Delta Variant, Mask Mandate, and other COVID-19 Updates

Below is a summary of the virtual Town Hall that took place on Monday, August 2. You can watch the full video by clicking the image below.

New Mask Mandate for Indoor Public Settings

Starting August 3, masks are now required in most indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status. This decision was agreed upon by health officers throughout the Bay Area in response to surging cases caused by the Delta variant (more details on Delta below). Specifically, the new health order “directs that face coverings shall be worn, regardless of vaccination status, over the mouth and nose, in all indoor public settings, venues, gatherings, and workplaces, such as, but not limited to: offices, retail stores, restaurants and bars, theaters, family entertainment centers, conference and event centers, and government offices serving the public.” The order also requires businesses to require patrons to wear face coverings and post easy to read signage regarding the mask mandate, and strongly encourages businesses to provide face coverings free of charge. Read the health order for additional details, including limited exemptions.

Case, Hospitalization, and Vaccine Updates

As of Sunday, August 1, there have been 4,009 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Berkeley and 50 deaths. This is an increase of 329 cases over the last 30 days. The unadjusted case rate is currently 13.55 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), an increase from 0.60 during the last town hall on June 28th. You can read the latest numbers on our COVID-19 dashboard.

There are 179 people currently hospitalized in Alameda County, 49 of which are in ICUs. This is an increase of 134 hospitalizations and 32 ICUs since June 27th. All Berkeley residents who are hospitalized are unvaccinated.

Current reporting of vaccination data shows that 69% of Berkeley residents 12 and older are fully vaccinated. However, the actual number is likely over 80% due to disparities in recording of individuals affiliated with UC Berkeley (students are counted in the population, but not in our vaccination totals). Both the UC and CSU systems are requiring all students, staff, and faculty to be vaccinated as a requirement for being on campus. We hope to get more accurate data on our vaccination rates later this month (students return starting August 16, the first day of class is on August 25th). If you or someone you know has not yet gotten vaccinated, you can find a vaccine site here.

Delta Variant Information

In July, the Delta variant accounted for 84.4% of COVID-19 cases in California. In June it was 53.1%, and in May it was 5.9%. The current surge is even higher than summer 2020's surge. The significant surge in cases is due to the Delta variant being significantly more contagious than other variants, with studies suggesting on average, one person spreads it to eight others, making it as contagious as chickenpox. And like chickenpox, there is a safe and effective vaccine that can protect people from it. While breakthrough cases do happen, and concerningly those who are vaccinated can still transmit it to others, the reality is the spread is being driven by unvaccinated people. Over 99% of hospitalizations and virtually all deaths are attributed to unvaccinated people.

All viruses naturally mutate over time, and COVID-19 is no exception. Multiple COVID-19 variants have emerged over the last 18 months, with varying degrees of contagability. But it cannot be stressed enough that Delta is significantly worse than other variants. It can carry up to 1,000 times more virus in people’s nasal passages, meaning that if an infected person without a mask sneezes in a room with people without masks, it is very likely that those people will become infected. Some studies suggest that not only is it significantly more contagious, it may also be deadlier. Taking simple steps such as getting vaccinated, masking up, and practicing social distancing and good hygiene will not only slow the spread of Delta, but also lower the risk of a new variant emerging that is even worse than Delta.

Other Updates

  • Be sure to get information about COVID-19 and vaccines from trusted sources. False information has been circulating claiming many people are dying shortly after taking the vaccine. You will not die as a result of getting the vaccine, but 4.24 million people have died from COVID-19 worldwide. Vaccines are safe, effective, and prevent death.

  • Last week, the State announced that vaccines or regular testing is required for State employees and healthcare workers. I personally support this and believe the City should require City employees, especially public facing workers, be vaccinated or take regular testing. I encourage businesses to do the same, especially in places where people are closely gathered.

  • The original federal eviction moratorium expired, but a new federal moratorium is expected to be announced shortly. State and local moratoriums remain in effect. In Berkeley, our eviction moratorium is tied with the local state of emergency, which we have no intent on ending as long as COVID-19 remains a significant threat to our community. For additional information for tenants and landlords, click here.

  • We are currently reviewing options of having hybrid City meetings, including Council meetings. Currently, meetings remain virtual and will continue to until it is safe to meet in person. Efforts are underway to transition to a hybrid system once it is safe to meet in-person.

  • BUSD classes will begin on August 16th. For the latest information from the school district regarding COVID-19 and safety protocols, click here.

Jesse Arreguin