Updated Shelter in Place Order Allows Curbside Retail
May 18, 2020
Updated Shelter in Place Order
Today, the City of Berkeley Health Officer released an updated Shelter in Place Order , in conjunction with other Health Officers representing six Bay Area Counties. The new update, which goes into effect Tuesday, May 19 and has no end date, allows the following businesses to reopen:
Retail stores for curbside or storefront pickup, and/or delivery only
Manufacturing businesses permitted to operate under the state Resilience Roadmap
Logistics and Warehousing permitted to operate under the state Resilience Roadmap
These businesses must implement Site Specific Protection Plans, as required by California’s Resilience Roadmap, as well as any local guidance issued by the City of Berkeley’s Public Health Division, to include the following elements:
Before re-opening, follow state Retail Industry Guidance.
implement measures to prevent customers from blocking pedestrian access or causing vehicle congestion while picking up goods.
limit the number of employees in enclosed areas, to ensure at least six feet of separation between employees.
Not allow a customer to enter a store authorized to operate at any time.
Not display goods at curbside
Additionally, tennis and pickleball courts may be used by members of different households or living units so long as no more than two people are present (i.e., singles tennis or pickleball).
Businesses and activities authorized under previous orders may continue.
Public or Private gatherings of any size remain prohibited.
Everyone should continue to stay and work at home as much as possible, wear a face covering outside their home, and stay at least six feet away from people outside their household.
Non-essential travel remains prohibited.
This new update is based on the latest data and cases showing that while we have successfully flattened the curve, a gradual return is needed to prevent a resurgence in cases. Data will continue to be closely monitored over the next couple of weeks to see if there are any changes in cases, all while testing continues to expand. Through this, we can continue to align ourselves with the State’s guidelines for reopening .
Berkeley has gone through many challenging times, from fires to earthquakes to more recently social unrest and unprecedented power outages. While this crisis is unlike anything we have seen in over 100 years, we are a resilient city that has stepped up to the challenge. I am inspired at not only the work of our city staff in their response, but to the many residents who have volunteered their time or made donations to help their neighbors and strangers get through this. I understand how difficult this has been for many of us - sheltering in place for over two months, the impacts on jobs and the economy. During the 1918 pandemic, actions to reopen too quickly resulted in a second, more deadly wave. But by continuing to follow these orders and learning from the mistakes of the 1918 pandemic, we will prevail.