The Berkeley City Council will return to holding its meetings virtually as COVID-19 cases increase across the Bay Area, the city announced Thursday.
Starting at the council’s June 14 meeting, meeting attendees will be able to participate via Zoom or by phone by calling (877) 853-5257 and entering the meeting ID code, which is posted on the meeting’s agenda.
Meetings will also be streamed live on the city’s website.
While Alameda County reinstated a requirement last week to wear a mask in indoor public spaces, the city of Berkeley – which operates as its own public health jurisdiction – has not yet brought back its indoor mask requirement.
A spokesperson for the city noted in a statement last week that the city is broadly protected from the virus for now, with 94 percent of the city’s total population having completed their initial COVID vaccination series and 81 percent having received at least one booster vaccine dose.
“While we support other Health Officers’ decisions to use whatever tools are appropriate for their jurisdictions, the data in Berkeley does not currently warrant a Health Order, according to Health Officer Dr. Lisa B. Hernandez,” Berkeley spokesman Matthai Chakko said.
Questions about virtual council meetings can be directed to the city clerk’s office at clerk@cityofberkeley.info or by calling (510) 981-6900.
