ANR Update

UC ANR COVID-19 Update: COVID-19 vaccination information; Zoom phone licenses

COVID-19 vaccination information

As we begin 2021, I hope that you all had a safe and restful break over the holidays. With the new year, and increasing distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, we wanted to share some information with you and let you know how we are working on this issue. This message is based on current information, but the guidance and actual distribution of the vaccine is changing rapidly and can vary by county or community.

First, it is important to understand that while the vaccine is a significant development to ending the pandemic, we still have a long road ahead and need to stay the course to maintain our current safety protocols for the next several months. For example, if you get a vaccine, you will still need to use a face covering when out in public or at work, you will still need to maintain distance from other people, still practice frequent handwashing and disinfection of surfaces, and you should continue to work at home if you can. We will continue to monitor public health and safety guidance and revise our safety protocols at the appropriate time.

According to the CDC there are several benefits of getting the COVID-19 vaccine. If you receive the vaccination, it will reduce your likelihood of getting COVID-19. Based on what is known about other vaccines and from clinical trials, experts believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19. Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, but it is not clear if some individuals who have been vaccinated could still transmit COVID-19.

The state is employing a phased approach to vaccine distribution, based on risk factors for individuals, such as age and health conditions, as well as occupational risk of exposure. As described on the state's vaccine website (https://covid19.ca.gov/vaccines/#When-can-I-get-vaccinated), the first group of people to be vaccinated, Phase 1A, are healthcare workers and long-term care residents. While that group is still receiving vaccinations now, the state is planning for subsequent groups of people who should receive the vaccination next, while also taking steps to speed up the process. Phase 1B includes individuals 75 and older and those at risk of exposure at work in certain business sectors, including education and food and agriculture, among others. Subsequent phases and tiers will include an increasing number of people, based on personal risk factors (age and health conditions) and risk of exposure.

For ANR, this means that some of our employees will have the opportunity to receive the vaccination earlier than others, based on their relative risks. Based on current information, ANR employees who are actively working in the field in support of agriculture (such as ag technicians, research associates, farm advisors, etc.) may be eligible to receive the vaccination during Phase 1B. Similarly, our employees who are engaged in education programs that put them in contact with other people could be eligible in Phase 1B. Later, Phase 1C will include “government operations / community-based essential functions” which may include additional ANR employees, as well as additional people based on age or health risk.

We are engaged with working groups at the UC systemwide level to keep informed about how vaccines may be coming directly to the UC community and how UC ANR employees can have access to those systemwide vaccination efforts through our local campuses or other UC programs. Our employees will be included in UC's requests to the state for vaccines. UC's vaccination planning places an emphasis on getting vaccinations to patients in the UC health systems and higher-risk employees. Additionally, we encourage everyone to stay informed about what is happening with vaccine availability in your community. You may have the opportunity to receive the vaccination through your county public health office or other local sources, if you meet the criteria due to personal risk factors, or your job classification. Some of our UCCE offices have already been told that they are part of their county's plans for vaccinating workers in the agriculture and education sectors. We have been encouraged to get the vaccine as soon we have the opportunity to do so.  

The information shared here is based on current guidance and discussions with various stakeholders and authorities who are planning and guiding the distribution of vaccines. We have also prepared Vaccine FAQs to provide additional information and updates as they become available.

This has been a challenging time for all of us, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Help us stay the course to get through this next phase.

Zoom phone licenses

Due to COVID restrictions, staff working remotely may have been required to make business-related phone calls using their personal cell phones. This may have presented a security risk to staff who wish to keep their personal phone numbers private to external parties. 

To help staff with security, ANR has purchased Zoom Phone licenses, allowing staff to make business-related phone calls using the Zoom app. 

Zoom Phones are an add-on license to an existing Zoom account. Zoom Phones provide staff a new business-related phone number, and staff can make calls using the desktop app and mobile app. Voicemail and voicemail transcription is also included with a Zoom Phone. More information about Zoom Phones can be found at https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360028936531-Getting-started-with-Zoom-Phone-users-.

Please respond to this survey if you think you or your staff may need this feature added to your Zoom account.  

Glenda Humiston 
Vice President

Events at the Capitol; budget update

Dear Colleagues,

It's been an emotional week for all of us witnessing the insurrection in our nation's capital. Such violence and vitriol adds to the ongoing stress of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic distress that so many are feeling. I want to remind you the Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) services are available to you and urge you to utilize them as needed.

Watching this recent attack on our democracy, combined with the decreasing support for science and public institutions that we have experienced for several years now, I am reminded just how critically important ANR's work is to support our democratic society. In addition to development of new knowledge through our research and getting it into local hands through Cooperative Extension and our programs, we often bring together people who disagree to discuss the facts respectfully and to find ways everyone can benefit. The work that each and every one of you does contributes to making California more prosperous, keeping our ecosystems healthy and our communities more equitable.

Although we continue to struggle with tight budgets, we received some very positive news today in Governor Newsom's proposed budget for FY 2021-22. The Governor proposed a 3% increase in UC's base General Fund budget, which is a partial restoration of last year's reduction. Additionally, the proposal includes $2 million in one-time General Fund support to fund UC ANR fire advisors as well as opportunities for UC Cooperative Extension to contract with CDFA to help small-scale and underserved farmers with business planning, navigating regulatory compliance, and accessing and leveraging state and federal funds. Other funding identified as best utilized by UCCE is work on Integrated Pest Management. It is very encouraging that the governor recognizes ANR can help address issues such as wildfire, climate change and economic sustainability; more details on the budget and other funding opportunities within it will be forthcoming soon.

