Coronavirus News from UC Davis Health
Our experts give you the latest on COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) vaccines, variants, keeping your children safe, and more. Get up-to-date information from UC Davis Health.
May 2022
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May 12, 2022
A lot has changed during the pandemic. How to navigate our new normal
Everything is starting to look normal. So how come it still feels so strange? UC Davis Health Chief Wellness Officer Peter Yellowlees offers tips for navigating our “new normal,” including returning to work, managing loneliness, reconnecting with colleagues, and finding helpful resources for mental health.
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April 2022
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April 29, 2022
Thank you to our behind-the-scenes medical laboratory heroes
UC Davis Health is celebrating Medical Laboratory Professionals Week by saying “thank you” to our behind-the-scenes heroes. Lab workers are an integral part of the medical team. Seventy percent of medical decisions depend on their work.
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April 26, 2022Can you guess how many lab tests were performed at UC Davis Health last year?
Can you guess how many lab tests were performed at UC Davis Health last year? Or which five are the most common? Here is a snapshot of the critical contributions of our dedicated lab professionals as we celebrate Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, April 24-30, 2022.
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April 18, 2022Pathology Professor Nam Tran chosen Parade Marshal for UC Davis Picnic Day
Nam Tran, UC Davis Health professor of clinical pathology, will be leading Picnic Day celebrations April 23 as Parade Marshal. This is the first time since 2019 that the revered annual campus celebration will be held in person.
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April 01, 2022Lessons from the ‘long COVID’ clinic
Doctors who treat long COVID are trying to understand the mysterious syndrome that can follow infections, such as why some patients with mild illness experience ongoing breathing problems and why some with severe disease end up with no lung scarring.
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March 2022
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March 08, 2022UC Davis and Pfizer partner on two new COVID-19 booster vaccine clinical trials
UC Davis Health is partnering with Pfizer on two new clinical trials. They are recruiting double-vaccinated healthy adults to assess the efficacy of different booster doses. They’re also testing heart muscle protein levels after a Pfizer booster shot.
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March 02, 2022
Vulnerable groups receive COVID-19 shots from UC Davis Health, thanks to federal grant
Supported by a $5 million federal grant, the UC Davis Center for Reducing Health Disparities leads an effort to offer COVID-19 vaccines to African Americans and Latino farmworkers. These two groups are still hesitant about the vaccine or have difficulty accessing it.
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February 2022
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February 15, 2022What is the link between vitamin D levels and COVID-19?
UC Davis Health’s Chief of Infectious Diseases Stuart Cohen answered some commonly asked questions about the connection between vitamin D levels and COVID-19. A recent study has shown a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 severity and mortality.
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February 11, 2022
11 things doctors have learned about long COVID
Fatigue is the number one symptom, and exercise and antidepressants help some patients with long COVID. UC Davis Health experts share what they’ve learned about long COVID, the perplexing illness that can follow a COVID-19 infection.
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February 10, 2022
6 hacks to outdoor-ify your indoors to reduce COVID-19 spread
Two years into the pandemic, the science proves that outside is safer than inside for COVID-19 transmission But how can you reduce your COVID risk inside, if you are with people who are not from your household? Experts say: Improve the ventilation in your home.
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February 09, 2022UC Davis engineered antibody helps block SARS-CoV-2 transmission
An antibody engineered by researchers at UC Davis Health can directly interfere with the cell-to-cell transmission ability of SARS-CoV-2. The approach could be added to existing antibody cocktails for added function against emerging variants.
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February 07, 2022
How to do an at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen test correctly
At-home rapid antigen tests are a key tool in stopping the spread of COVID-19, but it’s important they are used properly. UC Davis Health pediatric nurse Claudio Alvarado shares a step-by-step guide to doing a test.
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February 02, 2022
4 things the Black population needs to know about COVID-19
COVID-19 has disproportionately affected the Black population in the U.S., leading to more infections, hospitalizations and deaths, compared to the white population. Pediatrician Michael Lucien, associate medical director of the UC Davis Heath Community Physicians Group, shares his top 4 takeaways.
