As Omicron Surge Impacts Berkeley, Get Boosted and Tested
Updates on the Omicron Surge
We are in the midst of the largest surge since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, averaging over 100 new cases a day - and many home tests that are unreported. Hospitalizations are also rising, but not at a rate seen in other waves. Much of this can be attributed to the high vaccination rates in the region. While not a perfect protection against Omicron, vaccines have been proven to be effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalizations, and death. Over the next couple of weeks, it is extra important to take precautions and elect to avoid high-risk activities if possible, and please get vaccinated or boosted if not already. While it is not possible to see into the future, there is a general consensus among public health experts that this surge will begin to subside by the end of the month.
This week, the State extended its mask mandate through February 15th. While Berkeley has a separate Health Order for masks, it is in alignment with the State’s. Research is showing the cloth masks are not as effective against Omicron, and is recommended to wear at least a surgical mask; a KN95 mask is preferred. For additional information on masks, click here.
For additional updates, visit the City’s COVID-19 Dashboard, read my interview in Berkeleyside’s latest COVID-19 article, and find the latest COVID-19 news from the City of Berkeley here.
Testing and Vaccination Options
In addition to following social distancing protocols, the two best tools we have to combat the Omicron variant are vaccines and testing. I recognize and understand the frustrations many people may be experiencing in trying to find testing and vaccines due to skyrocketing demand. But relief is on the way. City staff have been working with our partners to expand testing capabilities at four testing sites in the city. The current testing sites are as follows:
Berkeley Adult School Parking Lot
1701 San Pablo Ave
Daily, 9am-4pm
West Berkeley Service Center
1900 6th St
Monday-Friday, 8am-12pm, 1pm-5pm, 6pm-8pm
Book an appointment online or at 888-634-1123
Harold Way Pop-up
Harold Way between Allston Way and Kittredge St, Downtown
Tuesday, 7am-7pm
Book an appointment online or at 888-634-1123
Meyer Sound Parking Lot
2832 San Pablo Ave
Wednesday, 7am-7pm
Book an appointment online or at 888-634-1123
More testing locations will open up in the coming weeks. Additionally, 3,000 iHealth Covid-19 Antigen Rapid tests were allocated to the City of Berkeley by the State for low income people, and will be made available to City of Berkeley community partners beginning this week. We are continuing efforts to procure additional tests, including awaiting allocations from the federal government that will be providing 500 million tests nationwide this month. For additional testing information and appointments, click here.
There are many ways for people to get a vaccine or a booster in Berkeley and neighboring cities. This week the CDC approved the use of booster shots for children aged 12-15. To review your options and book an appointment, click here.
BUSD Back to School Protocols
BUSD students returned to school on January 3rd. To prepare for the return from winter break, BUSD distributed 12,000 iHealth rapid home tests to students and staff. As of January 5th, approximately 60% of these tests have been returned with a 2% positivity rate. BUSD continues to offer a significant amount of testing for students and staff through the state testing program and has increased testing hours to accommodate increased demand. City staff has dedicated many hours to supporting BUSD with planning, testing, and response to allow schools to remain open.
If you or your child is associated with BUSD, you can sign up for testing here. Information on COVID-19 cases and data can be found on the BUSD COVID-19 Dashboard. Additional campus safety information can be found here.
UC Berkeley Back to School Protocols
The first day of instruction for the spring 2022 semester at UC Berkeley is January 18th. To get ready for this, the University has procured 60,000 rapid tests. All students, staff, and faculty are expected to get tested and provide a negative result before returning to campus. Students can register for a test through the e.Tang Portal. The University also has a policy of requiring a booster shot once eligible.
The latest information on the UC Berkeley’s response and requirements for staff and students can be found here. Information on COVID-19 cases and data can be found on the UC Berkeley COVID-19 Dashboard.