Cases Rise as Testing Increases, Shelter in Place Relaxes

Screenshot of Berkeley's COVID-19 dashboard — Screenshot of Berkeley's **COVID-19 dashboard**

The number of COVID-19 cases in Alameda County and throughout the country continue to rise. A grim milestone was recently reached, with 123,000 deaths recorded nationwide, which is larger than the population of Berkeley. Current trends are a reminder that despite recent relaxations of the Shelter in Place Order, the virus remains a significant threat to the public health of our nation and indeed the world.

As testing has increased in recent weeks, we have been able to get a better understanding of the prevalence of COVID-19 in our community. Many of the new cases come from essential workers and people that live in those households. In Berkeley, last week we conducted an average of nearly 230 cases a day with over 7,900 tests conducted to date. For additional information about testing, including how to schedule an appointment, visit the City’s COVID-19 testing page.

Wear Your Mask

As the Shelter in Place Order continues to relax, we all must commit to wearing a mask. This practice has proven to be a highly effective tool at limiting the spread of COVID-19. We are encouraging neighbors to post these posters as a visual reminder to wear your mask! We all have a role to play in the public health of our community, and this simple task can go a long way at protecting your neighbors and you! For more information about the City’s mask policy, click here.

Plans for Return to School

With the Berkeley Unified School District recently ending the 2019-20 school year, the question on everyone’s mind is what will the 2020-21 school year look like? BUSD and the School Board are considering what options to take, and while no final decision has been made, it was mentioned at the May 27 School Board meeting that some form of distance learning will likely take place. We will provide you with the latest information, including a final decision once finalized. You can follow the latest updates from BUSD here.

Last week, UC Berkeley announced its plans for fall 2020 instruction and student housing. There will be limited in-person classes that will be restricted to a small number of people. Larger courses will be offered remotely, but discussion groups may be offered in person. A full list of which courses will have an in-person option will be released in July. UC Berkeley intends to provide housing to 6,500 students in single and double rooms, with move-ins being staggered to prevent large crowds.

Berkeley City College, along with the rest of the Peralta Community College District, will hold classes online until further notice. The campus will remain closed, but student services can be accessed remotely.

Restaurant Openings

With outdoor dining now an option, many Berkeley restaurants have secured permitting to provide a safe open space to serve customers, in addition to delivery and curbside pickup. Visit Berkeley and Berkeleyside have compiled lists of which restaurants are currently open. If you are a restaurant that is not listed, you can contact them to get your restaurant added to the growing list.

Next Town Hall Saturday June 27 at Noon

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 9am on June 27 at jessearreguin.com