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February 02, 2022
Why MIS-C is a life-threatening COVID-19 complication that parents don’t want to miss (video)
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) often strikes when many families least expect it – after a child has recovered from COVID-19 infection. Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, answers common questions about this life-threatening complication.
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January 2022
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January 26, 2022
How at-home rapid COVID tests can help families stay safe during Omicron (video)
At-home COVID-19 antigen tests have been flying off store shelves as more people are being exposed to the highly infectious Omicron variant. UC Davis pediatrician Ivan Marquez answers questions about how COVID testing can be another valuable tool for families during the pandemic.
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January 25, 2022Pfizer’s new COVID antiviral pill Paxlovid now available for limited use
UC Davis Medical Center is now using Pfizer’s new COVID antiviral pill Paxlovid in patients at high risk of COVID complications. The pill, which can be taken at home, has been shown to dramatically decrease the risk of hospitalization and death.
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January 20, 2022UC Davis researchers dissect COVID-19’s impact on sense of smell
UC Davis researchers are studying the way in which COVID-19 often disrupts a person’s sense of smell. The hope is to better understand the impact and identify treatments that could alleviate for the condition.
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January 18, 2022UC Davis Medical Center sets record for COVID-19 patients amid Omicron surge
UC Davis Medical Center is reporting its highest-ever number of COVID-19 patients. As of Jan. 18, there were 126 patients with active COVID-19 – a 300% increase since Jan. 1. Admissions of both pediatric and adult patients have spiked in recent days.
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January 14, 2022Which mask protects best against the Omicron variant?
With the highly contagious COVID-19 Omicron variant surging, many people are reconsidering the type of mask they wear. A UC Davis Health infectious diseases expert has advice about when to wear cloth, surgical, N95 or KN95 masks.
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January 11, 2022International study identifies predictors of severe outcomes in children with COVID-19
A new international study done by researchers at three academic medical institutions, including UC Davis Health, analyzed the impact of COVID-19 infection in children and identified their risk of severe outcomes.
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January 07, 2022Omicron: 10 things to know about the very contagious COVID-19 variant
As Omicron surges around the world, we all have questions about symptoms, testing, masking and more. UC Davis Health experts share what’s known so far about the highly infectious COVID-19 variant.
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January 05, 2022
The best birthday gift: Man in hospital for a year finally gets to see his 4 children together
A long-term patient who hadn’t seen his children together in more than a year was treated to a birthday celebration in his hospital bed outside UC Davis Medical Center, thanks to a dedicated team of caregivers
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December 2021
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December 29, 2021UC Davis leads grassroots effort to screen migrant workers and their families for COVID-19
UC Davis Health with the support of community partners has tested more than 17,000 farm laborers, other essential workers and their families for COVID-19 in a crucial effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus among vulnerable populations.
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December 29, 2021Emergency Department sees record number of patients
UC Davis Medical Center experienced an all-time high number of patients triaged in the Emergency Department this week. Providers treated over 300 patients, including an influx of people seeking Covid-19 testing.
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December 22, 2021Upcoming webinar discusses effects of COVID-19 on African American/Black population
UC Davis Health pediatrician Michael Lucien and social justice leader Denisha “Coco” Bland will host a free webinar via Zoom to discuss the effects of COVID-19 on African American and Black populations and offer strategies and solutions to help.
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December 20, 2021UCOP requires COVID-19 booster for UC health care workers
The Office of the President released a statement that, under the University of California’s existing COVID-19 vaccination policy, UC health care workers are to receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Employees must be compliant no later than Jan. 31, 2022. The policy is subject to the same exemptions and deferrals.
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December 17, 2021
Rising COVID-19 hospitalizations indicate possible new surge
COVID-19 hospitalizations are increasing at UC Davis Medical Center, indicating a possible new surge following travel and indoor gatherings at Thanksgiving. UC Davis Health infectious disease experts urge the community to continue using prevention strategies.
