Jan. 4 - COVID testing, well-being services for employees
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Framed trees at Social Sciences. Photo by Ian Parker
In this continuing series, UCI experts answer questions about COVID-19, vaccinations, variants or the future of work. Submit questions via email.
I’ve been exposed to a family member who tested positive. Should I stay home from work?
UCI students and employees who are close contacts to someone who tested positive should follow campus isolation and quarantine instructions. There are different instructions based on your vaccination status. If you are boosted (or vaccinated but not yet booster-eligible), for example, you do not need to quarantine. Do not wait to be contacted by UCI Contact Tracing and Vaccine Navigation Services, the Center for Occupational and Environmental Health or Student Health to begin isolation or quarantine.
UCI ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS
COVID testing sites on campus
UCI has three COVID testing sites on campus, and all offer both symptomatic and asymptomatic testing. Students, faculty and staff may schedule tests by making an appointment on the Student Health Center portal or dropping by the test site. The sites use a supervised, self-administered nasal swab or saliva test that takes about 7-10 minutes, is free to eligible groups on campus, and produces results in 24-48 hours. Testing sites are located at the Student Center, Plaza Verde and the University Club. Check the UCI Forward site for hours of operation. Please note, testing sites are for employees and students only, not for family members.
Free virtual well-being services for employees
During these challenging times, health and well-being is important and vital to the UCI community, as well as to the patients and families we serve. The Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute is launching a well-being initiative to provide support services for our extraordinary caregivers and co-workers. All classes are free and virtual. Classes include:
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Mindfulness & Meditation
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Guided Acupressure (no contact)
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Guided Yoga/Massage (no contact)
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Yoga for Well-being
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Stress Management Strategies
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Biofeedback and Relaxation Techniques
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Nutrition
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Wellness Education Series
Meet Jon Gould, dean of the School of Social Ecology
Jon B. Gould has started the year in his “dream job” as the new dean of the School of Social Ecology. Gould, a distinguished scholar in justice policy, social change and government reform, has written five books and more than 100 articles on erroneous convictions, indigent defense, prosecutorial innovation, hate speech, sexual harassment and international human rights. Visit this link to see a short video with Gould and read about his favorite things.
Ph.D. student’s dissertation looks at impacts of air pollution in her home neighborhood of Boyle Heights
As a first-generation Latina pursuing her Ph.D. in public health at UCI, Connie Valencia studies health disparities and equity among low-income Latino communities, especially in Southern California.
UC NEWS AND GENERAL NEWS
New videos: Actors Jaleel White and Akbar Gbajabiamila encourage Black Americans to get vaccinated
Actor and producer Jaleel White and former NFL player and host of “The Talk” and “American Ninja Warrior” Akbar Gbajabiamila host a series of videos to help reduce COVID vaccine hesitancy in Black and African American communities.
New videos: Cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz promotes vaccination among Latinos
Cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz developed animations and art encouraging Latinos to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The Los Angeles-based artist is best known for his contributions as a cultural consultant for “The Casagrandes” on Nickelodeon and the 2017 Pixar movie “Coco.” He is also the creator of the nationally syndicated comic strip “La Cucaracha.” As the principal artist for CovidLatino, his art helps address pervasive vaccine hesitancy and misinformation circulating in California’s Latino communities.