How Worried Should You Be About the New Coronavirus Variant?

A mutated version of the novel coronavirus has been making the news for being more contagious. We asked UCSF infectious disease expert Charles Chiu, MD, PhD, how the new variant emerged, whether available vaccines will still work, and what we need to do now.

UCSF Administers Second Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine to Frontline Staff 

UCSF Medical Center has begun administering second doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to frontline employees who are at highest risk of exposure to COVID-19 at work. 

Seniors Living Alone with Cognitive Impairment Hit Hard by COVID-19 Pandemic 

Researchersare calling for tailored services and support for older adults living alone with memory issues, who are experiencing extreme isolation, and are exposed to misinformation about the virus and barriers to accessing medical care.  

Vaccination Begins at UCSF – A Watershed Moment in COVID-19 Pandemic

On a history-making day, UCSF began the first vaccinations of its critical health care workforce, including both clinical and non-clinical staff whose work places them at heightened risk of infection by COVID-19.

Wearable Sensor May Signal You’re Developing COVID-19 – Even If Your Symptoms Are Subtle  

The device, which may be a better illness indicator than a thermometer, could lead to earlier isolation and testing, curbing the spread of infectious diseases.

Latinx Low-Income Workers Hardest Hit by SF COVID-19 Surge

COVID-19 infections are once again rising at an alarming rate in San Francisco’s Latinx community, predominantly among low-income essential workers, according to results of a massive community-based testing blitz conducted before and after the Thanksgiving holiday.

New COVID-19 Testing Approach Measures Patients’ Immune Response for Better Diagnosis 

This type of test could be used as a check against possible errors generated by the standard tests that directly detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the scientists said.

UCSF Contracts With Color to Expand Access to Free COVID-19 Testing for Employees and Students 

UC San Francisco has contracted with the health technology company to expand access to free COVID-19 testing for employees and students. 

UCSF Health Joins Top U.S. Hospitals for National #MaskUp Campaign Amid COVID-19 Surge

UCSF Health has joined 100 of the nation’s top health care systems, representing thousands of hospitals nationwide, in launching a national campaign urging people to wear a face mask.

Holiday Gatherings During COVID-19: What Doctors Say About Traveling and Family Events

After months of being separated, many families and friends are pondering whether they want to attempt spending the holidays together while doing their best to not spread coronavirus or if they should skip the gatherings altogether for the safety of themselves and others.