The chart below displays the number of detected COVID-19 cases in select counties. We must keep in mind that testing is generally reserved for patients with symptoms [per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidance ]. This means that the number of detected COVID-19 cases gives some indication of the number of individuals experiencing more acute symptoms; however, it’s still not a complete picture given the possibility that not all individuals experiencing more acute symptoms are able to get tested as well as regional differences in the availability of testing. Despite these major caveats, the chart below shows that Alameda County has the lowest number of detected cases compared to a select number of other counties, including San Francisco, Santa Clara, King County (where Seattle is located), and Los Angeles. I had initially wanted to include other major metro areas in this comparison like New York City, but the sad reality is that New York's numbers are too high to display on the same chart. In interpreting the chart below, it's helpful to consider the relative differences in population size for respective counties.

Because of the limitations in COVID-19 testing, another metric to which we can look to get a better understanding of what may be happening is the total number of COVID-19 deaths in select counties, displayed in the chart below. These data give us a general sense that Bay Area counties have experienced a lower number of deaths so far. Any loss of life is a tragedy, and my hope is that the actions we're taking today will reduce the number of deaths in our community.   

Perhaps the most hopeful sign is the reduction in the growth in the number of COVID-19 cases that we’re starting to see—after two weeks of sheltering in place. For example, Alameda County saw an increase of just 13 cases from March 29 to March 30 after seeing a high of 43 new cases from March 25 to March 26. The same caveats are still true about the shortage in the availability of tests and other factors, but the chart below suggests that we’re flattening the curve and giving our hospitals the ability to better manage the influx of cases. 

Interestingly, these data are corroborated by a national database of daily fever readings ,  which shows that stay-at-home orders and restaurant closures are contributing to rapid drops in the number of fevers—a signal symptom of most COVID-19 infections . We're also starting to see news reports of Bay Area doctors observing that they have not yet experienced a surge in COVID-19 cases. It's far too soon to declare victory, but these trends give us hope that our sacrifices will save lives.

If you are: a low-income Berkeley resident, a Berkeley-based small business or non-profit, or a Berkeley-based non-profit arts organization, then please click HERE to learn more about Berkeley Relief Fund grants.

You can continue to support our restaurants and essential businesses. Here’s a list of restaurants and essential businesses that remain open in Berkeley, and here are some precautions to keep in mind when handling takeout containers and groceries:

Eviction Moratorium . No one should lose their home in this crisis. The City Council unanimously voted on March 17 to enact an emergency ordinance to place a moratorium on evictions for residential and commercial tenants for the duration of our local COVID-19 emergency declaration. This action will provide peace of mind to residential and commercial tenants who have experienced a loss of income or a loss of revenue as a result of COVID-19. However, this action doesn’t obviate the requirement to pay rent. 

If you know you will have trouble paying rent in April, then the ordinance requires you to provide notification in writing to your landlord or their representative (e-mail or text is okay if you've previously communicated with your landlord or their representative in this way). Supporting documentation is also required to demonstrate that the inability to pay in full is related to the impact of COVID-19. The Governor issued an Executive Order on March 27 that places a statewide moratorium on residential evictions through May 31; my office is working to understand whether the Governor's action affects the requirements for residential tenants and landlords under our local ordinance. We’re all in this together and flexibility is needed at this time. While the City doesn’t have the authority to waive rent or mortgage payments, there is some assistance available for tenants and homeowners:

The federal relief package (described below) will also provide financial assistance to individuals earning up to $99,000 and couples earning up to $198,000, along with enhanced unemployment insurance benefits. 

If you have any questions about the emergency moratorium on evictions or applying for a Berkeley Relief Fund grant, please don't hesitate to contact me: [email protected] or 510-981-7110 (we're checking voicemails three times per day).

 

I'm pleased to announce that the City of Berkeley is now collecting sealed unused PPE, including the following items:

The City will be distributing the PPE to various health entities, such as Alta Bates, health clinics, and skilled nursing facilities. If you have items to donate to the City, please complete the form for information on next steps.

