April 30 - Updates on COVID-19

UCI UPDATES

Update on the UCI research enterprise amid the COVID-19 pandemic

Since Governor Newsom has outlined plans for relaxing Stay-at-Home orders the Office of Research, in anticipation of such relaxation and reopening, has begun planning for the restart of on-campus research. Since the precise dates for the restart are still to be decided, please continue to adhere to the current restrictions and conduct only the approved critical research work.

COVID-19 financial reporting seminar for staff

Accounting & Fiscal Services will host a COVID-19 Financial Reporting Seminar on Friday, May 1. Campus financial managers and other staff members involved in tracking expenses are strongly encouraged to attend. Participants will learn about how UCI is reporting financial data to FEMA and why it is essential for all campus units to identify and record expenses related to the coronavirus pandemic, including procedures for tracking those expenses, tools that can help, and timelines for reporting.

Continuing Education offers a featured series on homeschooling

These discussions will provide parents with actionable items that they can use immediately to make distance learning easier for working parents at home. Presentations are focused on children from pre-K - 5th grade, but can be valuable for children in older grades by making a few minor adjustments.

Emotional Health Tips for You and Your Family
Thursday, May 7, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

How to Incorporate Teaching into Everyday Life
Thursday, May 14, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

UCI Wellness offers coronavirus support webinar series

Each webinar will be offered live multiple times and will be recorded for on-demand viewing. The registration links become recording links following each session.

Coping With Compassion Stress
Friday, May 1, 1 - 2 p.m.

Loneliness and Social Isolation in Today’s World
Monday, May 4, 10 - 11 a.m.

UCI COVID-19 NEWS AND STORIES

UCI Forum on COVID-19: Where Are We & What to Expect Next – Business

The third installment of the UCI Forum takes a look at the ramifications of this new reality for the business community. Technology and innovation have been important factors for some businesses to continue operating, but Orange County is a dynamic ecosystem comprising biotech, healthcare, tourism, higher education and manufacturing. Orange County business leaders will share their insights on what’s being done to combat the challenges to our business community as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When: 2 p.m. Friday, May 1
Opening message: UCI Chancellor Howard Gillman
Moderator: Richard Sudek, Ph.D., chief innovation officer and executive director, UCI Beall Applied Innovation

Panelists:

Lucy Dunn, president & CEO, Orange County Business Council
Linda DiMario, executive vice president, Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce
Joseph Lozowski, president & CEO, Tangram Interiors
Bruce DD MacRae, vice president of state government affairs for the western U.S., United Parcel Service

UCI Health explores why COVID-19 is so dangerous

The virus that causes COVID-19 is not the most deadly. But of the many viruses known to infect humans, what makes this one, which has caused the worst pandemic in a century, so dangerous?

The UCI Humanities social-distancing playlist #2

From tales of future worlds to imagined universes, UCI School of Humanities alumni have created and inspired innovative watchable content – from movies and TV shows to YouTube and documentary series. To incorporate some UCI spirit into your #StayAtHome life, here’s the humanities list of some seriously bingeworthy content that will make you laugh, cry and reminisce.

School of Nursing develops a system to speed triage of COVID-19 patients

In this unprecedented pandemic, quickly and accurately triaging high-risk COVID-19 patients is crucial for emergency care providers. UCI School of Nursing faculty Jung In Park, PhD, RN, is part of a team that is working on an innovative solution: a Vulnerability Scoring System (VSS).

6 tips for teens staying at home

The Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute offers 6 tips for teens who must stay at home.

UC UPDATES

UC volunteers give back to community

Students, staff and faculty from across the University of California are giving back during the COVID-19 pandemic, from producing hand sanitizer to providing urgent care at New York hospitals to delivering food to vulnerable populations.

COMMUNITY UPDATES & NEWS

30 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits

Last week, an additional 3.8 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits, which brings the total to 30.3 million people over the past six weeks.

Federal social distancing guidelines will not extend

President Trump said that the federal government’s social distancing guidelines will be “fading out” as they are set to expire today at midnight.

President Trump’s ‘Operation Warp Speed’ toward vaccine

The Trump administration announced “Operation Warp Speed” aimed at rushing for a coronavirus vaccine. This program will pull private pharmaceutical companies, government agencies and the military together to try and cut the development of a COVID-19 vaccine by as much as eight months. The project’s goal is to have 300 million doses of a vaccine available by January.

IRS upgrade allows for better stimulus payment tracking

The IRS has upgraded its web portal, Get My Payment tool, that would allow individuals to track their stimulus check more successfully.

FDA to authorize emergency use of remdesivir for coronavirus

The FDA intends to authorize the emergency use of drug remdesivir to treat COVID-19 patients, following the release of Gilead’s preliminary data which displayed results of improved health of patients after a five-day dosage of remdesivir.

NCAA proposes letting college athletes get paid for endorsements

College athletes could earn money from the use of their name, image and likeness under a narrow NCAA proposal.

Costco requires face masks

Beginning May 4, Costco will require all its members and guests to wear face coverings.

Expansion of funds for California’s Farm-to-Family Program

An additional $3.64 million in new funding was allocated to California’s Farm to Family program which will help meet the growing demand at California food banks and provide healthy food to families while also supporting the farm industry. Additional donations were added to support the program through the end of the year.

All L.A. County residents can now get free coronavirus tests

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that all county residents can now get free coronavirus testing at city-run sites. Until now, only residents with symptoms as well as essential workers and those in institutional settings like nursing homes could be tested. Under the new guidelines, priority for the same- or next-day testing will still be given to people with symptoms, such as a fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Orange County has fourth highest COVID-19 hospitalizations in California

As of yesterday, Orange County has 175 people hospitalized which is the fourth highest in California, including 70 people in intensive care units. A total of 2,252 people have tested positive for the virus and 44 people have died.