June 22 - Updates on COVID-19
Section 1
UCI UPDATES
COVID’s effect on UCI jobs
As the new fiscal year begins next month, UCI has no current plans to lay off any employees, according to an email sent today by Associate Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Executive Ramona Agrela. Since the earliest days of the coronavirus outbreak, UCI leadership has prioritized workforce preservation. Look for the full letter in your inbox.
UCI launches new Zoom features and security settings
On Friday, UCI released a series of enhanced features and security settings that may affect your meetings:
- Password or waiting room requirement on all Zoom meetings (scheduled, instant, and personal meeting ID)
- Enhanced alternative host options through Zoom in Canvas
- Streamlined account creation through Zoom in Canvas
- One-year storage policy for Zoom cloud recordings
To limit disruption, these changes were made before Summer 2020 instruction begins. Further details can be viewed on the TechPrep website.
Distance learning privacy advisory
Users accessing UCI courses from outside the United States should note that local privacy or security laws may affect their account and how they interact with Zoom and other UCI teleconferencing solutions, according to an advisory issued today. Read more here.
UCI COVID-19 NEWS AND STORIES
Careers in the time of COVID
The Division of Career Pathways helps students and new graduates navigate the pandemic’s uncertain job market.
UCI COVID-19 VIRTUAL EVENTS
Public Health and the Way Forward: A Conversation
Presented by Bernadette Boden-Abala, dean of UCI’s planned School of Population and Public Health, this one-hour webinar will feature Dr. Andrew Noymer, associate professor, and Dan Parker, assistant professor. The event begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Register here.
COMMUNITY UPDATES & NEWS
Going back to work? What experts say about riding elevators
Health agencies urge elevator users to wear masks, tap buttons with an object or knuckle, and avoid speaking when possible. If riders follow those recommendations, “there’s essentially no risk,” one expert said.
Why scientists say talk of a second wave is premature
The coronavirus so far has been spreading more episodically and sporadically than flu, and it may not follow the same playbook, experts say. One calls the current situation “continued transmission with flare-ups.” Another says, “Second waves are basically in the eye of the beholder.”
California could lose $2 billion as travelers opt for other states
For the past month, California travelers have been taking their money elsewhere, and they plan to continue to do so in the month ahead, according to the state tourism bureau, which also cites big job losses in the industry.
South Carolina racism protests canceled after demonstrators get COVID
Organizers dropped plans for future anti-racism protests after more than a dozen infections were reported among people who attended two earlier demonstrations.
Carnival Cruise Line cancels trips through September
Carnival announced it was canceling all cruises through Sept. 30. Those who booked trips can get a refund or credit for future travel.
Some states may see ‘exponential growth’ in virus cases
According to former FDA chief Dr. Scott Gottlieb, some states are “seeing significant outbreaks on top of a background rate of spread that was quite high.” The challenge is that everything seems fine until it doesn’t, he says. Read more here.
California public schools brace for COVID safety lawsuits
“Unless we indemnify them, I don’t know how they move forward,” one state legislator said. Read more here.
Disney reservation system to affect passholders
The reopening of Disneyland in July will see a different experience for annual passholders that includes limits on the number of advance reservations and a temporary halt to park hopping. Read more here.
Young people increasingly getting virus
A rise in coronavirus infections in young people has added to growing case numbers across the U.S. Officials say more young people are ignoring social distancing measures. Experts fear they will bring the virus home to more susceptible people.
UCI IN THE NEWS - COVID-19 Article List
The Washington Post, June 22, 2020
Summer camp during coronavirus will look a little different
NPR, June 22, 2020
Get a comfortable chair: Permanent work from home is coming
Orange County Register, June 19, 2020
‘Zoom University’ students stuck with unwanted leases
Voice of OC, June 22, 2020
Santa Ana, Anaheim Residents Getting Hit with Coronavirus at Far Higher Rates than Other OC Cities
Orange County Business Journal, June 22, 2020
UCI Law Preps For Fall Semester
The Washington Post, June 22, 2020
Amid threats and political pushback, public health officials are leaving their posts
Daily Pilot, June 18, 2020
Commentary: A mask in the O.C. has become as heated as the veil in Iran
Los Angeles Times, June 18, 2020
Newport Beach restaurant Javier’s closes after staff member tests positive for COVID-19
Los Angeles Times, June 18, 2020
Californians must wear face masks in public under coronavirus order issued by Newsom
MORE INFORMATION
OC-COVID19.org - powered by UCI and UCI Health, a website devoted to providing timely, useful, evidence-based information about the novel coronavirus pandemic to our friends and neighbors across Orange County
UCI Coronavirus Information Hub - more information on campus status and operational updates
UCI Health COVID-19 Updates - important information related to UCI Health