First Coronavirus Case in Berkeley - What You Need to Know

March 3, 2020

Illustration of a coronavirus. Credit: CDC/ Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAM

Illustration of a coronavirus. Credit: CDC/ Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAM

Today, City of Berkeley Health Officer Dr. Lisa Hernandez announced that a resident tested positive for COVID-19, a new coronavirus spreading around the world and for which everyone should prepare locally.

The resident returned to Berkeley on February 23 from one of the growing number of countries with a COVID-19 outbreak. Concerned about being exposed through travel, the resident largely stayed at home in a voluntary self-imposed quarantine.

The City activated its Emergency Operations Center over a month ago to prepare for this kind of case, and staff will be doing more as more cases emerge. The best thing people can do is follow medical advice from our Health Officer and the CDC: act now to improve hygiene and prepare for the future.

For more information on this case, click here.

Our Public Health Division has also set up a page that provides details on COVID-19, and what you can do to protect yourself. The most important thing you can do is practice simple hygienic behaviors, including:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

  • Don't touch your face with unwashed hands.

  • Use alcohol based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available. Look for one with at least 60% alcohol.

  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.

Currently, the CDC does not recommend wearing a mask unless you are a person that is sick or a medical provider who is in close contact with infected individuals.

Even with this first confirmed case, the Public Health Division has announced that the current risk to the general public in Berkeley of getting COVID-19 is low. I encourage people to bookmark the City's web page on coronavirus to receive regular updates.

Additionally, Dr. Lisa Hernandez will be hosting a Twitter town hall on Friday, March 6th at noon to answer your questions about COVID-19. You can send your questions to @CityofBerkeley using the hashtag #BerkCOVID19 or submit anonymously here.

Jesse Arreguin