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December 17, 2021
New platform uses machine-learning and mass spectrometer to rapidly process COVID-19 tests
UC Davis Health and SpectraPass are conducting a study in Sacramento and Las Vegas to evaluate a new COVID-19 test. The idea behind the novel platform is a scalable system that can rapidly perform on-site tests for potentially thousands of people.
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December 15, 2021A dose of hope: One year after the COVID-19 vaccine’s arrival, everything has changed
On the one-year anniversary of the arrival of the first COVID-19 vaccine at UC Davis Health, health care workers reflect on the momentous event and the changes that the vaccine has prompted in the hospital and in their own lives.
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December 03, 2021
The COVID-19 Omicron variant: An infectious disease expert explains what we know so far
UC Davis Health’s Chief of Infectious Diseases Stuart Cohen explains what’s known – and what’s not – about the new COVID-19 Omicron variant, including why vaccinations and booster shots are as important as ever.
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December 01, 2021New study shows vaccinated health care workers at low risk of transmitting COVID-19
A new study by infectious disease experts Sarah Waldman and Stuart Cohen shows vaccinated health care workers with breakthrough COVID-19 infections are at a low risk of transmitting the virus to patients and colleagues in a healthcare setting. Infection prevention strategies were key.
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November 2021
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November 15, 2021
Your top COVID-19 questions, answered by White House Chief Science Officer David Kessler
David Kessler, the chief science officer and leader in COVID-19 efforts, provided insights on the rise of mental health issues, COVID vaccines for kids, booster shots, the new oral antiviral drugs, and the rare vaccine side effects.
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November 15, 2021New study shows UC System mitigation efforts reduced campus COVID-19 infection rates
A new study shows that mitigation efforts to reduce COVID-19 on the 10 University of California campuses during the fall of 2020 minimized campus transmission and outbreaks and limited spread to surrounding communities.
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November 08, 2021Experts say monoclonal antibody treatment is not a substitute for COVID-19 vaccines
Monoclonal antibody treatments have been shown to reduce COVID-19-related hospitalization or deaths in high-risk patients. But UC Davis Health infectious disease experts explain why they’re not a replacement for the COVID-19 vaccine.
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November 03, 2021
Experts answer parents’ questions about COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5-11
The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control have approved COVID-19 vaccinations for kids ages 5-11. A UC Davis Health pediatrician and epidemiologist share their insights about the illness and the vaccine for this age group.
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November 02, 2021What to know about Merck's COVID-19 treatment pill
UC Davis Health infectious diseases specialist George Thompson answered some commonly asked questions about Merck’s new COVID-19 pill. The medication could be given in the days after COVID-19 symptoms arise to prevent severe disease.
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October 2021
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October 29, 2021Volunteers reduce barriers to care by providing COVID-19 shots at local schools
The volunteer-driven effort to give COVID-19 shots in medically underserved areas of Sacramento County took its pop-up clinic to Cristo Rey High School this week. Students were able to get the vaccine in the convenience of their own campus.
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October 20, 2021School of Medicine leads effort to vaccinate vulnerable people who lack access to care
A volunteer-driven effort led by the UC Davis School of Medicine to vaccinate people in medically underserved communities against COVID-19 has resulted in hundreds of shots administered across Sacramento County. They’ve been given in grocery stores, apartment complexes and a farmers market.
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October 08, 2021Twindemic warning: COVID-19 and flu season will collide this winter
We asked Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, for his advice on how we can keep ourselves safe and healthy through the impending “twindemic” of COVID and flu season.
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September 2021
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September 29, 2021
UC Davis School of Medicine tests potential COVID-19 treatments and vaccines
The UC Davis School of Medicine is partnering with drug developers and funding agencies to find and test potential therapies and vaccines to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
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September 24, 2021UC Davis Health begins giving Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 booster to broader group
UC Davis Health began administering third Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to patients at its area clinics and to employees on the medical campus, following recommendations by the CDC.
