Dear Colleagues:
As you all know, national, state and local agencies have been implementing various measures to reduce the rate and risk of community spread of COVID-19. Many California counties, businesses and school districts have implemented remote working protocols and six Bay Area counties today issued a shelter in place order. All UC locations are also implementing protective measures. Last week, UC ANR offices in Davis, Berkeley and at the Office of the President in Oakland began implementing telecommute and limited on-site operations protocols. A number of our County Extension offices have also been impacted.
Starting today, March 16, all other UC ANR locations and programs will begin moving in phases to telecommuting and limited on-site operations status with the goal of having all functions, events, activities, meetings, etc. either postponed, canceled or moved to Zoom, and all employees working remotely by Friday, March 20, (with the exception of designated essential on-site staff/academics). This directive also includes all volunteer-led youth or adult programming, meetings or gatherings.
Important: the guidelines for your County or for a specific UC Campus must be followed if they are more restrictive than that of UC ANR. Please consult your County Director or Campus Dean for more information.
This guidance will stay in effect through close of business on April 7, 2020, and may be extended. UC ANR academics and staff will continue to operate on their normal business hours unless otherwise specifically stated.
Please read the detailed guidance that is posted at https://ucanr.edu/sites/safety/files/321853.pdf.
The goal of this decision is to support all UC ANR employees, volunteers, and our broader communities by reducing the risk of community spread through minimization of face-to-face interactions, reduction in commuting and travel, and an increase in social-distancing. This phased approach reduces risk by immediately reducing the number of people in UC ANR offices, facilities, and activities. This also ensures that those required to remain on-site for any period of time will also be at lower risk.
UC ANR's emergency response team is committed to providing the most up-to-date information available and we appreciate your patience as we navigate this rapidly changing environment.
Please also note that the all-hands meeting this Thursday, March 19, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. will be conducted on Zoom at https://ucanr.zoom.us/j/530365395 or (669) 900-6833 or (646) 558-8656 Webinar ID: 530 365 395.
This is an unprecedented situation, but there is an opportunity within all the challenges: We will find new ways to leverage technology to deliver our important programs and information to Californians.
Thank you for everything you do!
Glenda Humiston
Vice President