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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Summary, Updates, and Announcements

*For the most up-to-date COVID information and stay-at-home orders please visit: https://covid19.ca.gov/*

Updated December 21, 2021 - City of Berkeley and Alameda County Rescind Face Mask Amendments: Everyone Must Mask in All Indoor Public Settings

Today, the County of Alameda and the City of Berkeley announced that their Health Officers are rescinding the face mask amendments allowing fully vaccinated people to go unmasked in some limited settings, effective 12:01 am on December 30, 2021. Everyone, regardless of their vaccination status, must mask in all indoor public settings. Read full update here.


Updated November 1, 2021- UPDATED HEALTH ORDER INCLUDES SOME EXCEPTIONS FOR FACE COVERINGS INDOORS

The Health Order that went into effect August 3, 2021, requires all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions. This order was updated on November 1, 2021, to allow certain regularly gathering, fully vaccinated groups the option to unmask if they follow specific additional public health measures. These rules are unaffected by a statewide universal indoor masking mandate in effect on December 13, 2021, which added indoor masking requirements to jurisdictions that did not already have one. Read more about this update here.



Updated August 2, 2021 - BAY AREA HEALTH OFFICIALS URGE IMMEDIATE VACCINATION AND ISSUE ORDERS REQUIRING USE OF FACE COVERINGS INDOORS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19
Indoor Masking Orders Take Effect Tuesday

Vaccination continues to protect against severe COVID-19 illness, but with the COVID-19 Delta variant now infecting a small percentage of vaccinated people as well as many unvaccinated people, eight Bay Area health officers have issued Health Orders requiring masks indoors in public places. The Orders require all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions, starting at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, August 3rd. Read full mandate here.



Updated July 1, 2021 - AS COVID-19 CASES RISE, BAY AREA HEALTH OFFICERS RECOMMEND THAT EVERYONE MASK INDOORS

Driven by rapidly spreading Delta variant, cases rising throughout region and state: With cases of COVID-19 rising locally and increased circulation of the highly transmissible Delta variant, the Counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma and the City of Berkeley recommend that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks indoors in public places to ensure easy verification that all unvaccinated people are masked in those settings and as an extra precautionary measure for all.  Read full City of Berkeley press release here.


Updated May 4, 2021 - People fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can go maskless outside in Berkeley


"People who are fully vaccinated in Berkeley no longer need to wear a mask when they’re outside, except in crowds or certain venues, after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced new guidelines for mask use and vaccinated residents...

 

If you’re fully vaccinated, here’s what you can do without a mask:

  • Visit other fully vaccinated people indoors without physical distancing
  • Visit one unvaccinated household indoors without physical distancing
  • Attend small outdoor gatherings with both vaccinated and unvaccinated people
  • Participate in outdoor activities and recreation

Here’s when you still have to wear a mask, even when fully vaccinated:

  • Visiting an unvaccinated person who is at high risk for severe COVID-19
  • During indoor gatherings with both vaccinated and unvaccinated people
  • While outdoors in a crowded setting, like a music festival or sporting event
  • Any activity indoors with the general public, like shopping, going to the movies, getting a haircut, attending a full-capacity exercise class

The CDC says anyone who is immunocompromised should consult their healthcare providers about higher-risk activities, even if they’re vaccinated." Read full Berkeleyside article here.


Updated March 31, 2021 - Alameda County moves to the orange tier

The rules under the state's "orange tier" go into effect on Mar. 31 in Berkeley and the rest of the county:  

  • Restaurants can have indoor dining of up to 50 percent of capacity or 200 people total, whichever is less
  • Retailers can open at full capacity
  • Offices can open indoors, though telework is encouraged whenever possible
  • Houses of worship, museums, and movie theaters can open at 50 percent capacity
  • Gyms, fitness centers and pools can open indoors at 25 percent capacity
  • Wineries, breweries and distilleries can open indoors at 25 percent capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer.
  • Bars can open outdoors
  • Outdoor live events can have audiences up to 33 percent of capacity, or 25 percent of a suite starting April 1. See details.

Read full City of Berkeley press release here.


Updated March 26, 2021 - Those 50 and older in Berkeley can get the COVID-19 vaccine from April 1, followed by those 16+ on April 15th

All adults will be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Berkeley starting April 15, with those 50 years and older eligible even sooner, on April 1, due to new state guidelines announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom Thursday. Read full announcement on Berkeleyside here.



