Whether you are on-site at the Lab for an hour or for the day, EH&S has created new work controls to help you stay healthy. They include maintaining a minimum six-foot distance between you and other people, frequent handwashing, and cleaning and sharing work tools. Read the work controls. https://drive.google.com/file/d/10IvdIxiHMFHl6aQl9A0XuLAWk-Z_5-Wz/view
Changes to Health Savings and Reimbursement Accounts
The new Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act contains provisions that will affect Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Also, under existing rules, changes to FSA contributions or enrollment may be possible. https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/2020/03/new-rules-for-tax-advantaged-accounts-in-response-to-covid-19.html
UC Health Plans Respond to COVID-19
UC’s health plans are closely monitoring and following local, state, and federal guidelines to make sure members receive the best possible medical care if needed. Read the update about how UC’s health plans are working to protect you and your family members. https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/2020/03/your-health-plans-response-to-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak.html
Zoom Replay: Supporting Those on the Front Line
View the replay of a discussion led by Craig Mielcarski, Director of UC Berkeley’s Employee Assistance Program, on ways you can support the emotional well-being of family and friends who are front-line workers against COVID-19. This is a recording of the session that occurred on Monday, March 30. https://youtu.be/gCe1YQgI1XI
Virtual Yoga Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Learn yoga to support your wellness. Join the Lab’s Wes Bethel on Zoom every Tuesday and Wednesday at noon for a free yoga class. Tuesday’s classes are for the beginning student, and Wednesday’s classes are for those more familiar with yoga. Yoga is a great family activity as well. https://yoga.lbl.gov/#h.p_so7vfKcpWK9y
24-Hour Access to Emotional Support
Optum Behavioral Health is offering public access to their free Emotional Support Help Line for those experiencing anxiety or stress related to COVID-19. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-866-342-6892. https://www.optum.com/covid-19/covid-19-emotional-support.html
Zoom Replay: ergo@home with Melanie Alexandre
The Lab’s ergo specialist Melanie Alexandre led a Zoom session on to how to best set up your home workspace following ergonomic guidelines, and how to order any needed ergonomic equipment. See what creative solutions Melanie has to provide the best set-up for your home workspace. https://youtu.be/dR1Qnn94h2o
Zoom Replay: Put On Your Emotional Oxygen Mask
Craig Mielcarski, Director of UC Berkeley’s Employee Assistance Program, held a webinar on staying emotionally healthy during times of uncertainty. Watch the replay and learn some tips for keeping you and your family healthy. Tip: Put on your mask first to stay healthy to help others.
Status of COVID-19 at the Lab
We have had no confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection at the Lab. In an email to Lab staff, Deputy Lab Director for Operations Michael Brandt describes what happens when someone at the Lab has a concern about potential COVID-19 infection. https://stratcomm-elements.lbl.gov/2020/03/21/status-of-covid-19-at-the-lab/
Virtual Session: ergo@home with Melanie Alexandre
Join the Lab’s ergo specialist Melanie Alexandre on Tuesday, March 24 at 1 p.m. to learn how to best set up your home workspace and how to order any needed ergonomic equipment. Share your questions and see what creative solutions Melanie has to provide the best set-up for your home workspace. https://calendar.google.com/calendar/r/day/2020/3/24?eid=Mm9zaDR1N25hczFzZmtudnYwazMyMHNhanAgbGJsLmdvdl80czRycmcxMmw2ZXFnNm5jbWMya3QwdmNnZ0Bn&ctz=America/Los_Angeles&sf=true