Revised date for UC ANR telecommute and limited on-site operations status
As you know, Governor Newsom's statewide stay-at-home order remains in effect with no defined end date. That said, there has been considerable statewide conversation regarding return-to-workplace timeline and protocols. The Governor has noted that there is no light switch for re-opening California, that decisions will be driven by evidence, and that even when reopened, we must modify how we conduct business.
I had previously asked that all UC ANR locations continue the telecommute and limited on-site operations protocols at least through May 3. Given that the Governor's order remains in effect, and that the state is still ramping up essential protocols to ensure public safety, such as testing and contact tracing, I am extending this date through May 31, unless we receive new information from the state.
I am also asking that all meetings/events/gatherings statewide be cancelled, postponed or conducted online at least through May 31, 2020. All volunteers and program participants should also continue remote protocols through the end of May.
While schools and day care across the state remain closed, it may be difficult for some to return to the workplace. The continuation of remote work is designed to assist with this situation. For those unable to work or work a typical work schedule while at home, I know that our supervisors will continue to be flexible and I want to remind everyone that COVID-19 Administrative Leave is available.
Each California county has different public safety protocols in place and return-to-work dates will likely be staggered. UCOP suggests that all locations follow the guidance of their local county health officials. Even in counties that seek to “reopen” ahead of May 31, 2020, UC ANR employees who can work remotely, should continue the telecommute and limit on-site operations protocols through the end of May or until we receive further direction from the Governor.
Our Emergency Response Team is developing standardized safety protocols for reopening UC ANR worksites. These protocols are informed by state and local guidelines and will be distributed to all UC ANR locations in the near future. If your county determines that any UC ANR employees should be returning earlier than 5/31, your county director will ensure that science-based safety protocols are in place and followed. It is up to all of us to adhere to established protective practices. If you are asked to return prior to 5/31 and you are uncomfortable with this, please discuss the situation with your supervisor and/or HR.
I would like to thank you all for your continued flexibility and patience as this unprecedented situation unfolds. I know that everyone is eager to return to “normalcy,” but the safety and well-being of you and your families is of utmost importance. We are making every effort to thoughtfully chart the best course of action for reopening our UC ANR locations.
Reporting of confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure
In a previous ANR Update, we provided information about the process for an employee or supervisor to report a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. This is to remind you of that process and also add a note about reporting potential exposure to another person who has a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. Please understand that this is confidential medical information and we will protect the privacy of individuals, while taking the appropriate measures to protect the workplace and the community from exposure.
Employees are requested to report a positive COVID-19 diagnosis to Jodi Rosenbaum, UC ANR's disability and leave coordinator, and provide the employee name, primary work location, and any guidance provided by the local public health authority. If a supervisor receives a report from an employee, they should forward this information to Jodi. If you receive a medical note, please FAX it to 1-530-231-0103, a confidential FAX line. Additionally, if an ANR employee reports that they have been exposed to another person who has tested positive for coronavirus, the same reporting steps apply.
Jodi will provide the necessary information to members of UC ANR's Emergency Response Team (ERT). The ERT will determine what measures should be taken, potentially including coordination with the local Public Health department for contact tracing, temporarily closing, cleaning and disinfecting ANR facilities based on the infected person's recent movements, communication with potentially exposed individuals, and notification to the ANR community. The ERT will work with your local director and/or supervisors to implement any of these measures. Jodi will also continue to monitor the employee's status and eventual return to work.
Our number one goal with this process is to protect the health of our employees and program participants, while respecting each person's privacy. It is critically important to protect personal medical information, especially in this situation. In no circumstance should you reveal any personally identifiable information about the infected person except what is required to communicate with ANR Human Resources and other relevant authorities.
Celebration Corner
UCCE Orange County repackaged hotline services hosted by Master Gardener and Master Food Preserver groups to assist people who are looking for gardening/food safety assistance during stay at home orders. To help residents find fresh food, they've been using social media and email to bring awareness to Farm Bureau farmers markets and other relevant pop-up businesses.
California Naturalist program is updating resources for instructors to support online delivery of the California Naturalist course and a new online training on community and citizen science. In addition, the program is transitioning its summer instructor training for the new Climate Stewards course to hybrid delivery and, if necessary, fully online delivery.
4-H youth and volunteers continue to sew masks all around the state. Here's a short video celebrating that effort.
Glenda Humiston
Vice President