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September 21, 202193% of UC Davis Health employees vaccinated against COVID-19
93% of UC Davis Health employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, just weeks after a new University of California vaccine mandate kicked in. The health system is a leader in vaccine compliance, ahead of a new state mandate for health care workers that takes effect Sept. 30.
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September 09, 2021More options than ever for at-home and community COVID-19 tests
COVID-19 testing has become widely available, with free community PCR testing and over-the-counter antigen tests you can purchase to take at home. But which type of test should you use and when? And if you are vaccinated, do you need to be testing at all? Two UC Davis Health experts offer updates and advice.
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September 02, 2021Heart inflammation, COVID-19 and the rare side effects of the vaccine
UC Davis Health Cardiologist Nayereh Pezeshkian discusses COVID-19, its impact on the heart, and the rare risk of developing heart complications after a COVID-19 vaccine.
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August 2021
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August 20, 2021Health experts answer questions about COVID-19 and back-to-school safety
UC Davis experts Dean Blumberg and Lena van der List will be answering questions in a virtual Q&A session, “COVID-19 and Children: Vaccines and Back to School,” on Monday, Aug. 30 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
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August 19, 2021Vaccine slashed COVID-19 rates among UC Davis Medical Center employees
A recently released study by UC Davis Health researchers reviews the incidence of COVID-19 illness among health care workers and documents the dramatic reductions in illness after vaccines were administered.
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August 17, 2021Tips to help kids with autism transition back to in-person school
As kids head back to full-day, in-person school for the first time in over a year, things will look different. The transition is challenging for many students, particularly those with neurodevelopmental conditions. MIND Institute experts have some tips to help.
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August 17, 2021Third dose COVID-19 'booster' shots available for patients with compromised immune systems
Patients whose immune systems are compromised are at higher risk of complications from COVID-19. Now UC Davis Health is offering a protective third shot to immunocompromised patients who received initial doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Here’s who qualifies for the “booster.”
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August 13, 2021UC Davis School of Medicine partners with Pfizer to study COVID-19 booster vaccine
UC Davis Health has chosen 60 people to participate in a clinical trial to determine if a Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot is necessary, safe and effective. The participants are among 225 who signed up more than a year ago for the clinical trial that led to the FDA Emergency Use Authorization of the Pfizer vaccine.
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August 13, 2021New visitor and masking rules for cancer center take effect Aug. 16
The highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant is prompting new visitor and masking rules starting Aug. 16 for people accompanying patients to the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center.
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August 13, 2021Emergency Department sees highest number of COVID-19 cases so far in 2021
After seeing the lowest number of COVID-19 patients for the year in June, the Emergency Department at UC Davis Medical Center saw the highest number for the year during the first week in August. Physicians report the majority of people seeking treatment are unvaccinated. They are also younger.
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August 10, 2021Patient shuns COVID-19 vaccine, then changes mind after hospitalization
Saul Torres skipped the COVID-19 vaccine because he didn’t believe in it, but then he was hospitalized with complications prompted by the virus. Now he’s urging everyone to get the shot.
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August 10, 2021Hospital visitors must show proof of vaccination; unvaccinated/partially vaccinated individuals must have negative test, starting Aug. 11
In accordance with a California Department of Public Health order, UC Davis Medical Center will require visitors to present either proof of vaccination or, for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals, documentation of a recent negative COVID-19 test.
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August 04, 20219 things to know about COVID-19 and the Delta variant as kids return to school (video)
The Sacramento area is seeing more cases of COVID-19 and the highly contagious Delta variant. What does this mean for students who are slated to be back on campus, especially those too young to be vaccinated?
