Seven new positive cases of COVID-19

Since Friday’s notice in @Rochester, there are seven new cases of COVID-19 to report, all River Campus students.  Please note that the University’s COVID-19 Dashboard is updated daily. Whenever a new case is known, the contact-tracing process begins immediately with confirmed exposures being contacted and required to quarantine.

It’s extremely important for the health of the University community that individuals continue to adhere to the face masking and social distancing protocols. Even as some individuals are now receiving their first or second dose of the vaccine, these practices to prevent the transmission of the virus cannot be relaxed.

If you think you’re experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, it’s important to report them through Dr. Chat Bot immediately. Even if you think your symptoms might be something else—like a cold, seasonal congestion, or allergies—it’s still important to tell University health professionals and contact tracers what you’re experiencing.

Chief diversity officer reflects on Black History Month

Chief Diversity Officer Mercedes Ramírez Fernández, the Richard Feldman Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, reflects on Black History Month in the Office of Equity and Inclusion newsletter, Encompass. “While the real work of realizing true equity, diversity, and inclusion happens every day, this month is an opportunity to acknowledge the significance of the past, especially as it informs the very real racial reckoning our country is experiencing today,” she writes. “I believe we are at a crossroads, and that we are living this history together.” Read the full message.

Want more updates about equity and inclusion at the University? Subscribe to Encompass. A list of Black History Month events is also available on the University calendar.

Researchers study zinc's role in cancer

According to a new study led by Darren Carpizo, a professor of surgery at the Medical Center and chief of surgical oncology at Wilmot Cancer Center, zinc, an essential mineral used to boost the immune system and block sunburns, can—in a different form—also stabilize a protein that helps to prevent most cancers.

School of Nursing renames research support office in memory of Harriet Kitzman

The School of Nursing has renamed its Center for Research Support in memory of Harriet Kitzman, the school’s former senior associate dean of research who died in March 2020. Housed on the second floor of Helen Wood Hall, the new Harriet J. Kitzman Center for Research Support will be officially dedicated at a later date.

Security tip: Romance scams during COVID-19

While some folks might be dating differently this year and looking to online platforms for romance, fraudsters are victimizing people on social media and dating sites 20 percent more than in the previous year. Using the pandemic as an excuse to not meet in person, scammers employ this to their advantage and invest several months in a “grooming phase” to learn about the victim’s life, professing their admiration and love to trick them into believing their romantic intentions are sincere. Eventually, the scammers request money or personal information such as bank account numbers and passwords. Social media and dating sites continue to monitor and block suspicious behavior; however, awareness and vigilance are key to preventing online romance scams. For more social media security tips, visit University IT’s website.

• Dr. Chat Bot: Non–Medical Center faculty, staff, and all students | Medical Center employees
• What to do if you or your close contacts have symptoms or have been exposed
• University’s COVID-19 Resource Center
• Medical Center’s COVID-19 update page
• COVID-19 Concern Report

Spring virtual LGBTQ meet and greet

LGBTQ students are welcome to attend a virtual meet and greet on Wednesday, February 10, from 4 to 5: 30 p.m. EST. Burgett Intercultural Center “Meliorainbow” lanyards will be given to attendees and there will be a raffle that includes Meliora hats. Register here to get the link for the event.

Virtual writing groups for AS&E undergrads

Undergraduates in Arts, Sciences & Engineering are invited to join a writing group hosted by the Writing and Speaking Center. Groups meet weekly for two hours via Zoom and focus on goal-setting and shared writing time. Bring any kind of academic, professional, or creative writing. Learn more and enroll online. Email rachel.lee@rochester.edu with questions.

College Year in Athens Education Abroad information session

Practice self-care

If you have been diagnosed with a stroke, A-fib, heart failure, or coronary artery disease, Well-U can connect you with your own personal coach. Learn self-management skills, safety precautions, and how to incorporate a nutrition and exercise routine that is specific to you and your situation. Get started here.

First spring semester issue of Campus Times drops tomorrow

The semester’s first issue of the Campus Times will be printed and released tomorrow, Tuesday, February 9. Stacks will be in areas such as Wilson Commons, Douglass, and Rush Rhees Library. Campus Times will also continue to publish weekly issues on their website, campustimes.org, every Monday.

Did you miss the UR Medicine commercial that aired locally during last night’s Super Bowl? You can view it on the UR Medicine Facebook page,  YouTube, or Vimeo.