Disclaimer: This information is subject to change based on the evolving COVID-19 guidance from the City of Berkeley, Alameda County, and the State of California. Please refer to the City of Berkeley website and COVID19.CA.GOV for up-to-date information.
Coming to Campus
If you are coming to campus for class or for study, there are many requirements and guidelines that you must adhere to, including quarantine, regular testing, and more. Please see below for information, but your best and most comprehensive reousrce will be the University Health Services Coronavirus Information.
Guidance for Returning, Moving, or Visiting Berkeley
Once you have arrived in Berkeley, for the first 2 weeks, you should self-quarantine to avoid potentially sharing the virus. Click here for more information and guidance for protecting yourself and others while traveling and after you arrive.
Mandatory COVID-19 testing for everyone on campus
Anyone coming to campus to work or study will be required to test weekly. Testing compliance will be monitored using the color-coded badge system. A green badge will be required to enter any university building on or adjacent to the central campus. In order to have a green badge, you will need to be current with your testing regimen. UHS has recently added another surveillance testing option, an appointment-based drive-thru at Underhill Parking Lot on Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays from 1pm - 6pm. This is in addition to the expanded 8am - 5pm hours at RSF and Memorial Stadium and the new night-shift only hours at RSF on Fridays from 5am - 8am.
Mandatory Flu Shot for everyone on campus
With the Berkeley Global Student Health Insurance plan, you can get a flu shot at any CVS or Walgreens pharmacy (see “Drugstores” below for more information) by visiting the pharmacy counter and presenting your health insurance ID card. If you have a different insurance plan and are unsure of where to go, refer to your health insurance provider for more information.
Mandatory Face Covering and Social Distancing
It is required that you wear a cloth face covering when you must be in public for essential activities, such as shopping at the grocery store. A bandana, fabric mask, neck gaiter or other cloth barrier may help prevent those who have mild or no COVID-19 symptoms from unknowingly spreading it to others, however it does not substitute for physical distancing and hand hygiene. See more information about Protecting Yourself and Others.
Vaccines for COVID-19
Vaccination is currently being admnistered, but only to essential healthcare staff and those aged 65 and older. The Vaccines for COVID-19 webpage is being updated on a regular basis as things change daily. The Berkeley Global Health Insurance should fully cover the cost of the COVID vaccine as they become available to the greater campus population. You can check your county's tier status and sign up for local COVID-19 alerts here.
Health Care Facilities and Using Your Health Insurance Plan
If you are enrolled in the Berkeley Global Student Health Insurance plan, you can refer to this helpful COVID-19 Resource Guide, which includes information on getting care, articles and general COVID-19 information. Bookmark this page so that you can easily refer back to it.
If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, you can use the symptom self-assessment tool on Anthem's website. Answer five simple questions to find out what your symptoms may mean based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
If you would like to get personalized guidance about your health and connect with a doctor via text, chat or video, download Anthem's Sydney Care app. The app features, benefits and costs vary from plan to plan.
If you would like to be tested for COVID-19, please go to the test site finder on Anthem’s website and enter your address, or state, county and ZIP code to quickly locate testing centers near you.
If you are not enrolled in the Berkeley Global Student Health Insurance plan with Anthem, please contact your insurance company or primary-care provider to inquire about COVID-19 services. You can also look at the City of Berkeley COVID-19 testing website and call to ask about fees.
Staying Healthy
Stay Informed
Find updates on the number of COVID-19 cases in the City of Berkeley and at UC Berkeley.
Travel Outside of California
If you plan to travel outside of California or by airplane, please be cautious and consider all possible risks. Refer to the CDC for important information about travel, even if you will be traveling by car.
Take Care of Yourself!
Living with roommates can pose unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC has specific guidelines for those who are living in close quarters on how roommates living together can keep each other safe.
Quarantine Guidelines
The CDC makes a distinction between isolating when sick and self-quarantine if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19.
- If you are sick and showing symptoms of COVID-19, you should isolate yourself.
- If you think that you have come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you should self-quarantine.
For those who are living in close quarters with other people, isolation and self-quarantine may be tricky. The CDC has specific guidelines for those who are living in close quarters. And remember—stay home if you are sick!
Don’t Forget to Take Care of Your Mental Health!
While you’re taking precautions to take care of your physical health, remember to take care of your mental health! This is a strange and isolating time, so make time for self-care throughout your day.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a great resource for brief virtual counseling with a licensed counselor.
The Wellness Society has also created a Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook if you are looking for some helpful hands-on activities.
What Is Open in Berkeley?
According to the current order of the Health Officer of the County of Alameda, the following businesses are considered "essential businesses" and are therefore open:
Grocery Stores
Restaurants
Many restaurants in Berkeley are open for take-out!
Banks
Most branches are operating on reduced hours or by appointment. Check their website for updates.
Hardware Stores
Hardware stores sell tools and other equipment for home improvement.
United States Postal Service
- Berkeley: 2000 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
- Sather Gate: 2515 ½ Durant Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704
- North Berkeley: 1521 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley CA 94709
Laundromats
- Holiday Coin Laundry: 1187 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702
- Wash and Fold Laundromat: 1467 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709
- Central Launderette: 2462 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704
Drugstores
Drugstores typically include a pharmacy and also sell products such as cosmetics, personal care products, snack foods, household products, stationery and seasonal items.
- Walgreens: 2190 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704
- CVS: 2300 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704
- Target: 2187 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704
Essential Services
Public Transportation in the Bay Area
Your AC Transit Easypass can be used on AC Transit and other public transportation systems, such as BART. Click here for COVID-19 updates.
- Bear Transit, the campus shuttle system, is operating a three-line service. Show your CAL 1 Card and ride for free! Get details on their services.
- In order to use your Easypass on BART, you must add money to the card. This can be done in most BART stations and at some Walgreens stores. Check out BART COVID-19 service updates.
Find even more information in the 2020-2021 Student Transportation Handbook!
