Expanded COVID-19 Testing, Volunteer Opportunities, and Next Town Hall
May 6, 2020
Berkeley COVID-19 Testing Site Expanded
Anyone in Berkeley with COVID-19 symptoms can now get tested for free at a City of Berkeley testing site.
The nine possible symptoms identified by the CDC include:
cough
shortness of breath
fever
chills
repeated shaking with chills
muscle pain
headache
sore throat
newly losing a sense of smell
If you have a health care provider, first call them to get tested as capacity has greatly expanded in recent weeks. Your provider will always be the source of any follow-up care or advice.
Those with or without a health care provider who have symptoms can call a City nurse who will screen calls. We will test symptomatic children who are at least 2 years old. A Berkeley Public Health nurse will screen callers and schedule an appointment at our West Berkeley site. To make an appointment, call 510-981-5380. The line is open Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm.
Volunteer and Donation Opportunities
We are so fortunate to live in a City full of compassionate people who want to give back to the community during these difficult times. A frequently asked question is what can people do to help out and support ongoing efforts to address the COVID-19 crisis. Below is a list of various ways you can make a difference:
Donate to the Berkeley Relief Fund
Thanks to a $3 million contribution from City Funds and almost $1 million in private donations, we have been able to support 352 businesses, 47 arts organizations, and dozens of tenants. With your help, we can make it to the $1 million mark in private donations by the end of the week. The amount we are able to fundraise directly correlates with our ability to provide support to businesses in a second round of funding. Donate today at www.berkeleyrelieffund.org.
Check out this video on why the Berkeley Relief Fund is so important to our community.
Transport Meals and Supplies
The Berkeley Mutual Aid Network is an evolving effort developed by volunteers in the community to get neighborly support to where it is needed most. Volunteers will be matched with an individual who is 60 years of age and older, immunocompromised and/or are experiencing homelessness or economic hardship. Volunteers will be responsible for coordinating the delivery of essential supplies, like food, toiletries, and prescriptions. Click here for more information and to apply.
Help Berkeley provides two meals a day from local restaurants for just $10. This service is available for those over 60, at-risk, in self-isolation, quarantined, or sick at home. They are currently looking for volunteers who can deliver these meals, along with various other tasks. Click here for more information and to apply.
Sew Masks
A group of volunteers have come together to sew masks for healthcare professionals. In the weeks since they have started, hundreds of masks have been made and donated to Alta Bates, Highland, Kaiser, John Muir, and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, among others. However, more masks are needed, with more requests coming in. More people are needed for sewing. Fabric supplies are already available. If you have basic sewing skills, contact makemasks94709@gmail.com. Please be patient while waiting for a response.
Donate Protective Equipment
The City is accepting donations of unopened protective equipment such as masks, gowns, gloves, hand sanitizer, and other supplies such as thermometers. If you have spare supplies, click here to donate.
Donate to the Food Bank
With many of our neighbors out of work or facing significant medical expenses due to COVID-19, food insecurity is rising. The Alameda County Community Food Bank distributes groceries to those in need. Every $1 you give to the food bank provides $7 worth of food to neighbors in need. Donate online, or enlist your friends and family to contribute with a virtual food drive. If you can help distribute food to families in the East Bay, contact volunteer@accfb.org and use the subject line "Food Distributions."
Donate Blood
Blood donations over the last couple of months have plummeted, but it is still critical that donations are made. If you are eligible to donate, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/ to make an appointment. The nearest location is the Oakland Blood Donation Center at 6230 Claremont Avenue, just a block south of the Berkeley/Oakland border.
Next Virtual Town Hall this Saturday
Join Mayor Jesse Arreguín, City Manager Dee Williams-Ridley, and Berkeley Health Officer Dr. Lisa Hernandez for a Virtual Town Hall where they will address the recently extended Shelter in Place order, and provide updates on the city’s response to COVID-19 and answer your questions.
What: Virtual Town Hall
When: Saturday, May 9, 12pm
Watch live at jessearreguin.com
Ask your questions by 9am Saturday morning at jessearreguin.com
COVID-19 Resources
Stay up to date with the latest information and resources.