national rise in COVID-19 cases is driven by college towns, with Texas leading the increase. Texas has more infected college students than any other state.

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. 
 

2020-scented candle smells like garbage

To memorialize the Year of the Pandemic, the garbage-scented candle features a tiny wax dumpster next to the wick. The product’s witty FAQs include this exchange:

Q: Is 2020 really THAT awful? In weighing the good against the bad, are you taking into account all these jaunty TV commercials reminding us that we’re all in this together?
A: Yes, we’re taking those into account.

#UCIconnected

Student Christa Hatch recreates anime costume

Christa Kamaria Hatch is a fourth-year computer science student who has spent part of the pandemic re-creating the shield of an anime character she enjoys.

What have you been up to during the pandemic? Send photos and/or words about your activities, workstation, volunteering or academic adventures to marketing@uci.edu or post on social media with the #UCIconnected hashtag.