Local and Statewide COVID-19 restrictions in Berkeley
California's economy has reopened with some restrictions
Some Statewide COVID-19 safety measures are in effect. Capacity and distancing restrictions have been lifted for most businesses and activities. Large-scale indoor events have vaccination requirements for attendees.
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Local restrictions
Local health jurisdictions, like Berkeley Public Health, may impose stricter rules than the State if they choose.
Berkeley's Face Masking Health Order requires everyone to wear a face covering indoors, regardless of vaccination status. On December 29, 2021 the limited exemption for vaccinated people in certain settings is no longer in effect. Everyone, regardless of their vaccination status, must mask in all indoor public settings.
Berkeley's Proof of Vaccination Order was updated January 26, 2022 and now requires employees of certain businesses to have an up-to-date vaccine status while also requiring a portion of those businesses to verify proof of full vaccination for patrons who are at least 5 years old prior to allowing entry to an indoor portion of the business’s facility. See more information, details and exceptions in our community message and in the full order.
Indoor businesses/activities requiring vaccination
Patrons* must show proof of vaccination while workers must be up-to-date on vaccination
- Restaurants and other dining establishments
- Any business or event serving food or drinks indoors
- Bars and clubs
- Theaters and entertainment venues
- Gyms, recreation facilities, yoga studios, dance studios and other fitness establishments
- Large indoor events of 500 people or more.
While these requirements focus on certain businesses due to the risk of spread, these and other tools can voluntarily be taken on by any business or organization. The safer a workplace becomes, the more likely they are to avoid an outbreak and stay open.
*A masked patron entering an establishment for a brief period of time solely to pick up or deliver food or goods or to perform other transactions which do not require the patron to remain for an extended period of time.
Additional sites to require up-to-date worker vaccination
In addition to industries that the State has issued vaccination requirements for high risk' healthcare settings, adult care facilities, direct care workers and health care workers in state and local correctional facilities and detention centers, up-to-date vaccination or weekly testing will be required at all Berkeley venues above as well as:
- Adult care facilities
- Adult day programs
- Dental offices
- Pharmacies
- Home health care workers and entities employing home health care workers
- All public and private childcare facilities
Alameda County Public Health
Alameda County Public Health Orders do not apply within the City of Berkeley. As an independent local health jurisdiction, Berkeley sets its own rules.
We work closely with Alameda County Public Health to align on COVID-19 Health Orders. Generally, any local restrictions in Berkeley during the pandemic have been the same as or very similar to those in effect across Alameda County.
Statewide restriction
As of June 15, 2021, California has sunset the color-coded tier system and moved "Beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy".
Most business sectors restrictions such as distancing and capacity limits are lifted. Employers must continue to follow Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards. In addition, the State has issued vaccination requirements for high risk' healthcare settings, adult care facilities, direct care workers and health care workers in state and local correctional facilities and detention centers.
A limited number of restrictions will continue to apply to "mega events" - those with more than 500 attendees indoors or 5,000 outdoors. For indoor mega events, under City of Berkeley Health orders, all attendees are required to be fully vaccinated status or show a negative test result before entering. The same standard is strongly recommended for outdoor mega events. See State guidance for details on outdoor mega event safety recommendations.
For more information on current California safety measures, visit covid19.ca.gov/safely-reopening.
Resources from the California Department of Public Health
Last updated January 26, 2022