Missed Yesterday's Town Hall? Read the Summary Here

May 17, 2020

Town Hall Summary

Below is a summary of the virtual Town Hall that took place on Saturday, May 16th with State Senator Nancy Skinner. You can watch the full video by clicking the image below.

Case Updates

As of the morning of May 16, there have been 68 confirmed cases and one death. This is an increase of just two cases from last week, a promising sign that shows the Shelter in Place is working and can help guide us to Phase Two of reopening if these trends continue. Two of these cases are unhoused individuals, with no new cases in the homeless community over the past couple of weeks.

We are looking to expand testing, another indicator to move forward, ultimately allowing anyone who wants a test to get one (but need more test kits to make this happen). We are currently averaging 50 tests a day, with anyone who is symptomatic able to get a test (they can set up an appointment at 510-981-5380 ). While we are training an additional 30 city staff for contact tracing and interviewing, we need medically licensed individuals to help conduct tests. If you are able to do this, contact covid19@cityofberkeley.info . 

State Updates

The January budget update for the State showed a surplus in funds and a strong reserve fund. The COVID-19 crisis has dramatically changed this outlook, with the State now facing a $54 billion deficit. Additional information about the budget update can be found here . 

The State has provided guidelines for how local health jurisdictions can open up. While local Shelter in Place Orders that are more restrictive than the State’s remain in effect, Berkeley, Alameda County, and other Bay Area counties are beginning to align towards the state’s guidelines.

California has set up a COVID-19 website with information on the state’s response.

Reopening Updates

The Berkeley SMART (Specific, Medically Advised, Resilient, Time-Sensitive) Reopening Plan is currently being drafted as we look to the future in moving towards a sense of normalcy while limiting the risk of spreading the virus. As we transition towards Phase Two, some upcoming changes include allowing singles matches of tennis and pickleball, along with opening curbside retail and manufacturing. Details will be released this upcoming week.

A few days ago, Mayor Arreguin and Vice Mayor Sophie Hahn introduced a proposal (principally authored by Hahn) to repurpose open areas such as streets, sidewalks, parks, and parking lots for usage of outdoor restaurant dining. We are also launching the Healthy Streets Program on May 21, with the help of Walk Bike Berkeley. This program will close down certain streets to vehicular travel to allow for more open space for walking, biking and exercise with physical distancing. 

Other Updates

  • Today (5/16) marks Graduation Day for UC Berkeley. No decision has been made for how instruction will be conducted for the fall semester, but a decision is expected later this month. The latest info can be found on their website.

  • The Berkeley Relief Fund has now raised over $1 million in private donations. To support our local small businesses and residential tenants please donate at the Berkeley Relief Fund website.

  • This week (5/15-5/24) is Berkeley Restaurant Week To Go. Many participating restaurants are providing special deals. Help support our local businesses by ordering to go from one (or many) of our restaurants. Details at Visit Berkeley.

  • The East Bay Community Law Center continues to help tenants who are struggling to make rent payments as a result of the state of emergency. If you are having issues, contact them at 510-548-4040.

Jesse Arreguin