Berkeley and Oakland Experience COVID-19 Surge but Numbers Lower Than Last Summer
Berkeley and Oakland are currently facing a surge in COVID-19 cases, though the numbers are significantly lower than the spike experienced during the same period last summer. This surge is following a trend that has occurred every summer since 2020. While the average weekly case rates in the county were around 20 per 100,000 people last summer, it is now only about five cases weekly. However, the number of cases has been rising in recent weeks.
According to Dr. Noha Aboelata, CEO of Roots Community Health Center in East Oakland, several factors contribute to this surge. These factors include new variants, people not receiving their COVID-19 boosters, and traveling. Aboelata stated that most people have not had a booster in nine months or even longer, leading to waning protection from vaccines or boosters.
Currently, all individuals aged six months or older are eligible for at least one bivalent booster, except for those at high risk who may qualify for a second booster. A new subvariant of omicron called XBB, which shares lineage with EG.5 or “Eris,” is the latest variant responsible for the growing number of cases locally and across the United States. The new variant accounts for approximately 7% of all new infections in the Bay Area.
Lisa Warhuus, Berkeley’s director of the city’s health, housing, and community services department, stated that omicron variants are still the most dominant locally. Cases have doubled between July 20 and August 16, with the seven-day average currently at 4.7 cases per 100,000 people. This is similar to the county case rate, which has dropped to about 3.5 cases per 100,000 people. However, there have been no new deaths or hospitalizations in Berkeley during this period.
Alameda County’s test positivity rates have risen from approximately 5% in June to around 12% currently. Aboelata mentioned that positivity rates only account for individuals who undergo PCR testing. The county observed similar COVID numbers in February during the peak of the flu season.
Since the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Declaration ended on May 11, obtaining a clear picture of COVID infection rates has become more challenging. Aboelata explained that it requires “patching” together data from wastewater, hospitalizations, and case rates. Wastewater testing in Alameda County currently does not show any levels of influenza or RSV, a respiratory virus. Therefore, individuals experiencing cold-like symptoms should get tested for COVID to distinguish their illness.
In terms of accessing COVID tests, vaccines, and treatments, health insurance providers are no longer federally required to cover over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits. However, California will continue payments for these tests for at least six more months. Those enrolled in a health care plan in California will continue to receive PCR testing, vaccines, and up to eight at-home testing kits per month free of charge. Medi-Cal beneficiaries will also receive COVID testing, vaccines, and treatments for free while federal supplies last.
For Medicare patients, vaccines, treatments, and at-home tests will remain accessible. However, PCR testing will only be covered when ordered by a health care provider. Medicare Part A patients will no longer have access to free at-home test kits.
Aboelata emphasized that even individuals with COVID symptoms that resemble the common cold can develop long COVID, which can lead to severe health complications such as clots, heart attacks, strokes, neurological issues, or even new-onset diabetes.
A new booster designed to target the XBB variants is expected to be available at the end of September, pending approval from the FDA and CDC. It will be possible to receive both the booster and flu shot simultaneously. Given the current rise in COVID cases, Aboelata stressed the importance of wearing masks indoors in crowded public places.
As the surge continues, organizers from Senior and Disability Action protested at the Alameda County Department of Public Health headquarters in Oakland on March 20, 2023, urging for greater action to combat the spread of COVID-19 and protect vulnerable communities.