Vaccines, Masks, and other COVID-19 Updates
Below is a summary of the virtual Town Hall that took place on Monday, May 17. You can watch the full video by clicking the image below.
Case, Testing, and Hospitalization Updates
As of Sunday, May 16, there have been 3,606 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Berkeley and 45 deaths. This is an increase of 82 cases over the last 30 days. The unadjusted case rate is currently 1.90 new cases per day per 100,000 people (this statistic is based on last week’s seven day average as cases reported can fluctuate in the most recent days), a decrease from 3.84 during the last town hall on April 19th. You can read the latest numbers on our COVID-19 dashboard.
Hospitalizations in Alameda County are stable compared to last month, with 74 people currently hospitalized, 19 of which are in ICUs. During the last town hall on April 19th, there were also 74 hospitalizations, 22 of which were in ICUs.
There have been 365,499 tests conducted on Berkeley residents since records began on March 2, 2020 with a seven day average positivity rate of 0.21% and a seven day average of 939 tests conducted per day. For information on how to get tested, click here.
Vaccine Updates
As of Monday, May 17, 138,950 doses of vaccine have been administered to Berkeley residents, and 60% of Berkeley residents aged 16 or older have become fully vaccinated (having received two doses or one dose of Johnson & Johnson). Vaccines are currently available to anyone aged 16 or over. The Pfizer vaccineis available to anyone aged 12 and over.
There are multiple ways to receive a vaccine:
Healthcare providers:
Pharmacies:
Additional information about vaccines can be found here. If you have received your first dose but have not gotten contacted about setting up an appointment for a second dose, or need to reschedule, email covid19@cityofberkeley.info or call 510-981-2489.
Masks and June 15th Reopening
Currently, vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask outdoors, except for in crowded settings, and do not need to wear a mask indoors when with other fully vaccinated people, or visiting unvaccinated people from a single household. People who are not vaccinated need to continue wearing a mask indoors with other unvaccinated people and outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Details on masks can be found here.
The State of California has said it will implement the latest CDC guidelines which relaxes mask mandates for vaccinated people beginning on June 15th. Under the new guidelines, vaccinated people will no longer need to mask up in most situations. The rationale for the four week wait according to the State is to allow time for more Californians to get vaccinated, which will reduce the likelihood of another surge when further relaxations go into effect.
June 15th is the date in which the tiered system under the Blueprint for a Safer Economy will sunset, allowing many activities across California to resume to pre-pandemic levels. Additional details are expected in the coming weeks.
Other Updates
Libraries will be making an announcement this week that three locations will open by June 15th for in-person. Online services and book reservations currently available. Library updates will be posted here.
UC Berkeley's summer session will be mostly online. Undergrad programs will be fully online. Some grad programs may be in person, but very limited. Fall semester will be in-person, and vaccinations will be required. Updates on the University's response to COVID-19 here.
Most summer and fall festivals will go forward with modifications. Summer programs/camps are going forward and slots are still available. Details here.
The City's eviction moratorium is tied to our local State of Emergency, and there are currently no plans to sunset. We are looking into addressing the broader issue of rent debt. Additional information on rental assistance can be found here.
Local and state governments are not planning on requiring proof of vaccination, but private businesses are allowed to do so, such as a requirement for attending sports games. You can take a picture of your vaccination card so you don't need to carry the card with you.
We are getting ready to reopen public buildings to the public. Additional updates will be made available as to when this will happen once we get further details from the State. City services remain available online.