September 29 - Updates on COVID-19
Section 1
CAMPUS SNAPSHOT
A series of Loteria-inspired cards was created to introduce new students to various campus icons. View the full set on UCI’s Instagram page.
TODAY’S CAMPUS UPDATES
Two new positive cases
An off-campus undergraduate student and a campus employee have tested positive for COVID-19. UCI’s coronavirus testing and case count dashboard is available on the UCI Forward website.
UCI COVID-19 NEWS AND EVENTS
UCI Forum on Fall Quarter plans
A new episode of the UCI Forum featured a panel discussion on UCI’s plans for remote fall classes and various safety measures for students on and off campus. The virtual event explained the planning that has occurred to protect the health of university employees and students, as well as surrounding communities. You can watch the hourlong event on YouTube.
UCI again tops ‘Cool Schools’ ranking
The green streak continues. Sierra magazine ranked UCI No. 1 in its annual “Cool Schools” survey of sustainability leaders among U.S. and Canadian colleges. It’s the fourth time in seven years that UCI has topped the acclaimed list.
Upcoming events
- Advancing Equity in the Age of COVID-19, Thursday at 5 p.m.
- Electronic Records Management - Now, More Than Ever, Thursday at 10 a.m.
GENERAL COVID-19 NEWS
This section curates noteworthy coronavirus news, trends and opinions. No endorsement by UCI is implied. Note: Some news sites require subscriptions to read articles. The UCI Libraries offer free subscriptions to The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and OC Register for students, faculty and staff
OC Health Care Agency launches vaccine survey
The agency released a survey seeking resident input on a future COVID-19 vaccine. The results will help health officials plan for distribution of a vaccine when it becomes available.
New global test gives results in minutes
The WHO announced a $5 coronavirus test that can deliver results in 15 to 30 minutes. A deal with manufacturers will supply 120 million of the tests to low- and middle-income countries.
Severe illness and death ‘rare’ in childhood COVID cases
Data from 49 states and U.S. territories indicate hospitalizations and death among children are uncommon.
L.A. Comic Con moves forward with in-person event plan
Organizers say they’re hoping to hold an in-person gathering in December at the L.A. Convention Center. Currently, large events like this aren’t permitted anywhere in California.
Statins reduce COVID severity
The drugs limit COVID-19’s punch and speed up recovery times by removing cholesterol, which the virus uses to infect cells, according to a new study.
A layperson’s guide to how and when a vaccine could be authorized
StatNews offers a rundown on the science involved in testing and approving a coronavirus vaccine.
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.
New emoji captures spirit of 2020
A new crop of symbols has been approved and several seem to be influenced by this year’s surreal atmosphere.
More wacky masks
Another roundup of entertaining face coverings, including a hamburger, a knight’s helmet and an X-ray view.