COVID-19 Rules Relax, but Vigilance Still Needed
Current Situation
As of Wednesday, March 9, there have been 13,046 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Over the last 30 days, there were 988 cases, and we are currently averaging 16 cases over the last seven days. The case rate, which is based on last week’s numbers, is 20.1 cases per 100,000 residents per day. Preliminary numbers have this week’s case rate at 12.8 cases per 100,000 residents per day. 59 Berkeley residents have died from COVID-19, with three deaths recorded so far in 2022. Additional data can be found on the City's COVID-19 dashboard.
Statistically, we are at the same rate we were in December 2021, when the Omicron variant first emerged. While cases have dropped dramatically since the Omicron surge peaked in mid-January, we must acknowledge that COVID is still with us. Another variant could emerge, and local outbreaks are still possible. As the State moves towards an endemic, where we learn to live with COVID, we are ready to further relax rules as described below. We must also acknowledge that while our Health Officer, and the Health Officers of the Bay Area have determined based on the latest data that we are in a position to relax, there are people in our community that are not yet ready to drop social distancing protocols. That is why while the below updates remove certain mandates, such actions remain strongly recommended. We must be respectful of people’s masking choices, especially those who are immunocompromised and need to continue wearing a mask.
New Mask Rules
In most cases, masks are already not required, but instead strongly encouraged in indoor public areas. This is based on the statewide mask order. People who have been exposed to COVID-19 or have tested positive in the past ten days are required to wear masks.
The latest update will allow childcare settings and K-12 schools in Berkeley to decide whether they should require students and staff to wear masks. This update goes into effect on March 12. BUSD has decided that masks will be strongly recommended, but no longer required at all BUSD schools and facilities beginning on March 14. If your child goes to a private school, be sure to check with them on their mask protocols.
Places that will still require masking regardless of vaccination status are: public transportation; health care settings; congregate settings like correctional facilities and homeless shelters; and long term care facilities.
Additional information around the new mask rules for the City of Berkeley can be found here.
New Vaccine Rules
Starting tomorrow, March 11, restaurants, gyms, and indoor events no longer need to require proof of vaccination for employees and patrons, but this policy remains strongly recommended.
Up to date vaccination will continue to be required in some environments. They include:
Adult care facilities
Adult day programs
Dental offices
Pharmacies
Home health care workers and entities employing home healthcare workers
All public and private childcare facilities
Employees in these workplaces will be required to get boosters or provide weekly testing.
Additionally, having proof of a negative test or proof of full vaccination will still be required for indoor events of 1,000 or more people, as outlined in State guidelines.
Additional information around the new proof of vaccination rules for the City of Berkeley can be found here.
Looking Forward
These changes are in line with neighboring jurisdictions as cases continue to drop across the Bay Area. The latest case rates, hospitalizations, and other data will continue to be closely monitored by Health Officers to determine next steps.
The Local Emergency due to COVID-19 is still in place. The Council needs to adopt a new Resolution once every three months in order to continue it. This Resolution is currently on the agenda for the March 22nd Council meeting. If approved, this will last through May 21, 2022. At this time, we cannot determine how long the Local Emergency will continue for. While cases are declining, continuing the Local Emergency will enable the Director of Emergency Services to continue to efficiently allocate resources due to the ongoing and imminent threat to public safety. Additionally, the Local Emergency is tied to the eviction moratorium, which remains critical for many families.
We are increasingly optimistic on the future trends when it comes to addressing this pandemic, but it is far too early to declare victory. Thanks to your efforts in following science, getting vaccinated, and respecting social distancing protocols, Berkeley has fared much better compared to the rest of California, which in turn has fared better than the rest of the country. But remaining vigilant is still important to limit the risk of losing the progress we have made over the last couple of months.