Seven new positive cases of COVID-19

Since Tuesday’s notice in @Rochester, there are seven new cases of COVID-19 to report: one River Campus student; one Eastman Campus student; and five River Campus employees. 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—for non–Medical Center faculty, staff, and all students and for Medical Center employees—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.

Feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed in these COVID times? Students can reach out to the University Counseling Center for help. UHS also maintains a site with COVID Coping and Resources for students. Employees can contact the UR Medicine Employee Assistance Program, one of several support services for faculty and staff.

Table limit updates for select dining spaces

As of today, Wednesday, April 7, outdoor designated dining areas, as well as the Feldman Ballroom, will allow for six individuals to sit together at a table. Social distancing of six feet is always encouraged, but groups of up to six at a table are permitted to sit together (closer than 6 feet) and eat or drink at these designated dining areas. The limit of four per table will still apply to all other indoor dining areas. As a reminder, dining together requires students to wear a mask up to the point of starting to eat a meal and immediately putting it back on after the meal is done.

• The plaza outside of Grab & Go (second floor, Douglass Commons)
• Graham Smith Plaza (the area between Douglass Commons and Wilson Commons)
• The tables in front of Douglass Dining Center (first floor, Douglass Commons)
• The tables in the Eastman Living Center courtyard

Go Green: New bike racks feature solar-powered lighting

University community members can now use two new vertically designed bike racks on the River Campus. One is located beside the Computer Studies Building and the other is on Library Road alongside the electric charging station for vehicles.

• 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

Wellness Wednesday: Basic needs

Did you know that if your circumstances have you going without basic needs, such as food, clothing, housing, or access to academic resources, there’s a hub that can provide support? It’s aptly named the Basic Needs Hub.

If you’re specifically concerned about where and how you will get food, there’s the Food Pantry. This is a need-blind resource. You don’t have to provide any financial information to qualify. However, resources are limited, so the Food Pantry wants to be sure supplies are going to those most in need of support.

Both of these resources are available for all students. Check in next Wednesday for more tips and resources that will help you stay focused, healthy, and connected.

Bringing virtual Education Abroad to students

Survey on leadership, engagement, social responsibility

Retirement program contributions reminder

Your healthy living story starts now

It’s your health, your opportunity, and your tale to write. Complete your Personal Health Assessment, including an online health survey and a quick biometric screening appointment with a nurse. Create your vision to build healthy habits for a lifetime with the help of Well-U. Appointments are now being scheduled at Rochester Tech Park, YMCA locations, Café 601, Memorial Art Gallery, and LeChase Assembly Hall near the Flaum Atrium.

Take the Simon Medical Management Experience

The Simon Medical Management Experience provides you with the opportunity to virtually attend class and participate in a roundtable discussion with current students. This session will begin an in-depth look at the MS medical management program. Register here to join on Saturday, April 10, from 8 to 11 a.m. EDT.

Three Minute Thesis competition

Three Minute Thesis is an academic competition that challenges doctoral students and postdoctoral appointees to describe their research within three minutes to a general audience. A panel of judges will select the first-place winner and runner-up among nine finalists from across the University, and the audience will determine the People’s Choice Award. The competition takes place Friday, April 9, at noon EDT. Register here to join. This event will be interpreted for the deaf and hard of hearing. If you would like to request accommodations, contact Jen_Prosceo@urmc.rochester.edu.

Celebrate creativity at the Undergraduate Research Expo