Information about COVID-19

COVID-19 (i.e. coronavirus) is a highly infectious disease that can result in serious health complications, such as pneumonia or death. Common symptoms include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath, which may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

How do I protect myself/others?

Because there currently is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, the best way to prevent illness and avoid spreading it to others is to avoid being exposed to the virus.

1. Wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth in public

2. Stay at home or in one location as much as possible

3. Maintain at least 6-10 feet of distance from others

4. Wash your hands often

5. Don't touch your face

6. Cover your coughs and sneezes -- cough into your elbow or use a tissue, throw it away, and wash your hands immediately

7. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

Additional information from the CDC: How to Protect Yourself & Others.

What do I do if I feel ill?

If you are experiencing a medical emergency (including trouble breathing), call 9-1-1.

Otherwise, if you are experiencing mild to moderate fever or coughing:

1. Stay at home or in one location, except to get medical care. Isolate from others in your home/tent/location if possible.

2. Wear a face mask/bandana to cover your coughs

3. Call your primary care provider (if you have one) or a local urgent care center. You can also contact your local Department of Public Health (DPH) for additional guidance:

   • Berkeley DPH, M-F 8am-5pm: (510) 981-5300

   • Berkeley DPH After Hours: (510) 981-5911

   • Alameda DPH, M-F 8:30am-5pm: (510) 267-8000

   • Alameda DPH After Hours: (925) 422-7595 

   • If you're unhoused, call Alameda Healthcare for the Homeless: (510) 891-8950

Additional information from the CDC: What to Do If You Are Sick.

General COVID-19 Information

The following links contain general information, news, and updates about COVID-19:

• National updates & information - Centers for Disease Control

• State - CA Department of Public Health

• Local - Berkeley Department of Public Health & Alameda Department of Public Health

Resource Lists

The following links are crowd-sourced resource lists that are continuously being updated:

• Bay Area Mass Resource List — compiled by the Freedom Community Clinic

• Alameda County Houseless Resources During COVID-19 Shelter in Place Order (ask for permission to access)

• Bay Area COVID-19 Resource List — compiled by Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality

• Bay Area COVD-19 Resource List

• National List of COVID-19 Mutual Aid & Advocacy Resources

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates and Resources for People Living with HIV — East Bay Getting to Zero