My Son is attending UC Davis--I just received this from UC Davis as I also saw reports that over 8,000 cases have been diagnosed in California--profound challenging times:
Dear UC Davis Parents:
As you may be aware, a confirmed case of COVID-19 has been documented in a Solano County resident who is being treated at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. This case is being investigated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as possibly the first patient with no known exposure to the virus through travel or close contact with a known infected individual. Because of the precautions we have had in place since this patient’s arrival, we believe there has been minimal potential for exposure at the medical center.
To date, no one in Yolo County or on the UC Davis main campus has tested positive for COVID-19. We do want you to know, however, that out of an abundance of caution, three members of the campus community who had been living in Kearney Hall are currently in isolation. The CDC is testing one of them for COVID-19, and this person is not on campus. The other two individuals are asymptomatic, meaning they are not showing any symptoms of illness, so, following CDC guidance, they have not been tested.
As an additional precautionary measure, daily disinfection practices are being implemented within all Student Housing and Dining Services properties.
Additionally, all students seeking care at the Student Health and Wellness Center are being asked about recent travel and contact with people with known COVID-19.
Many of you are asking about the status of classes and campus operations both in Davis and Sacramento. We will follow the guidance of the Yolo County and the California Department of Public Health before we make any decisions. We are not planning to cancel classes or suspend or modify operations at this time. Currently, we believe there is no need to do so.
We understand that there is a great amount of concern, uncertainty and anxiety in the campus community. The safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty and staff are our highest priority. We are taking all appropriate measures and working closely with the CDC, California Department of Public Health and county agencies to coordinate.
While there is much we are learning about COVID-19, one thing we do know is that it has a high recovery rate.
Here are actions that you can take to ensure we all stay as healthy as possible:
o Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. o Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. o Stay home if you are sick.
o Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work and school.
o Practice healthy habits: Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
o If you have not received your annual flu shot, please schedule one with your provider to help protect yourself against the flu.
o Do not smoke or use e-cigarettes.
• Remain calm:
o While the progression of COVID-19 is still emerging, the CDC is reporting that for the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.
Again, we are taking all necessary precautions and are working with public health officials. We do not believe there is any reason for anyone to overreact. Any person who is in isolation and asymptomatic is not considered contagious.
We ask you to be kind and respectful to one another, as our Principles of Community guide our behaviors and interactions.
We will continue to provide you with updates as we have them. You can find information at any time here.
Sincerely,
Gary S. May Chancellor, UC Davis
David Lubarsky Vice Chancellor and CEO, UC Davis Health
I was on the road for Five Days and now working to catch up--and decided to release the following #RandomThoughts as I continue to think through the challenges in Iran, the Corona Virus , Civil Rights and Voting as I had the pleasure to cast my vote Monday at the Vote Center:
It has been quite a week!! I decided to begin with this uplifting note: It was a great uplifting in spite of all that has gone in Iran this past week--especially as I saw reports about reports that a guy named Ghalifbaf (who ran for President three times) received billions in bribes as he is trying to get a seat in Iran's Parliament & having been evident to the agony of the families of Ukraine Plane Disaster. This beautiful song about the agony of Iran was beautiful featuring the great and talented Golshifteh Farahani captured the darkness that has befallen Iran: As I was thinking about the week, I went to see 1917--I still could not get over how brutal we are as humans to each other as I captured the following two scenes:
I remain hopeful in spite of it all.... Onward as this President's Day Week....
It was quite a week in our World--but also a week of hope and optimism as I had the pleasure to visit the Aliso Niguel High School International Food Faire and serve as a judge. This is an tradition at Aliso Niguel High School where clubs come together to showcase a country and its' culture and raise funds for their causes. Here are some images of that great day:
I also was working away on commitments at the Daily Outsider and it was frankly a challenging day. I decided to be circumspect as I released this to my Twitter Feed late last night:
February is before Us--I decided to work on some #RandomThoughts on Iran opening it up with the Song "Deng" on the legacy of the horrific war between Iran & Iraq. The lyrics of the Song are I believe in the local Arabic Dialectic in the South of Iran that depicts the horrors of War. Iran's South is yet to be rebuilt after over 30 years as it continues to grapple with destroyed infrastructure and Agriculture's Destruction. The scenes are heart breaking to see. The regime in Iran is also beginning a celebration of what it refers to as "Fajr". It is the ten days that began with the return of Khomeini to Iran and the success of the Revolution. This has seen Regime Officials paying homage to Khomeini appearing with his grandson--the depictions below reflect the President, the head of the Judiciary and the Red Crescent Organization appearing:
Iran Red Crescent Organization at Khomeini's Tomb in Tehran
The Head of the Judiciary Joins Khomeini's Grandson at Khomeini's Tomb
The Iranian President and His Cabinet at Khomeini's Tomb with Khomeini's Grandson
It is absolutely sickening to see such images-as poverty continues to spread like cancer, inflation looms as the Economy teeters on the brink of collapse. Leading Human Rights Activists and Freedom Fighters continue to languish in Prison. What is also so tragic is that even one of the rare voices of dissent and courage was summoned to Court and had to post bail to be released--and she is a Deputy in the Parliament:
In the midst of all the tragedy I've been witness to, All I could do is to take refuge in Poetry--this I ran across was from Coach Wooden as I close out this weekly #RandomThoughts:
