Monday, March 1, 4 p.m.

UC Berkeley faculty, staff, and students planning to conduct university-related travel in the coming months should review UC Berkeley’s guidance on travel before making travel plans during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a reminder:

• Research travel: All off-campus research travel – domestic or international – must receive prior approval from VC Research until further notice. Please submit requests to the VC Research critical field research continuity review process. Contact vcr@berkeley.edu with questions.
• International travel: Per UCOP guidelines, UC Berkeley is also advised to avoid all non-essential university-related international travel until further notice. International travelers should also complete a secondary process, UC Berkeley’s Protocol for Essential International Travel, to seek approval from the Vice Provost for Academic Planning. Contact geo@berkeley.edu with questions.

University-related travel is defined by UC Berkeley as essential if it is required to:

• Preserve the safety of a research subject and is not possible to be postponed.
• Preserve the results of research activity and is not possible to be postponed.

Please refer to the travel page for more information about the campus’ travel protocols, travel insurance, and travel reimbursement for faculty, staff, and students. Travelers should allow at least 21 days for the approval process prior to booking flights.

Friday, Feb. 26, 2 p.m.

The following FAQs were included in today's Response and Recovery newsletter:

Who is eligible?

According to state guidelines, persons at risk of occupational exposure to COVID-19 through their work in any role in education settings are eligible to be vaccinated, further referenced by those guidelines as all staff of universities. This may include faculty and staff and also may include postdocs, graduate student instructors, graduate student researchers, readers, tutors, student assistants, and any other form of campus employee. Please note that eligibility requirements are set by the vaccination provider and UC Berkeley is not able to guarantee eligibility.

What verification is needed?

You’re advised to bring a pay stub and your UC Berkeley photo ID to your vaccination appointment. Please note that verification requirements are set by the vaccination provider and you may be asked to provide additional documentation.

How do I get the vaccine?

You’re encouraged to contact your health care provider and/or visit the California Department of Public Health My Turn website to check your eligibility, receive a notification when vaccines and appointments are available in your area, or book an appointment.

Friday, Feb. 19, noon

The state of California has engaged Blue Shield to manage the statewide distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines. This represents a major shift to county-based mass vaccination programs. It could also mean that the University of California system will no longer receive vaccine doses for the purpose of vaccinating members of the campus community, at least until the vaccine is more widely available.

While UC Health officials are currently engaging in advocacy with the state for campuses to continue to receive vaccines, we are unlikely to receive new vaccine doses for at least the next two weeks.

It is our understanding that we will receive second doses for those who have received their first doses from University Health Services (UHS). We will continue to update our webpage on vaccine distribution as the situation develops.

According to California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidelines, anyone working in higher education (meaning all UC Berkeley employees — faculty and staff alike), is working in the “education sector” (as defined by the CDPH) and is therefore eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Visit the CDPH “My Turn” website to receive a notification when vaccines are available in your area and when you are eligible to receive a vaccination. Additional opportunities may also be available through your health care provider.