Even more rapidly spreading Delta variant raises risk for the unvaccinated
Berkeley, California (Friday, July 16, 2021) - The City of Berkeley's Health Officer along with health officers around the region encourage vaccinated and unvaccinated people alike to wear face coverings in indoor public settings, an environment fueling spread of a recent variant of the virus causing COVID-19 disease.
Each of the three tested, safe, and effective vaccines provide high protection against serious illness and death while also reducing infections, including against the Delta variant. By masking indoors, people further help reduce unintended spread.
These recommendations are not a Health Order. Current state workplace rules require employers to document which employees are vaccinated or not before allowing the vaccinated to unmask.
"We are fortunate to have easy and free access to these very protective vaccines, so anyone who is at least 12 years old should get their shots," said Dr. Lisa B. Hernandez, the City of Berkeley Health Officer. "Adding a face covering indoors for everyone is a simple act that protects us all."
The fast spreading Delta variant has rapidly increased the number of cases statewide, growing in the last two months from 2 to 49 percent of all genetically tested cases. In Berkeley, the case rate has grown in the last two weeks from 1.08 cases per 100,000 people to an average of 3.12 average cases daily. Similar patterns are being seen around the region and nation.
Merchants who would like signage that reflects this current guidance from Bay Area Health Officers can download posters and flyers from the City's Outreach Library.
Vaccination widely available to anyone who is at least 12 years old
Safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines are free to everyone and available drop-in or by appointment at pharmacies, health care providers, and pop-up clinics across Berkeley and the region.
You do not need insurance to get vaccinated. You will not be asked about immigration status.
Even if you are not a member of a particular health care provider, such as Kaiser or Sutter Health, you can get a free vaccination through them.
California's portal for vaccination sites, myturn.ca.gov, shows you sites closest to neighborhoods where you live, work or visit. Make appointments for yourself, your child or even a group of up to five people.
Berkeley Public Health vaccine clinics
The City of Berkeley also hosts clinics, open to everyone 18 and up and, when using the Pfizer vaccine, open to everyone 12 and up. See our vaccine page for details, including current clinics.
July 16: South Berkeley Clinic (12+)
La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave.
- Friday, July 16: 11am-7pm
- Walk-up only
- Parental consent: Those under 18 need parent or guardian permission via signed consent form (see sample), in-person consent at vaccination, or via a phone call. Patients ages 12-15 must be accompanied by a responsible adult before, during, and after their appointment.
- Those receiving a first dose this week at this site may receive second doses at a different Berkeley location.
Tuesday-Saturday: West Berkeley Vaccination site Until July 31
Berkeley Adult School, 1701 San Pablo Ave.
- Open Tuesday - Saturday through July 31: 9am-5pm
- Pfizer (12+), Moderna (18+) and Johnson & Johnson (18+) available
- Walk-up only
- Drop-ins for first or second doses welcome - bring your vaccination card
- Parental consent: Parents or guardians must fill out the online consent form when registering for their appointment.
- For those receiving their first dose, staff on-site will schedule second dose appointments at an alternate location
The City of Berkeley and its partners have administered over 111,000 COVID-19 vaccinations at various sites. The San Pablo Avenue site, managed in coordination with Curative Inc., will sunset by July 31 as vaccines are now widely available at many neighborhood locations. Additionally, the City of Berkeley will continue to host pop-up clinics at locations where the risks of COVID-19 are highest.
Over 68 percent of eligible Berkeleyans are fully vaccinated, with at least 81 percent having received at least one dose. There is still room for more.
"COVID-19 was already easily spreadable," said Dr. Hernandez. "The Delta variant is showing its power. If you're considering vaccination, get vaccinated as soon as possible."
