Updated Shelter in Place Order, Expanded Free Testing and other COVID-19 Updates

Updated Shelter in Place to Allow Retail, Outdoor Dining, Religious Services, and Outdoor Fitness Classes/College Sports Training

Beginning today, an updated Shelter in Place Order by our Health Officer has gone into effect. This update mirrors the updated Order for Alameda County that also began today. While the new Order further relaxes certain activities described below, it remains essential to wear a mask. While the mandatory use of masks has been in effect in Berkeley, California has recently implemented a statewide facial covering requirement.

Retail Stores

All retail stores are now allowed to operate as long as they follow guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19. They are encouraged to make goods available for curbside pickup.

Retailers operating indoors must have enough space so that patrons and staff can be six feet apart and no more than 50 percent of normal occupancy.

All stores must make reasonable efforts to ensure that staff and customers wear face coverings, and comply with social distancing intervals, such as marking six foot intervals for customers to stand in line at pickup areas.

Stores may move goods outside for display or sale -- as long as they get appropriate City permits and do not cause congestion or block the path of travel.

Merchants must also comply with state guidance for retailers

Outdoor Dining

Restaurants can now serve sit-down meals outside as long as they have the required City permits and follow state guidance. Groups of six people who are part of a social bubble together can go out for a meal together and must wear masks, except when eating.

Tables and lounge areas must be arranged so that there is at least six feet between people of different social bubbles. Entertainment is not allowed.

Restaurants that have been closed for at least a month will have to comply with a number of regulations, the specifics of which can be seen in the order.

All restaurants must sanitize areas that have not been used, post their Site-Specific Protection Protocol, follow the state General Checklist for Dine-in Restaurants, and designate a COVID-19 supervisor, who is on site during business hours and in charge to ensure the implementation of the food facilities' Site-Specific Protection Plan.

Lines for curbside pickup or takeaway must be in a separate area that prevents them from accessing the outdoor dining area.

Please see the full Health Order for details.

Places of Worship

Mosques, churches, temples and other places of worship may hold in-person religious services and cultural ceremonies as long as they follow state guidance. Livestreaming services are still encouraged as in-person religious services and cultural ceremonies can involve extended periods of close contact -- increasing the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Services or ceremonies may not exceed 100 attendees or 25 percent of the building's capacity, whichever is less. Organizers should consider keeping contact information for event attendees for 21 days. That would allow city, county or regional contact tracers to reach people should an outbreak occur in these settings.

Non-contact outdoor fitness classes and college sports training

College sports teams as well as outdoor fitness classes can now hold non-contact practices or classes, respectively, in groups of 12 athletes or participants. One coach or instructor may also be present.

Everyone must wear a face covering, except when participating in high-intensity aerobic activities. Participants must keep at least six feet apart at all times. No equipment may be shared and should be sanitized after each practice, class or use.

Class operators must get permission from private owners or managers of the outdoor space.

Locker rooms, weight rooms, or other indoor facilities may not be used at this time.


Town Hall Summary

Below is a summary of the virtual Town Hall that took place on Saturday, June 13th. You can watch the full video by clicking the image below.

Case and Test Updates - New Testing Site Open to All

As of the morning of Saturday, June 13, there have been 113 confirmed cases in Berkeley and one death, which happened in April. 4,033 tests have been conducted and processed on Berkeley residents, with a positive rate of 2.8%. In Alameda County, demographic data shows that the Latinx community is disproportionately impacted, representing 47% of cases despite making up 23% of the county’s population. African Americans represent 8% of cases and 10% of the populations, Whites represent 11% of cases and 32% of the population. Berkeley does not have a breakdown in demographics as there are not enough cases, but we expect the demographic breakdown to reflect the county. Additional details can be found on the Berkeley and Alameda County dashboards.

Last Monday, 6/8, a new testing site opened in Berkeley thanks to assistance from the State. This new site can conduct 132 tests a day, which will significantly help in reaching our target of 245 tests a day. Anyone can get tested for free, regardless of if they have symptoms or not. Tests are by appointment only (schedule an appointment here). The test itself is quick, with the entire visit taking less than 10 minutes to complete. This is a PCR test (nasal swab) to determine if you are currently infected by the virus. 

Updated Shelter in Place Orders

An updated Shelter in Place Order went into effect on June 8 to allow for the following:

  • Childcare for all: childcare and camps are open to children of all caretakers. They are no longer restricted to individuals working in specific industries. Childcare services and camps must still comply with previously announced rules regarding limited group sizes and social distancing.

  • Curbside library services: Public libraries may now offer curbside pickup for books and other materials. Berkeley Public Library anticipates opening up for curbside pickup by the end of the month.

  • Social bubbles: stable groups of up to 12 people who do not live together may socialize outdoors.

  • Limited services which do not generally require close customer contact, including residential housecleaners, dog walkers, and pet grooming.

  • Educational institutional can engage in career internships and pathways.

This update was paired with a revised facial covering requirement that mandates everyone will be required to have a face covering visible and ready to use when they are outside their home, and to wear it over their nose and mouth whenever they are within 30 feet of other people.

An updated Shelter in Place Order will go into effect on June 19. This will allow for indoor and outdoor retail, religious services, outdoor restaurant dining, outdoor museums, and outdoor fitness classes.

Budget Update

We are facing a $35 million deficit in our budget as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. This number may go up or down depending on the amount of assistance we receive from the State and Federal governments. But one thing is clear that in order to have a balanced budget, we will have to make cuts. Having a balanced budget requires reducing funding to our Police Department. We should also look at transferring responses to mental health and homeless needs to social workers rather than police officers. We can use this as a moment to rethink our approach to community safety. Follow the latest on the Budget at the Budget & Finance Policy Committee. The final vote on the budget will take place at the June 30 City Council meeting. 

Other Updates

  • Some commissions that need to address time sensitive matters have resumed remotely, such as Planning and Police Review. The City Manager and Health Officer will review requests from commissions is they have a time sensitive reason to meet.

  • Use this map to locate toilets and handwashing stations that have been installed throughout the city. 

  • We are in discussions with the Berkeley Unified School District as to how to conduct the 2020-21 school year. Find the latest COVID-19 updates from BUSD here.

  • The City meets with our local Skilled Nursing Facilities weekly and are in constant communication in ensuring they have the resources to prevent outbreaks. Skilled Nursing Facilities report daily to the State on the number of cases they have. The state does not report numbers below 11 cases, so 1-10 cases will be labeled as <11.


Next Town Hall on Saturday June 27

Mayor Jesse Arregui_n's Virtual Town Halls.png

Join Mayor Jesse Arreguín, City Manager Dee Williams-Ridley, and Berkeley Health Officer Dr. Lisa Hernandez for a Virtual Town Hall where they will provide updates on the city’s response to COVID-19 and answer your questions.

What: Virtual Town Hall on COVID-19

When: Saturday, June 27, 12pm

Watch live at jessearreguin.com

Ask your questions by June 27 at 9am at jessearreguin.com

Jesse Arreguin