COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Updated February 4, 2025
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It emerged in late 2019 and can cause symptoms ranging from mild, like fever and cough, to severe, including difficulty breathing and, in some cases, death. It spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and has led to a global pandemic, with efforts to control it including vaccines, social distancing, and mask-wearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
As of February 3, 2025, Cal/OSHA has sunset the COVID-19 standard. UC Irvine will discontinue employee case investigations and close contact notifications. With that, UCI will no longer send daily emails on exposure locations for contractors or outbreaks and no longer be required to provide test kits to employees.
For concerns regarding your health, contact your healthcare provider or UC Irvine Student Health Center.
As of May 6, 2022, partitions are no longer required. They are no longer required for exposed groups working together for an extended period but who can’t maintain distance, such as at cash registers, desks, and production line stations.
Glove use is not necessary while avoiding potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus and wearing them can create a false sense of security. Instead, after performing work activities, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap and water, and practice other preventative measures, such as wearing a face covering and practicing physical distancing. While using cleaning and disinfecting agents, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Contact Us
UCI EHS
949-824-6200
safety@uci.edu