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"Snowliage" in Yosemite: Photos by Michael Castaneda (SFGATE)
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UC Field Research Safety
Hello, I hope you're all well. I enjoy a Thanksgiving feast as much as anyone -- and in such a tumultuous year I'm grateful for many things I've taken for granted in the past -- but looking at COVID rates below, I'll admit I'm nervous as we approach the holidays ahead. Vaccine news is optimistic but precautions regarding travel and gatherings are warranted and important. On a brighter note, I'm also highlighting some successful field course examples. Kudos for innovation and all the hard work that went into creating valuable learning experiences, despite enormous challenges for experiential-based courses. As always, feel free to contact me directly via sarasouza@berkeley.edu with any questions, concerns or suggestions. Best, Sara
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COVID Rates in California
Although new COVID cases are highest in LA County by total number, the new case rate per 100,000 residents is higher in rural counties, with Alpine, Lassen, Tuolumne, Sutter, and Shasta taking the top five spots (LA Times, Nov 19).
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COVID-19 Event Risk Assessment Planning Tool
This tool is a unique way to look at COVID-19 risk by event size. For example, based on county rates, on November 18 there was a 30% chance that at least one person present was COVID positive at an event in Shasta County with a group of 15 people. For an event size of 50 people, the risk jumps to 70%. Learn more.
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New App: California COVID Notify
California COVID Notify is built on the Exposure Notification System developed by Apple and Google. It’s a privacy-first approach to using technology to aid in contact tracing. A user’s identity is never revealed, and their location is never tracked. Instead, anonymous keys are exchanged using Bluetooth. The app aligns with CDC guidelines and defines a close contact as being less than 6 feet apart for a cumulative 15 minutes. You will get an alert if you were in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. Learn more.
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Pilot use began at UC San Diego and UC San Francisco earlier this fall. In addition to the UC Berkeley campus, the pilot is also expanding to UC Davis, UCLA, UC Riverside, UC Santa Barbara and Berkeley Lab.
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For perspective, this CNN graphic presents COVID deaths in 2020 nationally. There have already been ten times as many deaths as annually from car crashes, five times more than from suicide, and almost twice as many as from stroke (CNN, full article).
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Other News: Reverse Zoonosis
"Biosecurity and hygiene measures are key to preventing transmission of SARS-CoV-2. People who are suspected or confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 should restrict contact with mammalian animals, including pets, just like they would with people during their illness. Animals suspected or confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 should remain separated from other animals and humans. Owing to their susceptibility, some animal species are being used as models to test vaccines for use in humans." (Excerpt from OiE fact sheet)
"WHO also reminds countries to strengthen farming biosafety and biosecurity measures around known animal reservoirs in order to limit the risk of zoonotic events associated with SARS-CoV-2. This includes infection prevention and control measures for animal workers, farm visitors and those who may be involved in animal husbandry or culling." (Excerpt from WHO Disease Outbreak News)
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What bats can teach us about Coronavirus immunity
October 28, 2020, JSTOR Daily (Full Article)
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Possibility for reverse zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to free-ranging wildlife: A case study of bats
September 3, 2020, PLOS Pathogens (Full Article)
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COVID and Animals
CDC guidance and USDA case reports, updated November 18, 2020 (Learn more)
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Field Course Highlights in a Time of Coronavirus
Congratulations to the Integrative Biology instructional team for their Berkeley Changemaker Technology Innovation Grant. This short video highlights strategies adopted to teach three courses remotely: Medical Ethnobotany Field Lab, Human Anatomy Lab, and Ecosystems of California Field Lab.
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Professor Paul Fine, IB 157L, Ecosystems of California
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California Ecology and Conservation Fall 2020
The CEC program is one of relatively few UC classes conducted in person, and is likely the only one that remained in its own social bubble for 7 weeks.
Course report, kindly shared by instructor Tim Miller: "I think one of the trickiest parts was getting the pre-course communication and travel logistics worked out. Having everyone submit a plan for their COVID testing, shelter-in-place, and transportation to the course was essential. On the course, the very first thing we did was reiterate our COVID plan with everyone and emphasize how important it was for everyone to follow it (as well as give us any suggestions to improve it). We also really work hard to build community on the course, so adding in the ideas of accountability and communication around COVID fit into our community values nicely. It's crucial to get buy-in around the idea of self-reporting symptoms by emphasizing the idea that it's not scary."
Teaching a field program amid a pandemic, by Kathleen Wong, October 17, 2020, NRS Newsletter ( Full article)
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Last, a book recommendation...
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I received this book "The Forests of California" as a gift recently. It's like no other atlas I've ever seen; beautiful and informative, poetic yet scientific. I have no personal interest in endorsing specific products or books, but I suspect others in this community may appreciate it too.
I hope you're all able to relax, reflect, recharge, and celebrate Thanksgiving safely.
Take care out there, Sara
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