April 2 - Updates on COVID-19

CAMPUS UPDATES

VPN Access

To accommodate the increased need for remote access to the campus network, OIT now has multiple VPN servers for different purposes, and are continuing to order and deploy more hardware. For many, there is no need to use the VPN at all: Canvas, Zoom, and email (Gmail or Office 365) don’t require the VPN. But here are some guidelines regarding use of the VPN.

Follow OIT on Twitter

OIT has launched a Twitter account to share news, resources and technology tips with the campus community and beyond. Please follow and share this account, as it will also be used as a back-up communications tool in the event other channels are down. @UCI_OIT

Mediation Training Cancelled

In accordance with campus programming restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of the Ombudsman is postponing its UCI Basic Mediation Training Program for 2020. Please look for an announcement next year at this time with information on how to apply for the UCI Basic Mediation Training Program scheduled for the fall of 2021. If you have any additional questions, please call 949-824-7256.

UCI Brain Resources for COVID-19

The UCI Brain Initiative launched their Dimensions Team Science Portal to help support interdisciplinary brain research at UCI. During this unprecedented time, Dimensions and the Initiative would like to extend access to this platform to those facilitating solutions to the COVID-19 crisis.

CAMPUS RESOURCES

Domestic Violence Reporting and Resources

UCI CARE, Faculty and Staff Support Services, the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (OEOD) and UCIPD collectively recognize that staying at home and experiencing social isolation can create additional risk and may be dangerous for some members of our community, especially those experiencing relationship or family violence. Concerns about virus transmission introduce new tactics that may be used to impose control or manipulate a partner, and social distancing restrictions may create additional challenges related to safety, health, and confidentiality. External factors such as economic and health insecurity can add stress and create circumstances that further compromise safety. In support of our campus community, we have compiled the following list ofresources to offer support and assistance for those in need.

April Employee Assistance Program Webinars

The UCI Human Resources Wellness Program offers live monthly work-life topic and program orientation webinars. Join this month for additional Coronavirus specific support topics. Webinars require registration, and are also available on demand.

Wednesday, April 1
Why Can’t I Stop Eating? How Emotions Impact Our Eating During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Thursday, April 2
Managing Worry & Anxiety During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Friday, April 3
Tools To Handle Covid-19-Related Stress

Tuesday, April 7
Self-Isolating Together: How to Get Along With Your Partner and Kids During The Pandemic

Friday, April 10
Being An Effective Manager During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Coping with the stress of COVID-19

UCI Health Marketing & Communications has provided helpful tips for the quarantined, social distancers and parents.

UCIMC UPDATES

Video Visits

UCIMC announces the launch of UCI Health video visits. A provider support desk has been established, consisting of specially-trained ambulatory front-desk staff that are housed in the 200 Manchester building. Training and support teams are also doing rounds to provide at-the-elbow support and are reaching out to assigned zones and colleagues as needed. Providers can now provide virtual services through Zoom within Epic to over 150 ambulatory clinics. To learn more please visit the Telehealth Resource Center for tip sheets, video and an FAQ guide, located on the SharePoint site.

Childcare Services

UCI has partnered with the YMCA to provide childcare on both campuses for essential-onsite staff. Childcare will be available from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. for children ages 3 through 13 years old. Capacity is limited and enrollment will be based on a first come first serve basis. If you are interested, please complete this survey in order to receive instructions for submitting a registration packet. If you have any questions, please email robersm1@hs.uci.edu.

UC UPDATES

The University of California Issued Guidance on Employment during COVID-19

In a letter issued today, the Chancellors of the UC campuses collectively announced that there will be no COVID-19 related layoffs for all career employees through the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2020.

COMMUNITY UPDATES AND NEWS

PSA From the US Food and Drug Administration

There is no evidence that the coronavirus poses a threat to food safety. According to the FDA, your groceries are safe and there is no evidence of food or food packaging transmitting the virus. Therefore, if a person working at a grocery store were to test positive for COVID-19, the FDA does not anticipate a need for a massive recall or withdrawal of food products.

California Releases Guidance on Use of Cloth Face Coverings

The new guidance does not require people to wear face coverings. According to California public health officials, face coverings could provide some additional protection but should not give people a false sense of security if they choose to wear them. Social distancing and handwashing are still considered the best actions to prevent COVID-19.

Flattening the Curve in California

California, one of the states hardest hit by the coronavirus, is starting to show just how important social distancing has been to limiting the spread of the pandemic and flatten the curve.

Reduction in Traffic Accidents

A new study from the University of California, Davis (UCD) published today reveals that California’s traffic accidentshave fallen by half since Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered a stay-at-home mandate on March 19.

Schools in California Will Not Reopen This Calendar Year

During a press conference, Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed today that schools in California will not reopen by the end of the academic year.

Biggest One-Day Jump of COVID-19 Cases in Orange County

Orange County officials reported 107 newly confirmed cases of coronavirus as of Wednesday afternoon, April 1. Wednesday’s update marked the biggest one-day jump in the numbers thus far, after three days of slowing in addition to the tally of new cases.

Kaiser to Shutter Six Orange County Offices

On Monday, Kaiser Permanente shuttered six Orange County offices located in La Habra, Yorba Linda, Anaheim Hills, Lake Forest, Aliso Viejo and San Juan Capistrano. It is not yet clear when they will reopen.

Fairview Developmental Center to House Patients

Officials announced on Wednesday that the Fairview Developmental Center in Costa Mesa will be prepared to house people needing medical care as the state braces for a projected surge in patients due to the coronavirus outbreak.