OC's dine-in restaurants and shopping centers reopen today
What fall semester might look like at SAC, we debunk local coronavirus rumors, plus your weekly quarantainment!
Hi! Julian Reynoso here with your weekly D-Brief. As we start the first 3-day weekend since the COVIDcoaster began, we have some more air to breath with looser laws and get a chance to figure out a new way to celebrate differently a family filled day.
Scroll down for all you need to know about the district’s plan for fall, debunking coronavirus rumors, activities to cure the cabin fever and more!
Have some catching up to do?:
The fall semester is still expected to start online but the district hopes to gradually move towards face-to-face later in the semester, according to a re-opening committee that met this week. Read our live tweets of the meeting for more about what to expect when the Trustees vote on the plan Monday.
Orange County gets state approval to reopen shopping malls and dine-in restaurants by Memorial Day. News editor Carrie Graham watched their latest meeting and breaks down what that means.
California is providing one-time, state-funded disaster relief assistance to undocumented adults who are ineligible for other forms of assistance because of their immigration status. Funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Click here to know where to call for assistance.
You can now file for Pass/No Pass until June 25. File a P/NP petition by filling out this form and submitting it to a counselor.
Here’s what fall semester could look like at Santa Ana College:
Santa Ana College is continuing with remote instruction through summer and it’s all but confirmed that COVID-19 will keep many courses online in the fall.
Even if the governor lifts the statewide stay-at-home order, any on-campus classes will likely look very different from before with PPE, social distancing and increased sanitizing efforts.
“We’re planning on a fall semester that will be largely online. There will be some face-to-face classes but we also have other plans just in case,” RSCCD Chancelor Marvin Martinez said.
This week’s live chat with Chancellor Martinez
In our last live chat of the semester, Chancellor Martinez gave us an update on graduation, fall sports and how he’s trying to work on getting another on-campus food pantry at SAC.
Start watching at about 6:00 to hear him discuss the district’s plan for re-opening and the many factors that are determining their decision of whether or not to offer on-campus classes in the fall.
Bad advice: Debunking local coronavirus rumors
Summer heat will kill the virus
Unfortunately, no, at least not in any meaningful way. Although it’s true that most viruses are weaker in the heat (not dead), hot weather really only reduces how long the virus can live outside the body on surfaces and lingering in the air. According to the World Health Organization, heat may slow the spread, but it does not eliminate it.
The temperature needs to be about 160 degrees to effectively kill any viruses or bacteria, so while the hot cycle on the washer works great for disinfecting clothing and bedding, the California sun won’t be shining a light on return to life as we know it.
Interesting Reads:
So you really want to see your friends? Here’s how to assess the risk: Your willpower is fraying. Mine is too. For two months we’ve been good. We’ve Zoomed. We’ve FaceTimed. We’ve waved at neighbors from across the street and behind the fence. But enough is enough. We want to see friends and family in real life. (L.A. Times)
Local Food Pantries Get More Government Funding as Unemployment Rates Reach New Heights: The Orange County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a $3 million agreement to support Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and the Community Action Partnership of Orange County with their emergency food distributions. (The Voice of OC)
Play our quarantine games: Spot the Difference, Fact or Fiction, Paper Dolls, Bingo and more: The L.A. Times put together a handful of games and activities to keep you busy (L.A. Times)
20 Memorial Day Activities for the Whole Family: Although many of us look forward to Memorial Day for the epic sales, backyard barbecues, and boozy summer cocktails, it's important to remember what the holiday is truly about: honoring the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. (Good Housekeeping)
Thanks for reading. If you have any questions you need us to help you answer, email editor@eldonnews.org. If you enjoyed this newsletter, share it with others! If you enjoy the D-brief, share that as well! :)