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Guidance for ANR locations and programs

New! UC COVID-19 Response Poster (04/08/2020)
Cloth face coverings (04/06/2020)

Continuing critical research

Scale-down of Research Operations (rev. 03/21/2020) Note: All requests for continuing critical research must come through a single, collated ask by a REC Director or a County Director. PIs must work with their County Director or REC Director to request approval. PIs should not send in requests themselves. Campus-based personnel working at a REC must work with the REC Director. Campus-based personnel working in counties, must follow their campus procedure. Any research activity that can be performed from home (grant writing, data analysis, online surveys, etc.) does not require approval.

Based on the statewide 'stay home' order issued by Governor Newsom on March 20, and in accordance with UC guidance, the information that was provided yesterday on research continuity is now supplemented with additional processes and restrictions. Principal investigators (PIs) and Research and Extension Center Directors must move quickly to a complete cessation of non-critical research activity, while maintaining critical systems. Unfortunately, there are a number of projects and functions that, while of high importance, will cease. Research groups/staff may engage in only those research continuity activities that have been specifically approved by the UC ANR Associate Vice President (AVP). Please review the guidance here and contact Wendy Powers with questions. 

COVID-19 Community Resources  (Microsoft Word modifiable county template)
Continuation of Research during COVID-19 (03/19/2020)
ANR Update (posted 3/17/2020)
Paid Leave Guidelines (revised 03/23/20)  
Preguntas respuestas permiso administrativo pagado (23 Marzo 2020)
Telecommute and Limited Onsite Operations Transition Plan (posted 3/16/2020)
Why social distancing, event cancellations and self-quarantines are necessary (posted 3/15/2020)

Meetings/events/gatherings 

The Governor's stay home order, issued March 19, requires all Californians to stay home or at their place of residence, except as needed to maintain or receive essential services. The order is in place until further notice. (rev. 3/20/2020)

UCANR directive on planning for in-person meetings/events/gatherings (3/24/2020)

Note: This directive does not affect work sites where ANR “essential employees” are continuing to work, or any future dates of return to work for ANR employees. Return to work information will be communicated separately, based on updated information from UCOP and/or the state.

  • Cancel, postpone or conduct online all meetings/events/gatherings statewide through April 30, 2020.
  • During this time, ANR personnel, volunteers, and program participants also may not represent ANR or its programs at in-person meetings/events/gatherings.
  • Leaders and event planners should assess meetings/events/gatherings that are scheduled for May 1-31, 2020 and plan for the possibility that there may be extension of this directive, requiring additional cancellations.
  • ANR’s Emergency Response Team will re-assess the situation in two weeks (April 6), and every two weeks thereafter.
  • If the Governor’s order is lifted, modified, or other public health guidance concerning in-person gatherings is issued, this date will be reassessed and new standards for public gatherings will be provided.

Many people are finding innovative ways to reach their communities online - virtual livestock visits, graduation ceremonies, 4-H contests and more. Resources are available on the Learning and Development site.

Keep yourself aware of public health guidance

In addition to guidance and monitoring by the CDC and the CDPH, each County’s Public Health Officer is monitoring this situation and may have additional guidance specific to your community and the local health risks. Staff at UCCE County offices or Research & Extension Centers should keep aware of potential health concerns in your community by monitoring and following any guidance from your local public health officer. This is rapidly evolving and the risks and recommended actions may vary from one community to another. 

UCANR Directors should consult this guidance and ANR FAQs (3/9/20) in preparing to manage this situation for each location and program. For additional answers to frequently asked questions to assist UC leaders, managers, and supervisors in addressing concerns related to COVID-19, see the Guidance for UC Locations Concerning COVID-19. (v4, 3/8/20)