Updated March 12, 2021 - Update from California Department of Public Health: Vaccines for People with High-Risk Medical Conditions or Disabilities

On March 15, people with certain significant, high-risk medical conditions or disabilities will become eligible for vaccines statewide, to help save the lives of people who are at high-risk of death and severe complications from COVID-19.   The national supply of the vaccine remains limited, so appointments for the estimated 4.4 million Californians with these conditions or disabilities will not immediately be available to all who are eligible.  As supply increases throughout the spring, more appointments for vaccines will become available. Read full details here.



March 9, 2021 - Alameda County moves into the red tier; many businesses cleared to operate indoors

The adjusted daily new case rate per 100,000 residents in the county is now 4.8, with a testing positivity rate of 1.8%, and a health equity quartile positivity rate of 2.6%.

The following are the businesses and activities that are allowed to open indoors starting March 10, with capacity restrictions and modifications:

  • Restaurants: 25%  maximum capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer
  • Retail: 50%  maximum capacity and food courts permitted with indoor dining restrictions
  • Grocery stores: full capacity while following retail industry guidance
  • Movie theaters: 25% maximum capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer
  • Museums, zoos and aquariums: 25% maximum capacity
  • Gyms, fitness centers and studios (including at hotels): 10% maximum capacity and climbing walls are permitted

Read full Berkeleyside article here.



Updated January 27, 2021 - Covid-19 and Older Adults -- Symptoms to Watch For (sent to us by a member, written by a clinical psychologist at Kaiser)

Hello,

At the beginning of December, a UCSF geriatrician, Dr. Louise Aronson, spoke at Kaiser East Bay Grand Rounds (talks for doctors and other staff) about Covid and the elderly. 

Because of her talk, I urged my brother to get our 90-year-old dad tested for Covid a couple of weeks ago. Instead of having well known symptoms, he was more confused than usual (to the point of not being able to read), was sleeping more than usual, and was more unsteady than usual. He tested positive. Thankfully, he's recovering. (And thankfully, my brother did not test positive.)

Covid symptoms in older adults can be very different. According to a recent JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) study, delirium* or confusion might be the only symptom an older adult has. In other words, no cough or breathing difficulties, no fever, etc. 

From Dr. Aronson's talk: 

Common among Covid patients over 85 are (percentages are how many adults over 85 with Covid experienced the symptom in one study):
  • Asthenia – generalized weakness, failure to thrive, not feeling well - 76%
  • Fever - 1.5-2 degrees above baseline for the individual constitutes a fever - 75%
  • Confusion and delirium* - 71%
  • A first fall - 25%
  • Digestive symptoms - 22%
If an older adult has any of these symptoms, a Covid test is recommended.

Unique Presentations of Covid-19 in Elders (these can be seen with or without the symptoms typical of younger adults):

  • "Seems off" "not themselves" "funny"
  • Not eating
  • Lethargy, sleepiness
  • Apathy
  • Confusion, new or increased
  • Hypotension, dizziness, syncope
  • Falls 

 

Please share this with as many people as you can. If you'd like more information, let me know.

And please stay safe,
Julia (Clinical Psychologist at Kaiser Richmond)

 


*Symptoms/Features of Delirium:
- Disorientation
- Restlessness and agitation
- Withdrawal and drowsiness
- Mood disturbance
- Delusions
- Sudden onset (hours to days) (as opposed to dementia, which develops gradually)
- Disturbances in attention and awareness
- Fluctuating symptoms
- Disrupted sleep/wake cycle
- Perceptual disturbance, including hallucinations



Updated January 26, 2021 - Regional Stay Home Order ended January 25, 2021

All individuals living in the State of California are currently ordered to stay home or at their place of residence, except for permitted work, local shopping or other permitted errands, or as otherwise authorized. Read details on the California COVID page here.

The City of Berkeley's press release outlines more details about what is changing, "A new City Public Health Order aligns with the state's Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Everyone must still act with caution as the state allows more public activities. Each activity requires safeguards and specific restrictions:

  • Restaurants can resume outdoor dining.
  • Gyms and fitness studios can reopen outdoors.
  • Religious and cultural activities may take place outdoors.
  • A household may gather outdoors with up to two other households as long as they use face coverings, keep the meetings short and don't include anyone feeling sick.
  • Hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, piercing shops, tattoo parlors, and other personal care services can operate indoors. 
  • Grocery stores can increase from 35 percent capacity to 50 percent, including hired shoppers
  • Hotels and short-term rentals for non-essential travel can resume."
Read the full release here.