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I know there’s been a lot of varying information about whether the general public should wear a mask. Here’s what we know for sure: there’s a shortage of n95 and surgical-style masks. While the CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask, h ealth officials in  China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan   suggest that people wear masks in certain situations—if they’re symptomatic, for instance, or if they’re in crowded, not-very-well-ventilated places,   like airplanes . As Farhad Manjoo writes in the New York Times, studies have also shown that mask-wearing (in conjunction with hand-washing) reduces the spread of infection   within households   or other shared living spaces,   like residence halls .

 

While I’m not a health professional, I think one reasonable approach is to continue donating unused n95 and surgical-style masks to our front-line health care workers. We should keep doing this until we’re assured that our front-line health care workers have secured sufficient PPE to meet this moment. My office is currently exploring the interest among local operators of facilities for vulnerable populations, such as senior homes and homeless shelters, in receiving sewn fabric masks for staff and residents. If you have a sewing machine, I encourage you to make fabric masks; please get in touch ([email protected] or 510-981-7110) if you'd like to donate them. If you'd like to learn how to sew a mask, Farhad Manjoo has you covered .

$300 Billion in Direct Cash Payments . Most individuals earning less than $75,000 can expect a one-time cash payment of $1,200. Married couples would each receive a check and families would get $500 per child. That means a family of four earning less than $150,000 can expect $3,400. The checks start to phase out after that and disappear completely for people making more than $99,000 and couples making more than $198,000. The cash payments are based on either your 2018 or 2019 tax filings; people who receive social security benefits, but don't file a tax return are still eligible. Significantly, unless you're a member of the military, you must have a social security number to be eligible to receive a cash payment; this leaves out our undocumented community.

$260 Billion for Enhanced Unemployment Benefits. The bill adds $600 per week for up to four months on top of whatever base amount a worker receives from California's unemployment insurance program. The bill also extends benefits by 13 weeks from a maximum of 26 weeks in California to a maximum of 39 weeks. Importantly, the bill extends these unemployment benefit enhancements to gig workers, freelancers, contractors, and other self-employed people.

Help for Small Businesses. The bill provides $10 billion for grants of up to $10,000 for small businesses to cover immediate operating costs. An additional $350 billion is allocated for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide loans of up to $10 million per business. Any portion of that loan used to maintain payroll, keep workers on the books or pay for rent, mortgage and existing debt could be forgiven, provided workers stay employed through the end of June. Finally, there is $17 billion to cover six months of payments for small businesses already using SBA loans.

If you have a steady income today, give thanks. If you have enough food to eat today, give thanks.

Remember to call your loved ones often. I’ve stopped using the term “social distancing” because it’s actually a misnomer for what we’re trying to achieve: we must maintain strong social ties, but practice physical distance when we connect with others. Here are more tips on coping with sheltering at home from an astronaut who spent a year in space.

If you’re struggling in any way, please call, text, or e-mail me and I will do my best to find a way to get you the help you need: [email protected] , 510-981-7110 (office line checked three times per day), or 510-982-6128 (Google Voice cell phone number). 

Teleconferences. The Shelter In Place Order has given me an opportunity to do a lot more cooking than usual. Maybe it’s given you an opportunity to tackle a home improvement project, organize the garage, or de-clutter your home. Here are some recent teleconferences that can get you up to speed on COVID-19 as you’re working around the house: 

Other Resources. The Mayor’s Office has created a resource guide, with information about parking enforcement, senior hours at local grocery stores and other information.

A Berkeley Mutual Aid website has been created for neighbors to offer and receive assistance, such as help with grocery shopping.

The Alameda County Office of Education has a webpage on mental health and well-being as you shelter in place.

The state COVID-19 website is where you can get up to speed on what’s happening statewide and what resources and assistance may be available, such as unemployment insurance. 

If you have specific questions or concerns, please always feel free to reach out to me: [email protected] or 510-981-7110. 

For updates on community issues and links to City information resources, please visit my website: www.rashikesarwani.com.

This site is also where you can find an archive of all of my newsletters to date.

To sign up to receive future newsletters, please click  HERE.