September 1 - Updates on COVID-19
Section 1
CAMPUS SNAPSHOT
Moon over Engineering Hall. Photo by Steve Zylius/UCI.
TODAY’S CAMPUS UPDATES
Sorority and Fraternity Life leadership encourages personal responsibility
The Tri-Council Presidents of Sorority and Fraternity Life (formerly Greek Life) have issued a call to action on behalf of the campus chapters. Read this public letter to learn how the leadership is asking members to hold each other accountable in setting an example of healthy practices for the immediate and surrounding community in the face of COVID-19.
Return to campus training now required
As announced earlier today, per Chancellor Gillman’s executive directive dated Aug. 25, 2020, return to campus training will be required for all employees. This training is required by Cal/OSHA and the California Department of Public Health. It explains what COVID-19 is, how it is transmitted, the steps we’re taking to reduce potential exposure, and what you can do to protect yourself and others. If you have already completed the training, no further action is required on your part. Completing this training does not mean that you may return to work on-site. The training is only one step in the process of preparing for returning to on-site work. Talk to your supervisor about your unit’s plans for a careful, phased return.
Positive cases
Two employees tested positive for coronavirus. For cumulative case and recovery counts, please visit www.uci.edu/coronavirus.
UCI COVID-19 NEWS AND EVENTS
Pandemic + alcohol = trouble
Liquor sales have surged during the COVID era, leading to a host of side effects, including reduced immunity to infection. A UCI Health emergency medicine physician discusses the situation.
Webinar: Cancer Health Disparities in the Time of COVID-19
UCI’s Program in Public Health continues with its Lunchtime Lecture Series on Sept. 3 with “Cancer Health Disparities in the Time of COVID-19.” Dr. Sora Park Tanjasiri, professor, Department of Epidemiology, will host the 30-minute discussion. Dr. Park’s research focuses on community health promotion to reduce cancer health disparities among diverse populations. The event begins at 12:30 p.m. and registration is required.
Sleep Well, Be Well webinar
UCI Wellness offers the Sleep Well, Be Well webinar this Thursday, Sept. 3, from 1 to 2 p.m. Zoom Webinar ID: 967 1824 8872 (Passcode: 2020). No Registration Needed.
August Virtual Lunch with Leadership recordings
The Staff Assembly thanks everyone who attended the August Lunch with Leadership events with Dr. Sheefteh Khalili and Dr. Douglas Haynes. If you missed them, the video recordings are now available to view on the Staff Assembly website.
COVID-19 staff resources
UCI Human Resources has created a portal specifically for staff on information related to COVID-19 including UCI’s Working Well™ program, child/elder care, leave and pay status information, and mental health resources. The page is updated as new information becomes available.
Gut health during times of stress
We would never have thought that we would be living in pandemic. Like with other chronic diseases, COVID-19 seems to be of particular concern in those with chronic inflammation. This is where gut health comes in, as 70-80% of our immune system is located in the digestive tract.
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.
Lady Gaga’s face masks steal the show
At the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards Lady Gaga not only delivered a show-stopping act, she dominated the night by snagging five VMAs. And, in true Gaga form, she accepted each of her awards in an outlandish, yet iconic look with a face mask to match. At the end of one of her speeches, she said, “Wear a mask, it’s a sign of respect.”
GENERAL COVID-19 NEWS
This section curates noteworthy articles on COVID-19. No endorsement by UCI is implied.
Note: Some news organizations require subscriptions to read articles. The UCI Libraries offer free subscriptions to The New York Times and Wall Street Journal for students, faculty and staff.
Orange County schools could open Sept. 22
According to the Orange County Health Care Agency, Orange County schools may be able to open in-person on Sept. 22 at the earliest. Orange County remains in the most restrictive tier under the new four-color, tiered monitoring system.
Governor Newsom signs bill to protect tenants from eviction
Governor Newsom signed a bill that will protect tenants from eviction and property owners from foreclosure due to the pandemic.
FDA commissioner may resign if pressured to release COVID-19 vaccine early
The FDA commissioner says he would consider resignation if asked to release a coronavirus vaccine too early. Dr. Stephen Hahn went on to say that the FDA’s decision will be based on only science and data.
Airline group proposes coronavirus tests for passengers
As a method for restoring international travel, the group representing airlines worldwide has endorsed passenger coronavirus testing at airports.
AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine begins Phase 3 trials
AstraZeneca has started its Phase 3 trials of its coronavirus vaccine in the US, becoming the third company to start late-state trials.
The Angels 5k virtual race
Join the Los Angeles Angels for a virtual 5K through Oct. 31. Participants will submit their time to a virtual results page and instantly receive a finisher certificate. Post-race, runners will be awarded a medal and commemorative gear in the Angel Stadium parking lot via drive-thru pick up.
Irvine Summer Drive-In series to continue in September
The City of Irvine continues with its Summer Drive-In Series in September. Enjoy movies on the big screen in drive-in format at the Orange County Great Park, as the community safely gathers while practicing social distancing.
UCI IN THE NEWS - COVID-19 Article List
Nature, Sept. 1, 2020
How many people has the coronavirus killed?
Voice of OC, Sept. 1, 2020
When will OC get to reopen? Questions mount over new state guidelines and county’s actual case rates
EdSource, Sept. 1, 2020
UC Santa Barbara scales back reopening plans, citing COVID-19 infections among students
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