Updated January 15, 2021
Ashby Village Member Support - 2021 Update

An email was sent out to all members, volunteers, and broader community with information on:
- COVID-19 Vaccine Information
- Individual and Group Therapy Available
- Upcoming Webinar Events
- Accessibility Improvements: Automated/AI Captioning Is Now Available for All Ashby Village Virtual Events

Read the full email here.

Updated January 6, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources Available Here

A collection of links to recent media articles, federal and state websites with the latest information on the COVID vaccine (as far as we know), compiled by Ashby Village partner UC Berkeley Retirement Center (UCBRC).



The New Stay-At-Home Order Will Remain In Place Until the Intensive Care Capacity Returns to Safer Levels
Under the current State’s Regional Stay at Home Order, the current restrictions will remain in place until ICU capacity goes above 15%. Read more from the City of Berkeley here.


Updated December 7, 2020  - Ashby Village & The New Stay-At-Home Order

What Is Staying the Same:
  • Grocery shopping by volunteers, virtual tech support, social phone calls, and medication pick-up by staff are all continuing 
  • Rides by volunteer drivers to essential medical appointments will continue to be posted - however, as before, we cannot guarantee them. Ride waiver guidelines are required for rides through AV *See below for other ride options
  • Our Virtual Holiday Party is on December 18th and we hope to see everyone there
  • Resources are available for you - please see the final section below of this email
What Is Shifting:
  • All in-person Connections Team and one-time companionship visits are paused at this time
  • All nature walks are being postponed
Final Reminders:
  • If you are feeling isolated or concerned, please give us a call at 510-204-9200, or email us for a Phone Friend, Social Care Team consult, or ongoing Connections volunteer
  • Volunteers: if you feel sick please cancel the member service you have signed up for and take good care of yourself

Read full update here; update was emailed to all members and volunteers.

Updated December 4, 2020 - NEW STAY-AT-HOME ORDER STARTING DECEMBER 6/7, 2020 - JANUARY 4, 2021

5 Bay Area counties enacting stay-at-home order starting Sunday, not waiting for state's timeline

 

Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Santa Clara, San Francisco and the City of Berkeley (which has its own public health department) announced the new measures in a joint press conference Friday afternoon.

Here's what will change when the order goes into effect:

  • Restaurants will close to both indoor and outdoor dining. They can only do takeout or delivery.

  • Bars and wineries have to close (indoor and outdoor)

    •
  • Hair salons, barbershops, nail salons and other personal care services have to close

    •
  • All retail stores can stay open, but must drop capacity to 20%

    •
  • Private gatherings of any size will be prohibited

The start date varies slightly based on county. Contra Costa, San Francisco and Santa Clara counties say their orders will take effect Sunday at 10 p.m. In Alameda County, the stay-at-home order starts Monday, Dec. 7 at 12:01 a.m. Marin County is last to join on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at noon...

In all cases, the stay-at-home order will last through Jan. 4...."You should not meet in person with anyone you do not live with. Even in a small group, and even outdoors with precautions," said Berkeley's Dr. Lisa Fernandez. "If you have a social bubble, it is now popped." READ FULL ARTICLE HERE.


Updated June 8, 2020

Berkeley City Manager's Office Announcement - June 5, 2020:

NEW HEALTH ORDERS ALLOW INCREASED SOCIALIZATION, ACTIVITIES -- AND REQUIRES HAVING FACE COVERINGS WHEN OUT - As more people mix, urgency to take protective actions also rises. Read HERE.

Updated May 29, 2020

California Department of Aging's "Older Adults, People with Disabilities, and Families: Guide to Information & Resources"

Updated May 18, 2020

 

AS COVID-19 CASES STABILIZE, CURBSIDE RETAIL AND MANUFACTURING CAN RE-OPEN in berkeley

There is no end date in the current order.

Berkeley's Health Officer and those for other jurisdictions around the region look closely at the data and other indicators to determine future phases. Determining the early impact of a set of rule changes requires at least two weeks - the outer limit of how much time it takes for someone to develop COVID-19 after being exposed.

"Each phase is a trial," said Dr. Hernandez. "When more activities are permitted, we see more cases and examine how that impacts the total number of cases and hospitalizations. Community members and businesses do their part by using face coverings, physical distancing and acting in ways that limit sickness and the virus' spread." Read full update here.


REGISTER for COVID-19 Testing in Oakland

The City of Oakland is partnering with Brown and Toland Physicians Group, CORE, Verily, and Roots Community Health Center to provide free COVID-19 testing to people who live or work in Alameda County regardless of insurance or immigration status.

