The vaccine mandate covers restaurants, bars, theaters, gyms, yoga studios, and other recreational facilities. Also adult day care and programs, dental offices, pharmacies, all public and private childcare facilities, and indoor events hosting at least 1,000 people on school grounds.
Berkeley’s vaccine mandate went into effect on September 3, but actual enforcement did not begin until Friday morning.
However, the order does not apply to people who are entering business for brief transactions, like deliveries or pickups.
City officials are encouraging customers to get vaccinated and wear a face mask when entering a business.
Also under the mandate, employees at the affected businesses are required to be fully vaccinated by October 15.
Exemptions to employees are granted on religious or medical grounds, but they will need proof that they have tested negative to COVID-19 once a week to go to work.
