Updated Health Order in Effect and Other COVID-19 Updates

 
 

Proof of Vaccination Expanded to Children 5+, Certain Employees Need Booster

Today an updated Health Order goes into effect, which expands proof of vaccination requirements to children ages 5 and up, and expands vaccine requirements for certain employees to require a booster shot.

To access certain businesses, people aged 5 and older are required to be “fully vaccinated”, defined as 14 days after the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine or 14 days after the second shot of the two-dose Moderna or Pfizer vaccines. Specifically, the businesses required to request proof of vaccination are as follows:

  • Places serving food or drinks, such as restaurants, bars, clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues.

  • Places where patrons do cardiovascular, aerobic, strength training, or other exercise involving elevated breathing, including gyms, recreation centers, fitness clubs, and strength training facilities

  • Large indoor events of 500 people or more - except where tickets were sold before Jan. 27, 2022

Venues must check vaccine verification with a photo ID. For a minor's ID, venues should try their best to verify vaccination against a photo ID, such as one from a school, or otherwise use a parent or guardian's verbal confirmation.

Businesses not included in the above list can still ask for proof of vaccination if they would like to do so. Additionally, businesses can choose to expand the criteria for proof of vaccination to “up to date”, meaning they have been boosted if it has been more than five months since their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or more than two months after the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine.

Employees at the following businesses must be “up to date” (having a booster shot once eligible) on their vaccinations:

  • Restaurants and other facilities where food or drink is served indoors

  • Gyms, recreation facilities, yoga studios and other fitness establishments

  • Indoor events of 500 people or more

  • Adult care facilities

  • Adult day programs

  • Dental offices

  • Pharmacies

  • Home health care workers and those employing health care workers

  • All public and private childcare facilities

This must include all employees, contractors, and volunteers as well as those custodians, maintenance and other workers who enter those businesses, including after hours.

Those workers who assert a sincerely held religious belief must provide a signed letter under penalty of perjury. Those employees who assert a medical condition must provide a letter signed by a licensed medical provider. In either case, the person would also have to provide negative test results on a weekly basis.

Where to get Vaccinated and Tested

While not mandated, businesses are strongly encouraged to check for booster shots when checking your proof of vaccination. Getting boosted once eligible is the best way to ensure that you are not turned away at a business that requires this, and to minimize your risk of infection and serious illness from COVID-19. Getting a vaccine, whether it is your first dose or a booster, is easier than ever. In most cases, vaccination appointments are available within a week or less. To find a vaccination site and schedule an appointment, click here.

Testing has proven to be an effective tool at slowing the spread of COVID-19. For the latest information on how and when to get tested, click here. Additionally, the federal government is providing four free tests per household. To get yours, order here. Allow 7-12 days for shipping.

Latest COVID-19 Updates

As of February 6, 2022, there have been 11,533 cases of COVID-19 in Berkeley, with an average of 63 cases per day over the last week. Additional data and statistics can be found on the City’s COVID-19 dashboard. There have been 57 deaths. Over 99% of the hospitalizations and all deaths of Berkeley residents are in unvaccinated people.

Case rates in Berkeley and California are currently declining from the record high in late January. This surge was being driven by the highly contagious Omicron variant, which is able to bypass protections from two shots, although getting a booster shot significantly improves protection. Hospitalizations are also declining from their peak, with ICU cases peaking last week. Even though a lower percentage of people that contract the variant are hospitalized, the sheer number of people infected had brought these numbers up.

While Omicron may be in decline, this does not mean the end of the pandemic. A new variant can still emerge, and localized outbreaks are still possible. Health Orders will be updated based on the latest data, and we will update you whenever there is a new update.

Jesse Arreguin