COVID-19 (Coronavirus) FAQs
Last Updated: Wednesday, September 6, 2023 (no more regular updates)
Below is a list of FAQs regarding COVID-19. Additional information about COVID-19 can be found at the following essential sites:
Useful Links
Table of Contents:
Overview of Current Situation
While COVID-19 is still with us and will be for a long time, we are now in a position where it can be managed. Vaccinations and treatments are keeping hospitalization rates down, which are the lowest in over a year and among the lowest rates since the pandemic began.
With conditions continuing to improve, all State of Emergencies relating to COVID-19 have ended.
To find the latest data, visit the City’s COVID-19 dashboard, which is updated weekly. While the number of cases are not an accurate indicator of the prevalence of the virus due to many tests such as take home kits not being officially recorded, based on hospitalization data, we can tell that the number of cases is on the decline. There have been 74 deaths caused by COVID-19 in Berkeley, with the latest death occurring on November 3, 2022.
Vaccines, Testing, and Treatments
What vaccines are available?
There are three vaccines that are available in the United States. A fourth vaccine by Johnson & Johnson is no longer produced. The most commonly available vaccines in Berkeley are Pfizer and Moderna:
Pfizer-BioNTech
Two primary shots, three-eight weeks apart.
Bivalent booster available 2 months after second primary shot or booster.
Available to anyone aged 6 months and over.
Moderna
Two shots, four-eight weeks apart.
Bivalent booster available 2 months after second primary shot or booster.
Available to anyone aged 18 and over
Available to anyone aged 6 months and over.
Novavax
Two shots, three-eight weeks apart.
No bivalent booster, but people can choose a Pfizer or Moderna bivalent two months after primary shot.
Available to anyone aged 12 years and over.
In all cases, vaccines are even more effective at preventing serious illness hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. For more details about these vaccines, click here.
Are vaccines safe?
Absolutely. COVID-19 vaccines have undergone the most rigorous trials and safety monitoring in medical history. The reason vaccines were developed at record speed was due to bureaucratic red tape that was cut in order to expedite the development. The science behind these vaccines comes after decades of research. It is true that some people experience minor side effects that have no long-term impacts, such as swelling of the injection site, headaches, and fatigue. Serious side effects are extraordinarily rare, and long-term side effects are not expected based on the long history of vaccines, in which any side effects happen within six weeks. For more details on the safety of vaccines, visit the CDC website.
Where can I get vaccinated?
COVID-19 vaccines are free to everyone and available by drop-in or by appointment at pharmacies, health care providers, and pop-up clinics across Berkeley and the region. You do not need insurance to get vaccinated. You will not be asked about immigration status. Click here to find a vaccination site near you.
Do people who have had COVID-19 need the vaccine?
Yes. People have contracted COVID-19 more than once, especially as the dominant variant or subvariant changes. According to studies, unvaccinated people who have previously contracted COVID-19 are not immune to the Omicron variant. But studies have shown that people who have recovered from COVID-19 have a stronger boost in protection if they get vaccinated. Additional information can be found at the World Health Organization.
Where can I get tested?
The best way to get access to a test is through your healthcare provider or at a local pharmacy. Antigen home kits are available at your local pharmacy or retail store. For details, and options on getting tested, click here.
What treatments are available?
The FDA has issued emergency use authorizations for certain treatments to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people who are more likely to experience severe symptoms:
Paxlovid
Available to anyone aged 12 years or older.
Start as soon as possible, no later than 5 days of when symptoms start
Pill taken at home by mouth
Lagevrio
Available to anyone aged 18 years or older
Start as soon as possible, no later than 5 days of when symptoms start
Pill taken at home by mouth
Veklury
Available to people of all ages
Start as soon as possible, no later than 7 days of when symptoms start
IV infusion at a healthcare facility
For details on what options are available to you, talk with your healthcare provider or visit the US Department of Health & Human Services COVID-19 Treatment page .
Current Health Orders
Where can I find the latest Health Order?
There are no local Health Orders in effect in Berkeley. An archive of previous orders can be found here.
Who needs to wear a mask and when?
In most cases, wearing a mask is not required. While voluntary, it is strongly recommended that people continue to wear a mask, ideally an N95 or similar type of mask (cloth masks are the least effective). Businesses can choose to require all patrons to wear a mask.
