Statement on Shelter in Place Order

March 16, 2020

The City of Berkeley’s Public Health Officer has joined health officers from six Bay Area counties in ordering a shelter in place, effective March 17th at 12:01am and ending on April 7th at 11:59pm or until it is extended or rescinded.

This shelter in place is not a full lockdown. Services that are deemed essential under the Order will still remain open. This includes grocery stores, healthcare facilities, pharmacies, gas stations, home supply stores, banks, and laundromats. People will be able to walk and exercise outside, as long as they practice social distancing and remain at least six feet away from others. Read the Order for details on what is impacted.

We are facing an unprecedented threat to our community. And it's a threat that requires our community to answer with an unprecedented response. What we do today will ensure our healthcare system has the capacity to respond tomorrow, and that will literally save lives. This shelter in place order will allow us to take the necessary precautions to help flatten the curve. Our collective action has the power to slow the virus and maintain a healthy community. These are trying times, but for over 140 years the City of Berkeley has been a force in times of struggle. We've fought for civil rights, human rights, peace, and so much more. This is a new fight for all of us. But as always, the Berkeley community is its strongest when we stand united.