Now, anyone who lives or works in Alameda County can be tested for FREE at any of Oakland’s testing sites. Read more HERE.


Updated April 27, 2020
SEVEN BAY AREA HEALTH OFFICERS WILL EXTEND SHELTER-IN-PLACE ORDERS
The Public Health Officers of the Counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara as well as the City of Berkeley will later this week issue revised shelter-in-place orders that largely keep the current restrictions in place and extend them through May.

Updated April 24, 2020

California Governor Gavin Newsom Gives Coronavirus Update - April 24


The Governor’s remarks today are all about enhancing services for seniors, including a massive meal delivery program.

AND ANOTHER RESOURCE:
- UCSF's Department of Medicine has ongoing COVID-19 news coverage HERE.

Updated April 23, 2020
Contra Costa Health Services: COVID-19 Drive-In Testing By Appointment
For Villagers who are residents of Kensington (unincorporated part of Contra Costa County), El Cerrito, and Richmond. 


Updated April 20, 2020
CITY OF BERKELEY FACE COVERING AND SOCIAL DISTANCING REQUIREMENTS FOR BUSINESSES
Essential businesses must require face coverings for employees and customers, post certain signs, and adopt social distancing protocols to abide by Health Officer orders to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Updated April 9, 2020

CITY OF BERKELEY OPENS COVID-19 TESTING SITE FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS: A message from City of Berkeley Health Officer Dr. Lisa Hernandez

Berkeley Mutual Aid Network
Berkeley Mutual Aid is a group of volunteers set up to "buddy" with people who need help during this time. They can help with grocery shopping, etc., and also can be available to talk by phone or email about anything that may come up. They're seeking volunteers, as well neighbors who need assistance.

Updated March 31, 2020

HEALTH OFFICERS EXTEND, UPDATE STAY-AT-HOME ORDER WITH NEW RESTRICTIONS THROUGH MAY 3


Governor Newsom's COVID-19 Update - March 31, 2020

Governor Gavin Newsom and state health officials provide an update on California's response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Governor Newsom announces the "Stay Home. Save Lives. Check In" campaign urging Californians to help combat social isolation and food insecurity among those over the age of 65 -- a community that is uniquely vulnerable to COVID-19.

From the 6 minute mark until the 12 minute mark Governor Newsom specifically addresses supporting older adults.

Updated March 25, 2020

If you are trying to stay up-to-date on the latest information regarding COVID-19, please only use trusted sources. Here are a few:

Updated March 20, 2020

A gentle reminder that there is no need to panic about food availability, grocery store supplies are not low - this is simply due to surges in shoppers. Read the PBS News Hour's full interview with the President of the National Grocers Association here.

Updated March 18, 2020

Food and Grocery Resources



Updated March 16, 2020

1. Alameda County Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan Joined Six Other Bay Area Public Health Jurisdictions to Issue an Order for All Alameda County Residents to "Shelter In Place" to Slow the Spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Preserve Critical Health Care Capacity Across the Region: Read full update here


2. Please, No Walk-Ins to the Office To maintain the health of staff, until April 7th the office is no longer allowing walk-in visits. If you need to meet with one of the staff in person please call ahead to confirm: 510-204-9200

3. Ashby Village is launching "Your Daily Dose of Dopamine" Positivity is needed more than ever these days, and starting today we will be sending a Daily Dose of Dopamine every morning at 10 AM to your inbox. These may include a fun activity you can do during this "staycation", a silly video or uplifting quote. Please email info@ashbyvillage.org if you are not a member and would like to receive these daily emails.


Updated March 13, 2020

Dear Members, Volunteers, and Friends,

We are here for you. We are here for one another. As a committed, caring community, Ashby Village has been wrestling with the decision about whether it's in the best interest of our members to postpone, or to cancel, our gatherings.  Clearly, our older population is more vulnerable to the virus, and being in large settings increases the likelihood of being exposed. At the same time, being alone, watching the news, and sitting with yet another life challenge can also affect our health.  

