Catch Up on the Latest COVID-19 Updates

Below is a summary of the virtual Town Hall that took place on Monday, March 15. You can watch the full video by clicking the image below.

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Case, Testing, and Hospitalization Updates

As of Sunday, March 14, there have been 3,362 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Berkeley and 36 deaths. This is an increase of 233 cases over the last 30 days. The unadjusted case rate is currently 5.99 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 29.0 during the last town hall on February 22nd. You can read the latest numbers on our COVID-19 dashboard. Cases have significantly dropped over the last few weeks as the outbreak at UC Berkeley came under control.

Hospitalizations in Alameda County continue to decline, with 114 people currently hospitalized, 33 of which are in ICUs. There have been a total of 112 Berkeley residents who have been hospitalized during the pandemic.

There have been 271,980 tests conducted on Berkeley residents since records began on March 2, with a seven day average positivity rate of 0.34% and a seven day average of 1,287 tests conducted per day. For information on how to get tested, click here.

Vaccine Updates

As on Monday, March 15, 16% of Berkeley residents aged 16 or older have become fully vaccinated, and 32% have received at least one dose. In addition to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine is now available, which is a single dose vaccination. All vaccines have been proven effective at preventing death from COVID-19.

Starting this week, vaccine eligibility has expanded to people aged 16-64 with a preexisting condition that could increase the likelihood of experiencing complications from COVID-19. Transportation workers have also been added to the list. Additional information on who is currently eligible can be found here.

To receive a vaccine, it is recommended you contact your primary healthcare provider. If they are unable to provide the vaccine and you are in a group currently eligible, you can sign up through the City to add your name to the vaccine interest list, and you will receive an appointment based on your prioritization when available. 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.

Moving to the Red Tier

Last week, Berkeley and Alameda (and now all of the Bay Area) moved from the most restrictive Purple Tier into the Red Tier. This change lifts various restrictions on activities and businesses, specifically:

  • schools are allowed to reopen

  • groceries open at full capacity

  • indoor dining at 25% capacity

  • retail at 50% capacity

  • gyms at 10% capacity

While this movement into the Red Tier is reflective of our collective efforts to abide by social distancing guidelines and mask wearing, these efforts are still important in preventing a new surge in cases. Additional details on moving to the Red Tier can be found here.

Other Updates

  • Under the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act, the City of Berkeley will receive $68 million from the federal government to cover expenses accrued in responding to the emergency. This will be split by two payments over a 12 month period. Discussions on the City Budget are currently underway, and the public is invited to provide input at the Budget Committee, which meets on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 10am.

  • We are working with the School District to support and promote the reopening of our schools, and have weekly meetings between City and BUSD leadership to jointly provide communications to parents and the community.

  • For people who have been fully vaccinated (meaning two weeks after receiving their second dose, or two weeks after the Johnson &Johnson/Janssen vaccine), follow the CDC guidelines on activities you can participate in.

  • We are still accepting tax-deductible donations to the Berkeley Relief Fund. Consider part of your stimulus check to support Berkeley businesses and residents.

  • Enforcement of social distancing protocols are complaint driven. We are taking an educational approach, providing people with the tools needed to be in compliance. Staff frequently visit areas with multiple complaints. Call 311 or email covid19@cityofberkeley.info.

Jesse Arreguin