COVID-19 City of Alameda Update - December 30, 2021

Published on December 30, 2021

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As we say goodbye to 2021, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. This chart shows the 7-day case rate here in Alameda, which has grown significantly in the last few weeks. 

chart with 7-day case rate

Getting vaccinated and boosted greatly reduces your chance of going to the hospital or dying because of COVID-19. People who are not vaccinated should avoid travel and gathering. And remember, everyone must wear a mask in all indoor public settings. Read more.

Increased demand for testing - expect delays

While it is difficult to find rapid tests right now, testing is available at County sites, though people seeking testing should expect delays. If you can’t access a test for any reason and are symptomatic, stay home regardless of your vaccination status. If you are exposed and unvaccinated or not boosted, stay home. Find a testing site.

Mask up!

The Omicron variant is spreading COVID-19 among the vaccinated and those who have had COVID. With more than 5 million COVID cases in California, including 4,100 in Alameda, masks remain critical in slowing the spread. Everyone, regardless of their vaccination status, must wear a mask in all indoor public settings.

Protect yourself & others

Alameda County public health officials shared the following recommendations for those who plan to travel over the New Year:

  • Keep gatherings small, short, and outdoors if possible. 
  • When gathering inside, ventilate well. Open doors and windows, run HVAC systems, and install high-quality air filters. 
  • Everyone must wear a mask in indoor public settings. Consider wearing a mask in indoor private settings if you are gathering with medically vulnerable friends and family or you don’t know the vaccination status of those around you. 
  • If possible, get tested to know your COVID-19 status before gathering with friends and family. Plan to test 3-5 days after gathering or traveling too. 
  • Stay home if you are sick or positive, even if you use an at-home test. 

What we know about Omicron

The Alameda County Health Care Services Agency recently shared that immunity from past COVID-19 infections does not effectively prevent Omicron infections. Data from South Africa and the United Kingdom demonstrate that vaccine effectiveness against infection for two doses of an mRNA vaccine is approximately 35%. A COVID-19 vaccine booster dose restores vaccine effectiveness against infection to 75%. COVID-19 vaccination decreases the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. Visit the City of Alameda’s vaccine page for more information.

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