Sept. 6 - Know your evacuation zone; can instructors require masking?
Section 1
Aldrich Park blooms soak up the summer sun. Photo by Steve Zylius/UCI
In this continuing series, UCI experts answer questions about COVID-19, variants, monkeypox, vaccinations and Work Reimagined. Submit questions via email.
Today’s question is answered by David Souleles, director, Campus Public Health Response Team:
Can staff or instructors require someone to wear a mask?
The short answer is no. They can request, but not require. The Teach Anywhere webpages have guidance on a variety of COVID-19 issues, including whether instructors can require masking in the classroom if it is not required on campus. The same rule applies to offices. Here is the text from the website:
As of August 20, 2022, face coverings are recommended indoors. Campus executive directives have been updated and no longer require face coverings; you are allowed to request that students wear a face covering in your classroom, but it is not okay to exclude, retaliate against, or penalize those who choose not to.
Remember that holding meetings outdoors (weather permitting!) is always a good option.
UCI ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS
Heat advisory extended
The Heat Advisory announced last week has been extended through Friday, Sept. 9, as temperatures are forecast to continue reaching the mid- to high 90s in Irvine. Information on cooling centers has been updated for this week.
National Preparedness Month: Week 1 – Know Your Zone
As announced last Thursday, September is National Preparedness Month and this week’s focus is the newly developed campus evacuation zones. During emergencies, evacuation orders are issued to the impacted zone(s). Visit the Know Your Zone website to learn more about these new zones and test your knowledge by taking the scavenger hunt for an opportunity to win a $50 gift card.
UC NEWS AND GENERAL NEWS
Omicron booster shots in California
New COVID-19 booster shots are rolling out in California after federal officials greenlighted a new vaccination formula targeting the latest dominant omicron subvariants as well as the original coronavirus strain. Here is what is known so far about obtaining the one-dose boosters.
UCI IN THE NEWS
Note: Some news sites require subscriptions to read articles. The UCI Libraries offer free subscriptions to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Orange County Register and The Washington Post for students, faculty and staff.
Trauma, time and mental health — new study unpacks pandemic phenomenon
The Washington Post, Sept. 5
Cited: E. Alison Holman, professor of nursing
Opinion: Work Is Intrinsically Good. Or Maybe It’s Not?
The New York Times, Sept. 5
Cited: Jared Celniker, postdoctoral scholar; Andrew Gregory, postdoctoral researcher; Hyunjin Koo, Ph.D. student; Paul Piff, associate professor; and Peter Ditto, professor, all in the Department of Psychological Science
This Follicle-Hacking Drug Could One Day Treat Baldness
Wired, Sept. 6
Cited: Maksim Plikus, professor of developmental and cell biology
#UCICONNECTED
Social Sciences Dean’s Leadership Society members Susan and Brett Williamson ’86 cherish their bicoastal Anteater connections.
#UCIconnected spotlights student, alumni, faculty and staff photos, essays, shoutouts, hobbies, artwork, unusual office decorations, activities and more. Send submissions via email or post on social media with the #UCIconnected hashtag.