Consistent with the public health guidelines issued by the CDC, the Public Health Departments of Alameda and Contra Costa, a group of leaders from the Board, Program Leadership Team, Neighborhood Group Council and Staff have developed the following guidelines for:

How We Can Support Members
What Volunteers Need to Know
Information for All of Us

Following are the summary highlights:
  • Ashby Village is suspending events at the office - 1821 Catalina Avenue - through the end of the March 2020. Certain outdoor events and some offsite groups may choose to meet. Please check the calendar or call the office to confirm.
  • For the health and well-being of all, members and volunteers should follow the self-care guidelines as closely as possible. If you are sick or not feeling well, please stay home.
  • Ashby Village will attempt to assist members with essential needs and services. To help us better assist you, we ask that you postpone non-essential requests.
  • If you are feeling isolated or concerned, please give us a call at 510-204-9200* for a Phone Friend, Social Care Team consult, or ongoing Connections volunteer.

As a strong community network, Ashby Village is committed to responding to this crisis with care and ingenuity. We will monitor this evolving situation closely and make appropriate adjustments as things proceed. Please check this page for updates.

We are a village; let's do the new greeting - bumping elbows - and support one another through yet one more of the great hurdles of life.

- Andy Gaines, Executive Director

*There was a typo originally, please call this main office number for all requests
[Read full letter and included resources here]


Updated March 12, 2020

Additional resources that have been shared with us:


Updated March 10, 2020

As a committed, caring community, Ashby Village has been wrestling with the decision about whether it's in the best interest of our members to cancel regularly scheduled events. Clearly, our older population is more vulnerable to the virus, and being in large settings increases the likelihood of being exposed. At the same time, being alone, watching the news, and sitting with yet another challenge in this life can also be dangerous for our health.  


Following the guidance of the City of Berkeley and Alameda County Department of Public Health, Ashby Village is continuing to hold its meetings and gatherings.  Respecting and supporting the choices of instructors, some classes have been cancelled.  Before attending an event, please Check the Calendar on our website to ensure it is happening.  

If you are feeling well, and wanting to engage in the activities you are familiar with doing, please come.  And remember: wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and minimize your contact with others.

If you are not feeling well, or are sick, please stay home - for your health and the wellbeing of others.

We are staying closely tuned to how this virus proceeds.  We will immediately shift course if overwhelming evidence indicates that gatherings pose a threat to our members, or local public authorities recommend otherwise.  


Updated March 9, 2020

Out of precaution for the ongoing and changing COVID-19, Ashby Village has decided to cancel the "100th Birthday Celebration and 90's High Tea", originally scheduled for this Friday, March 13th, and is working to reschedule it with the Claremont Hotel in the future. Ashby Village is personally contacting each member who was scheduled to attend this event.

All scheduled Living Room Chats are also being cancelled until further notice; we do not want to gather Ashby Village members and community members in a small enclosed space in a member's house. 

Additional resources that have been shared with us:


Updated March 4, 2020


Ashby Village has been deeply considering whether or not to temporarily pause its programming.  Following is a statement we just read from Immunization branch of the CA Department of Public Health: 

Should public events be cancelled?

The California Department of Public Health is not recommending the cancellation of public events. There is no evidence of sustained person-to-person transmission of the virus in in the United States. The health risk from COVID-19 to the general public remains low at this time.
California state and local health officials are actively working to help protect the health of Californians. California has a limited number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 and we don't have indication of it spreading widely in our communities at this time.


Updated March 3, 2020
We’ve all been reading and hearing about COVID-19 (the “Coronavirus”) that is spreading worldwide. At Ashby Village, we are continuing to monitor the situation closely, as our priority is the health and safety of our members, volunteers and staff.

While the potential public health threat posed by this coronavirus is high, the individual risk depends on exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 usually causes an upper respiratory tract illness like the common cold. Patients with this new coronavirus have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath according to the CDC.

What can you do?

It’s still cold and flu season, and the same practices that stop the spread of these common illnesses are recommended:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  •  If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that is comprised of at least 60% alcohol to effectively neutralize germs
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
  • Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces you touch.
We recommend that you prepare proactively by purchasing food supplies for a couple of weeks, as well as other essentials like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent and any medication(s) you may need.

What is Ashby Village doing?

At this time, Ashby Village programs and services are continuing unabated.

Our offices and meeting rooms at 1821 Catalina now have signage and hand-sanitizer dispensers at the two main entrances, and we ask that all visitors sanitize their hands when they enter and exit the building. The office is providing disinfecting wipes at all meeting places and ask attendees to please be diligent about wiping seating and surrounding areas before and after meetings.

We ask that all volunteers working with members be diligent in sanitizing your hands, cars, computers, etc. If you are ill, please cancel the service you have accepted or contact the office.

We'll keep you informed if there are any substantive changes in protocol, and please continue to check back here for any updates.

For more information

 




 

 



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