April 20 - Updates on COVID-19

UCI UPDATES

Study Regarding COVID-19 and Students’ Well-Being

UCI Professor Mahtab Jafari is conducting a study on how COVID-19 is affecting students’ overall well-being. Students 18 years of age and older are invited to participate in the survey. Questions about this research should be addressed to Professor Mahtab Jafari by emailing her at mjafari@uci.edu. The survey will take about 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

Virtual Program: Take Care Of Your Employees

University Lab Partners offers a virtual program, Taking Care of Your Employees, on Thursday, April 23, 2020. Certified Business Performance Advisor Natalie Harney will present on how to manage a remote workforce during today’s challenging times, including employee wellness tools and resources, to steps for ramping up your workforce post quarantine.

UCI COVID-19 NEWS AND STORIES

Dr. Albert Chang featured on KUCI

UCI Student Health Center Medical Director Dr. Albert Chang was interviewed by KUCI’s Kevin Bossenmeyer for his show “UCI Conversations.” The 55-minute discussion on COVID-19 is available on the podcast website.

Staying Active in a Pandemic

UCI Health offers tips for staying active in a pandemic.

UC UPDATES

UC Faculty Assembly wants UC to keep ACT/SAT Testing Requirements

The University of California suspended SAT and ACT testing requirements for admission next fall amid the coronavirus pandemic. In a letter sent Saturday to UC President Janet Napolitano, the Academic Senate chair reported unanimous backing from the faculty assembly to keep the tests as an admission requirement, approving a recommendation by a task force this year. Napolitano will use the faculty input to develop her own recommendation to the regents, who are expected to vote on the issue next month.

COMMUNITY UPDATES & NEWS

Orange County COVID-19 Hotline Closed

Effective last Saturday, April 18, the Orange County COVID-19 Public Information Hotline will refer callers to the OC Health Care Agency Health Referral Line. County residents can continue to call 1(833) 426-6411 for inquiries related to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Orange County, California.

Physicians May Temporarily Supervise more than 4 Nurse Practitioners

California’s Department of Consumer Affairs has temporarily lifted limits on how many nurse practitioners can be supervised by a physician in order to make healthcare forces more flexible.

FEMA Introduces COVID-19 Emergency Management Best Practices

The FEMA Coronavirus Emergency Management Best Practices page provides a one-stop shop to explore best practices and lessons learned across all levels of government, private sector, academic institutions, professional associations, and other organizations.

Department of Health and Human Services offers Resources for Medical Community

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a comprehensive Novel Coronavirus Resources page that highlights technical resources and information for the medical community and emergency responders.

Travel Restrictions in North America Extended

The US, Mexico, and Canada have each agreed to extend restrictions on non-essential travel across their shared borders for 30 additional days announced the Department of Homeland Security.

President Trump to Use Defense Production Act for Swab Production

President Trump announced plans to use the Defense Production Act to increase the nation’s swab production by at least 20 million per month for coronavirus tests.

Hundreds Protest California’s Stay-At-Home Order in San Clemente

There were an estimated 200 supporters at a rally in San Clemente, where people called for the easing of California’s stay-at-home orders. There have been protests scattered across the nation, including other Southern California locations like San Diego and Huntington Beach.

California Releases Names of Nursing Homes with COVID-19 Outbreaks

Over the weekend the California Health Department of Public Health officials released the names of nursing homes across the state with COVID-19 outbreaks, including cases and fatalities.

The Angels to Pay Ballpark Employees Who Don’t Have Work

The Angels announced they will pay more than $1.2 million in financial support to the game-day workers at Angel Stadium who now do not have any games to work. This support will come in the form of a one-time $1,800 grant. Those eligible include ticket takers, ushers, janitors, security, and concession staff.