Wear a face covering, keep distance and limit social gatherings
With a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations threatening Berkeley and the region, take action to avoid exposures to yourself, unwittingly exposing others and reduce risk of bringing this untreatable virus home to your loved ones.
People should only socialize outdoors among a group of 12 people that’s stable for at least three weeks, a social bubble. Everyone you live with – even if you live in a fraternity, co-op or large, shared house – is automatically in the shared bubble. While socializing, keep a distance of six feet and wear a mask.
Staying home remains the safest place to be. Indoor spaces with people outside of your household are the most dangerous.
“The virus threatens our community in an unprecedented way,” said. Dr. Lisa B. Hernandez, Berkeley’s Health Officer. “Every person has to take these actions. Our collective will ultimately holds the power to limit the virus’ spread.”
The local surge comes amidst a statewide surge -- which are prompting new state rules affecting Berkeley. Alameda County remains on California’s Monitoring List because local case rates remain higher than 100 per 100,000 per day. Both the City and the County will continue to align with the State’s orders for Monitoring List counties.
Outdoor Dining Allowed
State, county and City of Berkeley Health Orders allow outdoor dining in Berkeley as of the morning of Wednesday July 15. Restaurants can also provide delivery and take out of food and drinks, which can include alcohol.
These resumption of dining is possible because Alameda County, with the assistance of the City of Berkeley as a separate local health jurisdiction, received approval for a state variance to allow outdoor dining.
All industries should know that the growing impact of the virus can affect their business and the even tighter restrictions.
Restaurateurs interested in using streets or sidewalks for dining can prepare permit applications for eventual outdoor dining by seeing our guidance for outdoor commerce and dining.
Indoor Worship Prohibited
State rules in effect Wednesday also prohibit any indoor worship services in Berkeley.
Any social gathering outside your household poses risk, even if masks and distancing and hygiene habits are followed perfectly. People should avoid singing and chanting, which expel airborne droplets that could carry the virus leading to COVID-19 disease.
Social Gatherings
The rise in Berkeley cases is closely connected to people holding social gatherings and ignoring requirements, such as meeting outside, wearing face coverings and keeping at least six feet of distance between participants that are not in the same social bubble.
Several new COVID-19 cases were tied to outsized gatherings associated with the University, which has told students that the rise in campus cases threatens the ability of the University to bring back students as envisioned.
If you live in a setting where you are unable to keep social distancing -- such as a fraternity house, co-op or large, shared home – consider those in your household as part of your social bubble of up to 12 people.
Everyone over the age of 2 should wear a face covering and stay six feet apart when gathering outdoors with other members of their social bubble.
See our socializing guidance for more information.
If you’re worried about an exposure or infection, get tested.
“The virus depends on social interactions to fuel its spread,” said Dr. Hernandez. “We can limit its power with simple steps that each individual can take today.”
