New health order expected to be issued October 2
UPDATE: October 1, 2020: We anticipate releasing an updated COVID-19 Health Order on Friday, October 2.
Berkeley's Health Officer is looking to allow reopening of elementary schools, a local priority that state restrictions will permit if cases continue stabilizing.
A school opening would have substantial socio-emotional, educational and societal impact on children, their families and workplaces. The tradeoff is that other activities currently paused may need to stay where they are.
This balance is at the heart of response to COVID-19, a disease for which there is neither treatment nor vaccine. Every public activity increases risk. Using face coverings, distance and handwashing is critical. Choose activities that minimize risk. When you choose one activity, make a tradeoff for what other activity you will forgo.
"The virus remains a threat to our communities, but we navigate this tricky path by developing good habits and making good choices," said Dr. Lisa B. Hernandez, the City of Berkeley Health Officer. "When we collectively take on preventive actions, we advance together."
Cases stabilizing
Cases of COVID-19 as well as the percent of people testing positive for the disease have declined throughout Alameda County, the region by which the state measures progress even though Berkeley is its own local health jurisdiction.
The result is that the City and the county are both now in what the state defines as Tier 2. If case and test positivity metrics continue stabilizing through Oct. 6, state rules would permit school openings.
The City and County health officers will look closely at the emerging data to determine next steps, and the City will issue a new health order as soon as possible.
Every school, regardless of the grade, should continue preparing for reopening and engaging parents and staff in the planning to be ready. Health and safety measures applicable to Berkeley are listed on the County Board of Education website and in statewide guidance for schools.
Reduce your risk to move Berkeley forward
While making tradeoffs to choose activities, everyone should always do the essentials: stay home when sick, wear face coverings, wash hands frequently, and keep physical distance with those not in your household.
When leaving the safety of home, use three questions to help assess the risk of a particular activity: Where will you go? Who will attend? What will happen?
These questions should guide you to limit activities within a small, stable group of no more than 12 people that meets outdoors and uses both face coverings and distance when with other households.
"I am hopeful that the strong practices our community has embraced will continue to move us forward," said Dr. Hernandez. "We cannot control the virus, but the actions we do control have an impact and help open up more activities for us all."
