Updated Shelter in Place, New Voting Options, and More COVID-19 Updates

Below is a summary of the virtual Town Hall that took place on Monday, October 5. You can watch the full video by clicking the image below.

Case and Testing Updates

As of Monday, October 5, there have been 718 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Berkeley and nine deaths. This is an increase of 47 cases and one death over the last two weeks. We are currently averaging 3 new cases a day, which has been decreasing. 55,881 tests have been performed on Berkeley residents, averaging 733 tests a day. The positivity rate is now 1.4%, which has been steadily declining. For in-depth and updated statistics, visit our COVID-19 dashboard.

Testing has become more widely available over the last six weeks, with results being returned over a shorter period. The Curative kiosk will be returning to the Berkeley Adult School for appointments. For more details on testing, including setting an appointment, click here.

New Shelter in Place Order Beginning October 9th

Two weeks ago, Alameda County moved into tier two, the red tier, of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. This enabled Alameda County and the City of Berkeley to update our Shelter in Place Order with further relaxation. A new Shelter in Place Order was issued to reflect this on Friday which will go into effect on October 9th. Highlights of this order include:

  • Allowing elementary schools the option to open for in-class instruction beginning on October 13th. This will cover transitional kindergarten through 5th Grade. Middle and High Schools will remain closed for in-class instruction. For the latest updates from the Berkeley Unified School District, click here. If your child attends a private school, contact the school for updates.

  • Additional personal care services will be allowed to open on October 9, including body waxing, estheticians, massage therapy studios, nail salons, skin care and cosmetology services, electrologists, piercing shops, and tattoo parlors. Any personal services or treatments requiring staff or customers to remove their face covering are prohibited. Each industry will be required to follow requirements of the new health order as well as the state's Expanded Industry Guidance for Personal Care Services.

  • Museums, galleries, botanical gardens, and exhibition spaces may open outdoors or indoors at up to 25% of capacity. Museums, galleries, gardens, and exhibition spaces must follow State Industry Guidance for Outdoor Museums and Galleries.

  • Gyms, fitness centers, dance and yoga studios, and exercise class providers may open outdoors or indoors at up to 10% of capacity. All fitness facilities and providers must comply with State Fitness Facility Industry Guidance.

Voting in the Age of COVID-19

Voters will receive their ballots this week. Most polling locations will be closed due to COVID-19, but there are other options to vote beyond mailing your ballot through the USPS.

Ballot drop boxes will be available at the following locations in Berkeley. Currently, the drop boxes at City Hall and UC Berkeley are open. All other locations are in the process of being installed and should be open by early next week. For a map and status of the locations, visit the Registrar’s webpage on drop boxes.

  • Berkeley City Hall, 2180 Milvia St

  • Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue Ave

  • Frances Albrier Community Center, 2800 Park St

  • North Branch Library, 1170 The Alameda

  • UC Berkeley, Sproul Plaza between Sather Gate and Sproul Hall

  • West Branch Library, 1125 University Ave

Accessible Voting Locations (AVLs) will be at the following locations in Berkeley. For a map and status of the locations, visit the Registrar’s webpage on AVLs.

  • Berkeley High School, 1980 Allston Way

  • City of Berkeley Building (formerly Premier Cru), 1011 University Ave

  • Ed Roberts Campus, 3075 Adeline Ave

  • Epworth United Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St

  • Lawerence Hall of Science, 1 Centennial Dr

  • Longfellow Middle School, 1500 Derby St

  • MLK Student Union, Pauley Ballroom, 2455 Bancroft Way, 3rd Floor

  • Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda

  • Willard Middle School, 2425 Stuart St

AVLs will open beginning on Saturday, October 31. They will generally be open from 9am-5pm on Saturday 10/31, Sunday 11/1, and Monday 11/2, and 7am-8pm on Election Day, 11/3.

Other Updates

  • With Halloween and Dia de los Muertos around the corner, be sure to celebrate safely and responsibility. Health Officers across the region have set guidelines that determine the risk level of participating in certain activities. Be sure to review the guidelines before making holiday plans.

  • Flu season is fast approaching, with our Health Officer encouraging all Berkeley residents to get vaccinated. The seasonal flu and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, so it is important to vaccinate for the flu.

  • As the days get colder, businesses will have to adapt for outdoor services. Tents are allowed with a weather proof roof, but can only have one side covered to ensure maximum air flow. Restaurants will be allowed to open indoors as cases decrease, but not in the immediate future.

  • If you see a violation of the Shelter in Place Order, such as a large gathering, you can call 311 (510-981-2489) during the day or 510-981-5900 during the night to report it.

Jesse Arreguin