Emergency restrictions seek to save lives
amidst pandemic's worst phase
==A surge of COVID-19 hospitalizations is pushing six Bay Area Health Officers to quickly align with new State orders limiting certain activities that could further escalate the already rapid spread of the virus.
==In Alameda County alone, the number of people hospitalized countywide for COVID-19 has almost quadrupled over the past 7 weeks, from 52 to 206. The virus’s explosive growth, even without including an anticipated surge due to Thanksgiving gatherings, will further endanger the region unless collective action is taken.
==“We must act swiftly to save as many lives as we can,” said Dr. Lisa B. Hernandez, the City of Berkeley Health Officer. “Each of us can fight the spread. Keep your family safe by avoiding even small gatherings outside of your household and not traveling. End of year gatherings are traditionally precious, but this year they could lead to sickness and worse.”
“Show all your loved ones your care by only celebrating with your own household.”
Covid-19 is surging in our community
Temporary closures
==Local orders will last for four weeks, starting at 12:01am on Monday December 7 and ending at 11:59pm on January 4 in both Berkeley and the rest of Alameda County. The counties of Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco and Santa Clara are also adopting the state rules on this accelerated pace.
==The temporary closures include the following:
- Outdoor dining (take-out and delivery are still permitted)
- Indoor and outdoor playgrounds
- Indoor recreational facilities
- Hair salons, barbershops and personal care services
- Museums, zoos, and aquariums
- Movie theaters
- Wineries, bars, breweries, and distilleries
- Family entertainment centers, cardrooms and satellite wagering
- Limited services not included in critical infrastructure
Temporary limits
==The following sectors will need to implement additional modifications and ensure 100 percent masking and physical distancing:
- Outdoor recreational facilities: permitted only without any food, drink, or alcohol sales. Overnight stays at campgrounds prohibited.
- Retail and shopping centers: indoor operations permitted at 20% capacity with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores.
- Hotels and lodging reservations are prohibited except for the purpose of Covid quarantine
- Offices: remote only, except for critical infrastructure sectors where remote working is not possible.
- Places of worship and political expression: Only outdoor services permitted.
- Entertainment production including professional sports: operation permitted without live audiences.
Permitted to continue operating
==The following sectors may remain open when a remote option is not possible, with appropriate COVID-19 preventative measures including ensuring 100 percent masking and physical distancing:
Quarantine urged for travelers and their contacts
==Anyone who travels out of the region is strongly urged to quarantine for 14 days when they return. There is a high likelihood that travelers may have been exposed to COVID-19 and could bring it back to our community.
Gatherings with other households temporarily prohibited
==All gatherings with members of other households are prohibited in the City of Berkeley, with limited exceptions:
- Schools that are open and childcare providers may continue to operate.
- Outdoor religious and cultural ceremonies may also continue.