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July 2021
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July 30, 2021When should you wear a mask to protect against the Delta variant? (video)
The guidelines about when to mask up to protect yourself against COVID-19 have changed quite a bit with the spread of the Delta variant. A UC Davis Health expert weighs in on why masking is important, who should be doing it and when.
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July 28, 2021The truth behind COVID-19 vaccines and women’s health
Misinformation is spreading on the Internet regarding the COVID-19 vaccines and how they may affect women’s health. We asked Clara Paik, clinic medical director of obstetrics and gynecology and the co-division director of University Women’s Health, to answer some frequently asked questions about women’s health and the COVID vaccine.
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July 22, 20218 things health experts want you to know about the Delta variant
UC Davis Health experts are warning a Sacramento-area COVID-19 surge is likely in the coming weeks. Infections are rising, due largely to the highly transmissible Delta variant and low vaccination rates, which are around 50% in the region.
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July 16, 2021Travel tips to stay healthy this summer during the pandemic
Travel plans this summer should include staying updated on changing COVID-19 conditions and being ready to change or cancel your trip. Vaccinated travelers have less to worry about but still need to be prepared.
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July 15, 2021COVID-19 and the Delta variant: What you need to know (video)
The Delta variant is now the dominant strain of COVID-19 in California and the U.S. It’s highly infectious, but epidemiologists say current vaccines are providing sufficient protection against illness and hospitalization.
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July 07, 2021U.S. saw surge in firearm purchases and violence during first months of COVID-19 pandemic
Firearm purchases and firearm violence surged during the first five months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Firearm purchases increased by 85% and interpersonal firearm injuries increased by 27%. Approximately 9.3 million firearms were purchased during this period.
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July 01, 2021Fireworks can be fun but dangerous: How to stay safe this July 4th
Fireworks are a Fourth of July highlight. They’re also the cause of serious injuries every year. UC Davis Health experts urge extreme caution when using fireworks and offer tips for staying safe while celebrating during COVID-19.
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June 2021
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June 24, 2021Study confirms the low likelihood that SARS-CoV-2 on hospital surfaces is infectious
A new study confirms the low likelihood that coronavirus contamination on hospital surfaces is infectious. The study is the original report on recovering near-complete SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences directly from surface swabs.
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June 24, 2021New COVID-19 vaccine clinic for people with autism, other neurodevelopmental conditions (video)
The UC Davis MIND Institute is offering a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. The clinic will offer a comfortable experience for families, including sensory support and specially trained staff.
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June 16, 2021Managing your re-entry anxiety
California lifted most of its COVID-19 restrictions, but many people are not ready to return to “normal.” Angela Drake, a clinical neuropsychologist, explains why we won’t change our behaviors overnight and provides tips for managing re-entry anxiety.
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June 15, 2021California’s COVID-19 reopening: what you need to know (video)
After more than a year, California lifts most COVID-19 restrictions today (June 15). The changes will affect mask-wearing, businesses, gatherings and more. A UC Davis Health expert explains what you should know about the changes.
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June 08, 2021Pandemic inspires trio to provide for the underserved in Knights Landing (video)
Three friends connected to UC Davis wanted to help underserved families in Knights Landing during the pandemic, so they've set up a table each Sunday filled with groceries, baby supplies, pet food and other items - all free for the community.
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June 04, 2021Emergency department nurse promotes COVID-19 vaccines on TV with Gov. Gavin Newsom
Claudio Alvarado, an assistant nurse manager in the pediatric emergency department, appeared on stage with California Gov. Gavin Newsom to promote the state’s new Vax for the Win vaccine incentive program.
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When to contact your provider
If you're experiencing serious symptoms of illness, contact your primary care provider. UC Davis Health patients can use the MyUCDavisHealth symptom tracker to help evaluate their status and whether to seek help. Telehealth video visits and Express Care are also available.
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, please see current testing information.
If you have a medical emergency, call 911 and notify them of your COVID-19 symptoms.
Visitor Policies
To help limit spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we have new policies for visits to our hospital and outpatient clinics.