Most healthcare settings and long term care facilities are no longer required to wear a mask. However, staff at skilled nursing facilities are still required to wear masks. Visitors are not required, but are strongly encouraged to wear masks. Healthcare providers may adopt their own masking policies.
Where are proof of vaccinations required?
There are no longer any Health Orders that require proof of vaccination. However, businesses can adopt their own policies.
What is the Status of the State of Emergency?
There are several state of emergencies relating to COVID-19, all of which have now expired. Both California’s and Alameda County’s State of Emergency ended on February 28th, 2023. The federal state of emergency ended on May 11th, 2023. Berkeley’s local State of Emergency expired on May 20th, 2023.
General Data
Where can I find data on cases?
Berkeley’s COVID-19 dashboard, which is updated weekly, has extensive data and information, including but not limited to: Case numbers and rates, vaccination numbers and rates, testing numbers and rates, hospitalizations and deaths, and demographic information. The same information can be found for Alameda County on their COVID-19 dashboard, which includes maps by zip code.
What is Berkeley’s vaccination rate?
Berkeley has consistently had among the highest vaccination rates in the country. As of May, 22 2023, 94% of Berkeley residents have been fully vaccinated. Over 113,000 Berkeley residents have been fully vaccinated. 87% of residents have received at least one booster, and 43% have received a bivalent booster.
For a breakdown of vaccination rates in Berkeley, visit the City’s dashboard.
Businesses
What do I do if an employee tests positive for COVID-19?
When you learn of a confirmed COVID-19 case at your workplace, identify any contact who may have been exposed and notify Berkeley Public Health. For a step-by-step guide on actions you need to take in such an event, click here.
How can I expand outdoor services?
If you are interested in outdoor commerce and dining, the City has allowed outdoor activities on both public and private property and has streamlined the permitting process. For details and to apply, click here.
Where can I find signs/flyers with COVID-19 Information?
Signage and outreach materials in both English and Spanish can be found here.
Can I require customers to wear a mask and/or show proof of vaccination?
Yes. While masking and proof of vaccination is no longer required in most settings, businesses can choose to implement a requirement.
What resources are available to support local businesses?
For additional information about COVID-19 and businesses, including links to resources, visit the City of Berkeley’s COVID-19 business page.
Landlords/Tenants
What are the rules around evictions?
An eviction moratorium was established during the pandemic, which expired on September 1st, 2023. All just cause evictions are allowed as they were pre-pandemic. For additional information for tenants and landlords, click here.
I can’t pay my rent, what can I do?
Tenants will need to provide landlords a notice of not being able to fulfil rent payments. Financial assistance for rent and utilities can be found via the State here. Additional rental support can be provided by the Eviction Defense Center by calling 510-452-4541.
I can’t pay my mortgage, what can I do?
Property owners with four or less units may be able to qualify for the State’s Mortgage Relief Program. For more details, click here.
Schools
Where can I find information about BUSD?
Information regarding COVID-19 for the Berkeley Unified School District can be found here.
Where can I find information about UC Berkeley?
Information regarding COVID-19 for the University of California, Berkeley can be found here.
Where can I find information about Berkeley City College?
Information regarding COVID-19 for the Berkeley City College can be found here.
Miscellaneous
Why does Berkeley have its own Public Health Department?
Public Health is typically an agency run on a County level. Berkeley is one of three cities in California with its own Public Health Department(the other two being Long Beach and Pasadena). The Public Health Department was created in 1880, two years after Berkeley was incorporated, as a way to more effectively stop the spread of communicable diseases. Having our own Public Health Division allows us to better serve the specific needs of our community and provide a more tailored and hyper-focused response. Berkeley Public Health works closely and collaboratively with the County.
Where can I find information about the COVID-19 Town Halls?
The Mayor, along with the City Manager and Health Officer, occasionally host COVID-19 town halls to provide the community updates. The last Town Hall took place on December 13th, 2021 and are no longer active. You can read a summary of every town hall, which also includes videos of the meetings, by clicking here.
I have a question not answered here. Where can I get answers?
Send an email to covid19@cityofberkeley.info, and someone from the City’s COVID-19 team will respond to you.