For Customers

Q + A with links

Q: Why are you doing this?

First and foremost, businesses have an obligation to protect the health and livelihood of employees. Please keep in mind, some businesses are still understaffed and operating at lower capacity of pre-pandemic levels.

Many businesses, nor their employees, can afford another shutdown or even a temporary closure due to an outbreak.

There is an ethical responsibility for businesses to do whatever they can to reduce the extent and severity of transmission in Oakland, most especially for the sake of healthcare workers, immunocompromised individuals and young children.

Q: How do I show proof of vaccination?

You can show either the physical card, a copy of it or digital card. It is most efficient to register for your digital vaccination card here:

California Digital Vaccination Card Registrar

Please note that in order to qualify as fully vaccinated, it must be at least 2 weeks from the date of your final shot.

Article: How to prove you’re vaccinated as more venues make it mandatory

DO NOT BUY, PRINT OR USE FAKE VACCINATION CARDS. Businesses report them and people who use them. Not only is it putting others at risk, it is considered a Federal Crime punishable by up to 5 years in prison or a $5000 fine for each offense.

Article: More San Francisco businesses are requiring proof of vaccination. Here's what you should know.

Q: Where can I get a test and how do I show proof of a negative COVID19 test within 72 hours?

There are numerous free and easily accessible COVID19 test centers across the Bay Area, including some with rapid results. You can find a link to testing centers in Alameda at the QR code below. If you get tested at a provider location, you can show a screenshot or digital copy of the test result.

Note that the date of the test must be within 72 hours of when you arrive.

Free Local Covid testing options

Q: Can I use an at-home rapid test, such as BinaxNOW?

Definitely! It’s best that if you choose this option, you should wait to take the test outside and when you arrive (as businesses have no way to prove when you took it otherwise).

Q: I cannot get the vaccine due to a disability or religion. What can I do?

Your reason for not getting the vaccine is appreciated and some businesses may or may not provide an option to get a negative COVID test instead. It would be good to call ahead to ask if you can.

Note that, by law, a business’s obligation to protect employees and reduce the threat of transmission supersedes their obligation to accommodate exceptions to their policies for those reasons.

*IF applicable: Businesses may have plenty of outdoor seating and to go options available.

List of FDA approved Self Testing Kits

Q: I am not fully vaccinated, and also cannot get a COVID19 test due to a disability or religion. What can I do?

[Indoor only]: As noted above, while businesses might like to accommodate an exception, they are not legally required to do so if it creates an undue threat to employees. Luckily, there are plenty of amazing restaurants and bars with outdoor seating in Oakland to choose from.