Friday, April 2, 2021 - 9 a.m.
There are two important updates related to vaccines:Vaccine records can now be uploaded to eTang
Faculty, staff, and students who have been vaccinated outside of University Health Services are strongly encouraged to upload their vaccine records to eTang. When you log onto eTang, click Medical Clearances and update the COVID-19 Vaccine section by uploading a photo of your vaccine card and entering vaccine date(s) and type. A COVID-19 vaccine declination form and process will also be rolled out soon.Testing requirements change for those fully vaccinated
Effective April 1, campus surveillance testing requirements are being changed for fully vaccinated faculty, staff, and students. You’re considered fully vaccinated 14 days after your final vaccine dose.- Vaccinated students living in on-campus housing or participating in athletics will still be required to get tested, but the frequency will change from twice weekly to once a week.
- For everyone else, weekly testing will not be required for 90 days from the date of your final vaccine.
Wednesday, March 31, 2021 - 8 a.m.
Beginning Monday, April 5, for the first time since the pandemic started, UC Berkeley students will once again be able to study at Moffitt Library. The new service will provide a productive, dedicated space for solo study sessions while emphasizing the well-being of all who enter the library’s doors, with safeguards such as low-density seating and mandatory mask-wearing. Reservations are required, and spots will be available weekdays from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m.Tuesday, March 30, 2020 - 3 p.m.
With cases of COVID-19 continuing to fall, the city of Berkeley and the rest of Alameda County will move to the less restrictive orange “moderate” tier of the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, starting Wednesday.
With the possibility of an increase in cases due to spring break travel, UC Berkeley will wait to make any changes related to the orange tier until at least Monday, April 5, when limited in-person instruction is scheduled to resume. This delay could be extended if there is an uptick in cases.
Campus requirements are different than those for individuals
At this time, campus guidelines are the same regardless of vaccination status. With the CDC releasing new interim public health recommendations for fully vaccinated people, you may be wondering why more restrictions are not being lifted. It’s important to know that there are different public health expectations for universities, workplaces, congregate living situations, and individual households. Also, the state still requires that social, non-work, non-instructional gatherings be limited to not more than three households, with face coverings and six-foot distancing even among fully vaccinated individuals.
At this time, even if you have been vaccinated, you’re still required to wear a face covering, get tested, show your badge for entrance to campus facilities, and comply with all other requirements for working on campus until stated otherwise. These guidelines, as well as emerging evidence and the latest CDC guidance, are currently under review and any updates will be announced in the Response and Recovery newsletter.
In case you missed it, the UC Berkeley Mobile app has been updated to make it easier to comply with campus requirements with fewer prompts to sign in. Log in to the app to complete the Daily Symptom Screener, show your badge, and access the eTang Portal.
Planning underway for research expansion
The campus is making plans to expand research operations, allowing for greater density in labs as well as expanded access in other disciplines. Stay tuned for more information.
Most employees will continue to work from home
Even though some office use is permitted in the orange tier, working remotely is still encouraged by the state guidelines. Discussions are underway about increasing on-campus activities as we approach the fall and more information will be shared in the coming weeks. The UC Berkeley Future of Work Committee and the Dean’s Working Group on Future of Work are also looking at what work will look like long-term. In the meantime, do not expect any immediate changes to work from home.
Bears wear masks
Cover your nose and mouth when on campus and in the surrounding community.
Bears wash paws
Frequent handwashing with soap and water is key to preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Bears protect bears
Stay at least six feet away from others - even when wearing a face covering.