As we head into the weekend, I'm proud of the work we do and hope you remember that together we can make things better. Please take care of yourselves and those around you. We have a new year and many opportunities to make a positive difference for California!

 

Glenda Humiston 
Vice President

 

Employee comment: Research data and tangible research materials policy proposed

UC Office of the President invites comments on a proposed Presidential Policy on University of California Research Data and Tangible Research Materials. The policy is a new policy that describes the responsibilities of the campus leadership and its researchers concerning the access to, and retention and maintenance of research data and tangible research materials produced during the course of University research. The policy addresses the following key issues:

• The policy affirms that the Regents of the University of California own all research data and tangible research materials.
• Research data and tangible research materials must be retained as long as required by funders, publishers, campus policy, compliance or regulatory bodies, applicable law, relevant agreements, and in accordance with the standards of the principal investigators' scholarly disciplines. 
• When principal investigators leave the University, research data and tangible research materials remain the property of the Regents of the University of California, however, principal investigators may generally take copies of research data generated under their research projects.

The proposed policy is posted at https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/Administration/Business_Operations/Controller/Administrative_Policies_-_Business_Contracts/Policy_and_administrative_handbooks/ANR_Administrative_Handbook/Recent_Updates/

If you have any questions or if you wish to comment, please contact Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucanr.edu, no later than April 7, 2021. Please indicate “Research Data and Tangible Research Materials” in the subject line.

UC ANR COVID-19 Update: Remote work extension

Dear colleagues,                                                        

I hope you are doing well and are safe and healthy. Please continue to prioritize your health and well-being and that of your family and friends, and let those of us in the Emergency Response Team know if there is additional support that you may need.

As we continue to navigate the complexity of working in the COVID-19 environment, your well-being is our highest priority. We have developed some important resources and tools available on our website for COVID-19: Telecommuting Resources and a variety of wellness classes and workshops. The Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) is available if you need confidential resources during these difficult times. If you have questions regarding your individual or unit circumstances, please discuss with your supervisor for further assistance.

In light of the worsening condition of the infection rate, the decreasing ICU availability statewide, and our commitment to keeping you safe, we have decided that UC ANR will extend its current remote work and limited on-site operation status through June 30, 2021.

This will allow us to get through the winter and spring when we expect flu and COVID-19 cases to be at their highest, and to once again do our part in the effort to flatten the curve. As I am sure you are aware, other campuses and UC organizations are taking similar measures. The Emergency Response Team will continue to evaluate and update you on the situation as it evolves.

I realize that this decision will have different impacts on our complex and widely dispersed operations, and in some cases will require that we make adjustments to adapt and comply with local conditions and ordinances, but this decision will be in place and applicable division wide.

Thank you again for your continued dedication, good work and partnership.

Sincerely,

Glenda Humiston 
Vice President

 

 

State implements regional stay at home order

Because of your due diligence in maintaining safe practices, UC ANR COVID-19 infection rates remain below community rates. Many are weary from the additional effort required to keep loved ones and colleagues safe, and our work is not done. By working together, we can continue to protect those around us, and ourselves. Let's focus on getting through this last push before everyone has had the opportunity for vaccination.

Last week, the Governor and State Public Health Director issued a new Regional Stay At Home Order, requiring additional restrictions and limitations on public activity for portions of the state that are experiencing an impact to hospital ICU capacity. The order mandates that certain businesses may no longer serve customers, restricts the capacity of all retail establishments, and prohibits gatherings with people outside of your household. Over the weekend, two regions – Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley – passed the threshold of reduced ICU capacity that activated the Regional Order. Additionally, five Bay Area Counties issued local health orders that essentially adopted the requirements of the Regional Order immediately. Other counties have issued similar orders or increased stay-at-home restrictions, in advance of being required to do so by the state order.

What does this new order mean for UC ANR? First, stay informed about what is happening in your region and in your county concerning COVID-19 and public health orders. When your location is subject to the Regional Order, or similar local orders, the following adjustments must be made:

1. Research activities and agricultural operations may continue (with existing protective safety protocols), as these are considered critical infrastructure. If you are exploring engaging in new research projects, adopt strict safety standards and be prepared to scale back or cease if further orders may require. If you have questions about what work activities are critical, consult your director or manager.

2. Work remotely as much as possible. Reassess any in-office work; employees should only be coming to the office in the following limited cases:

• Essential business functions needed to support remote work.
• Situations where an employee cannot perform their duties or work effectively remotely.
• Short duration visits to pick up or drop off materials needed for work.

3. Any non-mandatory or non-critical in-person gatherings, meetings, or activities that bring together members of different households must be suspended. This means that 4-H meetings, Master Gardener activities, Master Food Preservers events, or other volunteer programs or workshops may only continue remotely/online.

This is a critical time in the fight against COVID-19. These additional restrictions are needed to “bend the curve” yet again, to bring down the rate of infection in the community and reduce the strain on our healthcare system.

Throughout the summer and early fall, UC ANR has had a very low rate of COVID-19 infections among our employees. However, as the rate of COVID-19 cases is currently surging statewide, UC ANR is also seeing an increase in cases among our employees, similar to the communities where we are located. Please continue your diligence to stay safe at home and at work to keep UC ANR working to serve our clientele.

Brian Oatman 
Director, Risk & Safety Services

Read more