July 9 - Updates on COVID-19
Section 1
CAMPUS SNAPSHOT
A meditative moment in Aldrich Park. Photo by Steve Zylius/UCI
UCI UPDATES
Vacation accrual limit temporarily relaxed
To accommodate increased workloads and travel restrictions caused by the virus, employees may now continue accruing vacation time through Dec. 31, 2020, even if they are over their maximum accrual cap.
New positive cases
Three campus employees, two grad students and three undergraduates have tested positive for COVID-19. The students, who all live off-campus and had no UCI campus contacts, are recovering in self-isolation at their respective homes. The employees are also recovering and any contacts are being notified. A cumulative case count for UCI campus employees and students is maintained at www.uci.edu/coronavirus.
No cutbacks on elective surgery at UCI Health
As the summer surge of COVID cases continues and other health systems consider paring back non-urgent surgeries and procedures, UCI Health is confident it can continue to provide much-needed elective surgeries and interventions. After resuming such services last month, “We quickly saw a significant backlog of cases that required our expertise,” UCI Health officials said. “We are committed to ensuring that this population gets the care they need now and in the foreseeable future.”
UCI COVID-19 NEWS AND STORIES
The man behind the mask
A beloved fixture at the entrance to UCI Medical Center, traffic controller Ernesto Cruz provides service with a smile – although it may not be visible behind his face covering.
UCI COVID-19 VIRTUAL EVENTS
How does exercise (or its lack) affect the brain?
UCI MIND presents a live Q&A via Facebook video this Friday at 11 a.m. Exercise and brain scientist Nicole Berchtold will field questions during the half-hour event.
UC UPDATES
University of California to sue feds over student visa rules
UC officials oppose a decision that requires international college students to attend in-person classes or else leave the country.
HOPE, INSPIRATION, LAUGHTER
Amid the heartbreaking loss of life and economic hardship wrought by the coronavirus, we recognize the need for stories of kindness, hope, courage and humor.
A teen who took up woodworking now sells his pieces to help the homeless
During the shutdown, Henry Sowells, 16, took a six-week YouTube class, then used his new skills to aid a local nonprofit.
Can jokes help cope with a pandemic? Virus spawns dark humor
You know what’s funny about the coronavirus? Nothing. But that hasn’t stopped people from cracking jokes. “Today’s weather: Room temperature.” “Anyone else’s car getting three weeks to the gallon?” Experts say mirth can help people deal with negative events and emotions.
COMMUNITY UPDATES & NEWS
68% have antibodies at NYC clinic. Can neighborhood beat second wave?
Data from a storefront medical office is leading to a deeper understanding of the outbreak’s scope. “Some communities might have herd immunity,” a doctor says.
Frat parties spark COVID spurt at UC Berkeley
Contact tracing found a doubling of recent cases was tied to a series of recent parties and social gatherings. Campus officials say the outbreak could disrupt reopening plans.
Additional 1.3 million Americans applied for unemployment
More than a million people filed first-time claims for jobless aid last week.
CDC will not update school reopening guidelines
Despite criticism from the Trump administration, the CDC says its guidelines for reopening schools will not be revised, although additional reference documents will be provided.
Ivy League and other universities cancel fall sports
A growing number of universities are canceling competitive sports for the upcoming semester. The actions come as more student athletes test positive.
Orange County postpones youth sports practices
Responding to amended guidance from the state, local officials have postponedyouth sports practices, team drills and training until further direction.
Personal protective gear supplies stretched thin
Personal protective gear is running low in the U.S. again as the virus continues to spread and hospitalizations climb.
UCI IN THE NEWS - COVID-19 Article List
KPCC – Take Two, July 9, 2020 (Audio)
How do you create a public service campaign to wear masks? We ask marketing expert Connie Pechmann
Orange County Register, July 8, 2020
Coronavirus hot spot neighborhoods targeted for education, testing in Orange County
The Sacramento Bee, July 8, 2020
California, Sacramento face coronavirus test shortage. Why the timing couldn’t be worse
Fox News, July 8, 2020
College reopening plans: Which institutions have committed to online learning for fall 2020?
Voice of OC, July 7, 2020
Santa Ana Council increases police spending but reallocates some money after protests
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