Omicron, Clarifying Mask Mandate, and other COVID-19 Updates

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

 
 

Case, Hospitalization, and Vaccine Updates

As of Sunday, December 12, there have been 5,438 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Berkeley and 55 deaths. The unadjusted case rate is currently 11.5 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). You can read the latest numbers on our COVID-19 dashboard. These numbers are mostly stable over the last few months, but there has been an increase in cases since Thanksgiving.

There are 61 people currently hospitalized in Alameda County, 15 of which are in ICUs. There have been a total of 155 hospitalization of Berkeley residents, but there are currently no residents hospitalized. County hospitalization rates are starting to go up, but still significantly lower from the last surge in August/September. All Berkeley residents who have succumbed to COVID-19 were unvaccinated.

Fully Vaccinated: 91% of Berkeley’s population is now fully vaccinated. 53% of 5-11 years olds are fully vaccinated, with that number expected to climb as 71% of 5-11 year olds are partially vaccinated.

Boosters: 34% of vaccinated people have received a booster, including 73% of people aged 65 and older. To schedule your appointment, click here.

Berkeley Not Impacted by New State Mask Mandate

On Monday, the State announced it will require all people, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask in all indoor public settings. This went into effect on Wednesday, December 15, and will last through at least January 15, 2022. However, jurisdictions that already have a health order requiring masks in indoor public settings are exempt from this. Berkeley and Alameda County’s Health Order does provide some exemptions, such as no requirement for offices, gyms, and religious gatherings if all people are fully vaccinated.

Updates on Omicron

The Omicron variant, which was first detected at the end of November, has been identified as a variant of concern by both the WHO and the CDC. It has been detected in the Bay Area, first in San Francisco, and also in Berkeley on December 3rd, with that resident contracting it in Wisconsin. As of Sunday, December 12, there have been 18 cases recorded in California, although that number is likely much higher. Sequencing of positive tests is increasing to help us understand the scope of Omicron. Delta is currently the main variant in the US, but Omicron will likely become the dominant variant in the coming weeks.

Additional data and research needed to better understand the Omicron variant. From what is known, it appears the new variant is the most contagious one yet. The latest studies are in alignment suggesting that two doses of the vaccine are not that effective against Omicron, but getting a booster significantly improves protection. Researchers are also monitoring the Bay Area’s wastewater, which will help in identifying and monitoring the spread of Omicron in the region. The virus can be detected in wastewater before individuals become symptomatic.

Other Updates

  • This holiday season, be sure to keep up to date with the latest travel advisories. In California, it is recommended to follow the CDC travel guidelines when travelling both internationally and domestically. Do not travel unless fully vaccinated. Get tested before and after travel, regardless of vaccination status. A negative test is required 24 hours in advance for international travel. Check in with your airline and review COVID regulations at your destination. For more details, click here.

  • BUSD is requiring all students aged 12 and over to be fully vaccinated or get a weekly test starting January 3rd. For details, visit the BUSD website.

  • All City employees are required to be vaccinated. Of the City's 1,330 employees, 1,244 are vaccinated, a 94% vaccination rate. 62 are requesting accommodation (either medical or religious), which are being reviewed. Those who are approved will need to be tested weekly. City offices are open to the public, but many services are also available online.

  • Booster shots are currently in high demand. Staff capacity limits the number of appointments, but efforts are underway to expand availability. It is best to first reach out to your healthcare provider for scheduling a booster shot. For more details on booster shots and to schedule an appointment, click here.

  • While not confirmed, there is an expectation that the federal government will change the definition of "fully vaccinated" to include a booster shot sometime early next year.

Jesse Arreguin