As June 15 Approaches, Employers Should Encourage Vaccinations, Use Public Health Tools To Increase Safety

Press release from City of Berkeley:

June 8, 2021

Berkeley, California (Tuesday, June 08, 2021) - With almost two-thirds of eligible Berkeleyans and half the people statewide now fully vaccinated, the critical urgency of almost all emergency laws have ebbed, placing California on the cusp of a new phase that places more responsibility for fighting COVID-19 in the hands of individuals, workplaces and businesses.

This momentous phase, scheduled for June 15, comes with the awareness that collective vaccinations have dramatically slowed the spread and infection of a virus that continues to debilitate or kill tens of thousands globally who are unable to get vaccinated.

With the virus still easily spreadable among unvaccinated Californians, state workplace regulations will still require employees to use proven non-pharmaceutical tools such as face coverings if any employee is unvaccinated.

These powerful tools can be used by anyone in other settings to protect themselves, their families or groups to which they belong. However, vaccination remains the most powerful, universal protection from COVID-19 disease.

"We are fortunate to live in a time and place where anyone can easily get a free, safe and effective vaccine against this deadly virus," said Dr. Lisa B. Hernandez, the City of Berkeley Health Officer. "I urge everyone who can to get vaccinated. As we move away from directive orders, people should use their best judgment and use non-pharmaceutical tools to protect those who are not yet able to get vaccinated."

Town Halls to learn more about June 15, "Beyond the Blueprint" rules

Encourage vaccinations

Be aware of how COVID-19 spreads

• Breathing in air from exhaled droplets or particles that contain the virus
• having these droplets land on eyes, nose or mouth
• touching eyes, nose or mouth with hands that have the virus on them.

Federal and State rules are evolving

City, county shift to yellow tier in transitional phase

• Restaurants are allowed to open indoors at 50% capacity (no longer capped at 200 people for large venues) or 75% if all patrons show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.
• Bars that do not serve food may open indoors at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer, or 37.5% capacity if all patrons show proof of vaccination or a negative test.
• Gyms and fitness studios can open indoors at 50% capacity or 75% if all patrons show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Fitness facilities may reopen saunas, spas, and steam rooms.
• Wineries, breweries, and distilleries may open indoors at 50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer, or 75% capacity if all patrons show proof of full vaccination or a negative test.
• Movie theaters may open indoors with 50% capacity, or up to 75% capacity if all patrons show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

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Use Face coverings, distance and other tools to stay safe

Links:

• COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (Cal/OSHA)
• Beyond the Blueprint (California Department of Public Health)
• Community Town Hall on June 15 (Alameda County Public Health & City of Berkeley Public Health)
• Employer/Business Town Hall on June 21 (Alameda County Public Health & City of Berkeley Public Health):
• What You Should Know about COVID-19 and the ADA (EEOC)
• Employment Information on COVID-19 (California Department of Fair Employment & Housing)
• City of Berkeley Vaccination Page
• MyTurn (State Vaccination Page)

This press release was produced by City of Berkeley. The views expressed here are the author’s own.