California has Reopened. What Happens Now?
Today marks a new beginning for California and Berkeley as 15 months of COVID-19 related restrictions are lifted. So what does this all mean?
Berkeley is currently averaging less than one case of COVID-19 a day.
Current Status
Cases are at the lowest point in Berkeley and California since April 2020, with the City of Berkeley recording just eight cases in the first half of this month. This significant turnaround from the darkest days of the pandemic is due primarily to the proliferation of vaccines, in addition to everyone doing their part to follow social distancing and masking protocols. While the pandemic remains a serious concern on a worldwide scale, we are now in a position locally and regionally to further relax restrictions, many to pre-pandemic levels. However, it is strongly encouraged to get vaccinated if you have not already to ensure that we do not have to reimpose restrictions!
What Restrictions are Being Lifted?
The tiered system under the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, that provided a color coded chart based on the prevalence of the virus in each county, has now ended. As a result, most restrictions are now lifted, and most activities and businesses can return to normal operations. However, individual businesses may choose to include their own restrictions for safety reasons as they see fit, to protect their employees and the public, so it is best to carry a mask with you at all times.
A notable exception to the lifting of restrictions is mega events, which is defined as an indoor event with over 5,000 people or an outdoor event with over 10,000 people. For indoor events, verification is needed for vaccination or a pre-entry negative test. For outdoor events, this verification is not mandatory, but highly recommended. Attendees will also need to follow the California Department of Public Health’s mask guidance. Additional details can be found here.
What is the Mask Policy?
Masks will no longer be a requirement for people who are fully vaccinated, except in the following settings:
All public transit, including taxis and ride-shares
Indoors at K-12 schools, childcare, and other youth settings
Hospitals and healthcare settings, including long-term care facilities
Correction facilities and detention centers
Homeless shelters, emergency shelters, and cooling centers.
In Berkeley, masks will be required in public buildings such as City Hall
People who are not fully vaccinated (defined as two weeks after your final dose) are required to wear masks in all indoor settings. Businesses can make additional requirements for face masks. If you are not sure about the policy, assume that masks are required. For the full list and details about the mask policy, click here.
Are there Vaccine Requirements?
As mentioned above, the only vaccination requirement (which could also mean presenting a negative test verification) is for indoor mega events, and outdoor mega events if the organizers choose to do so. People who are not vaccinated face restrictions that vaccinated people do not have, notably wearing mask requirements previously mentioned. While vaccines are not required in general activities such as going to the grocery store or visiting public buildings, it cannot be stressed enough the importance of getting vaccinated and the efficacy and safety of the vaccines. As shown by our current case rates, the empirical evidence is crystal clear that vaccines are the best and easiest way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Employers should encourage as many employees as possible to get a vaccination, which is now easily available to anyone who is at least 12 years old almost any day of the week. For details on how to get your free vaccine, click here.
Where Can I Learn More?
All the rules can be found on the State’s Beyond the Blueprint webpage.
Alameda County is hosting two webinars to go over the new changes:
Community Town Hall
Today, June 15, 6pm-7:30pm
Register/submit questions here
Employer/Business Owner Town Hall
Monday, June 21, 6pm-7:30pm
Register/submit questions here
Our office will be hosting the final regularly scheduled COVID-19 Town Hall on Monday, June 28th at 6pm. Submit questions here.
Looking Forward
June 15 may be a key date in the reopening of the economy, but future changes are coming as California stabilizes in this “new normal” environment. Stay tuned for updates in the weeks and months ahead.
Thank you for your efforts in helping control the spread of COVID-19 during these unprecedented 15 months. While there is still a long way to go before the pandemic is over, our collective efforts have led us to this moment where we can resume many of the activities that we once took for granted. Continue to use common sense and get vaccinated if you have not already done so. Brighter days are ahead!