The new school year brings looser COVID-19 restrictions, with less testing and more field trips and classroom visitors.
Coronavirus
Posted inCity
Berkeley’s COVID-19 death rate is among the lowest in California
People who are elderly and Black make up a disproportionate share of Berkeley’s 62 COVID-19 deaths.
Posted inCity
Here’s what you should know about the COVID surge in Berkeley
Case rates are “plateauing at a high rate,” fueled by the BA.5 variant.
Posted inSchools
BUSD puts staff vaccine mandate on hold, rescinds student vax-or-test rule
Reversing course, the Berkeley school board rescinded a vaccine-or-test policy for students and put a vaccine mandate for employees on hold at its Wednesday meeting.
Posted inCity
Berkeley will not join rest of Alameda County in reinstating mask mandate
The city’s public health officer has opted not to reinstate the requirement, citing data showing COVID cases in decline locally.
Posted inSchools
BUSD will reinstate indoor mask mandate Monday amid new surge
More students and staff are testing positive for COVID-19 again due to a surge fueled by omicron subvariants.
Posted inCity
Yes, it’s a surge: Wastewater tests reveal high level of COVID-19 in East Bay
Health experts say positive cases are underreported, but high vaccination rates have meant fewer hospitalizations and deaths.
Posted inCity
City of Berkeley urges indoor masking as COVID-19 cases spike again
Berkeley’s case rate is higher than it’s been at any point in the pandemic other than the omicron surge. Hospitalizations remain low.
Posted inCity
Berkeley is analyzing sewage data to track COVID-19 as response shifts in third year of pandemic
As self-testing becomes more common, the Berkeley health officer said the data is a useful tool in monitoring COVID-19 in the general population.
Posted inSchools
Questions of COVID safety still occupy Berkeley parents
Parents shared thoughts on vaccination and testing as the school board decided whether to lobby the state legislature over two bills.
Posted inSchools
Plan to end Berkeley’s K-5 distance learning option gets pushback from parents
Families with medically vulnerable students or relatives are fighting to save the Virtual Academy program, launched last fall.
Posted inSchools
How Berkeley Unified spent its $24M in COVID-19 funds
Berkeleyside analyzed district data to break down how state and federal COVID-19 relief money was spent.
