Disease Prevention and Control, San Francisco Department of Public Health

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for the Public

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COVID-19 Quick Links for the Public

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Updates to Health Officer Orders and Directives

Notice of Suspension or Restrictions of Indoor and Outdoor Activity

February 23, 2021

In alignment with the State’s recommendations, San Francisco is reopening at the State’s Purple Tier starting January 28, 2021. The decision to reopen balances the public health risks of COVID-19 transmission with the public health risks of economic and mental health stress.

COVID-19 case rates are twice as high now as they were the last time San Francisco opened at the State’s Purple Tier. This means twice as many people walking around San Francisco have COVID-19 than the last time we reopened. Most COVID-19 infections are caused by people who have no symptoms of illness. We also have confirmed there are new, more contagious virus variants in the San Francisco Bay Area and that these variants are more likely to cause serious illness and death.  The opening of sectors does not signify that these activities are “safe.”

We have made our best efforts to create guidance to help these activities and sectors provide safer environments for workers and the public. However, this requires that everyone do their part to make these activities as safe as possible, including wearing masks that cover your mouth and nose especially when talking, avoiding indoor settings to the extent possible, maintaining at least 6 feet distance from those you don’t live with, avoiding get-togethers and gatherings to the extent possible, if you must gather minimize the amount of time you spend with people you don’t live with, getting tested and isolating if you are ill, and complying with additional health protocols required of open businesses. People at risk for severe illness with COVID-19, such as older adults and people with certain medical conditions, as well as those who live with or care for them are strongly discouraged from participating in activities with other people outside their household where taking protective measures of wearing face masks and social distancing may be difficult, especially indoors or in crowded spaces.

Any prior changes in business capacities and other activities required under the amendments must have been implemented by their respective effective dates, and any new changes will take effect by February 23, 2021. If cases rise, the Health Officer may further restrict or suspend other activities currently allowed under Health Officer Order C19-07.

Important Notes: (1) As long as San Francisco is in the purple tier, the mandatory 10 pm closure will continue to apply so activities will be restricted between 10pm and 5am. (2) The Health Officer ordered suspensions or restrictions on capacity limits of the activities as shown in the table below. Suspended or restricted businesses may still engage in Minimum Basic Operations as defined in Health Officer Order C19-07. These suspensions or restrictions amend any related orders, directives, or guidance. All impacted people and entities are required to adhere to these new limits and must otherwise continue to monitor and comply with all applicable Health Orders and Directives.

The following table is available in [Chinese]  [Spanish]  [Tagalog]  [Vietnamese]  [Russian]

 

Business Capacities and Activities Table
Activity and Amended Order or Directive Indoor or Outdoor Change as of the effective date
△ = New Update
Retail

Directive 2020-17
 

 Indoor

Restricted

 Change as of Thursday, January 28, 2021
1. Retail Stores Capacity Limits up to 25%. △
2. Standalone Groceries stores Capacity Limits up to 50%. △
3. Self-serve bulk foods permitted with restrictions. △
4. Ventilation signage must be posted including new Breakrooms requirement. △
Outdoor
Allowed		 Change as of Sunday, November 29, 2020
1. Outdoor encouraged over indoor △
Dining

Order C19-07
Appendix C-1
Directive 2020-16

 Indoor

Suspended

 Change as of Wednesday, December 16, 2020
1. Ventilation signage must be posted including new Breakrooms requirement. △
2. For take-out, no eating or drinking while waiting for your food. Indoor waiting occupancy limits up to 20%. Restaurant must post required signage.
Outdoor

Restricted

 Change as of Thursday, January 28, 2021
1. Per table limit maximum of 6 people from 2 households. △
2. Tables must be spaced at least six feet apart between seated patrons; no barriers in lieu of six feet distance. △
3. Older Adults, those with health risks, and members of their household urged not to participate in outdoor dining. △
4. Designate and Implement a COVID-19 Worksite Safety Monitor.
Gyms / Fitness Centers

Order C19-07
Appendix C-1
Directive 2020-27
Directive 2020-31
 

 Indoor

Restricted

 Change as of Thursday, January 28, 2021
1. Ventilation signage must be posted including new Breakrooms requirement. △
2. No Indoor Gyms or Fitness. Suspended until further notice. Only Exception is Indoor One on One personal training. △
Outdoor

Restricted

 Change as of Thursday, January 28, 2021
1. Outdoor Gym allowed, No capacity limits, social distancing is required. △
2. Outdoor Fitness classes Capacity Limits up to 25 people. △
Personal Services

Directive 2020-30

 Indoor

Restricted

 Change as of Thursday, January 28, 2021
1. Personal Services Capacity Limits up to 25%. △
2. Implement Metering System to enforce Capacity Limits. △
3. No Services that involve removal of face covering. △
4. Ventilation signage must be posted including new Breakrooms requirement. △
Outdoor

Allowed

 Change as of Thursday, January 28, 2021
1. Outdoor encouraged over indoor. △
2. No Services that involve removal of face covering. △
Movie Theaters

Order C19-07
Appendix C-1
Directive 2020-35

 Indoor

Suspended

 Change as of Sunday, November 29, 2020
1. Suspended until further notice.
Museums, Aquariums,
and Zoos Directive 2020-32		 Indoor
Suspended

Outdoor
Allowed

 Change as of Sunday, November 29, 2020
1. Suspended until further notice.

Change as of Thursday, January 28, 2021
1. With approved plan, Outdoor Museums allowed, No Capacity Limit. △
2. With approved plan, Outdoor Zoos allowed, Capacity Limits up to 50%. △
Hotels and Lodging Facilities

Directive 2020-29

 Indoor

Restricted

 Change as of Tuesday, February 23, 2021

1. Lodging facilities may accept reservations for all visitors in accordance with CDPH Travel Advisory. △
2. Lodging facilities must provide a copy of Tips for Staying in Lodging Facilities and self-screening handout to all guests. △
3. It is strongly recommended to quarantine for 10 days for any travel. △
4. Outdoor Pools and Outdoor Dining allowed (See Dining).
5. No Indoor Dining, Indoor Gyms, Indoor Pools, Conference Rooms, Business Centers, Lounge Areas and other Indoor Gathering places. △
6. Ventilation signage must be posted including new Breakrooms requirement. △
Office Facilities

Directive 2020-18

 Indoor

Restricted

 Change as of Tuesday, November 17, 2020
1. Nonessential offices restricted until further notice.
2. Ventilation signage must be posted including new Breakrooms requirement. △
Religious and Cultural Ceremonies

Directive 2020-34

 Indoor

Restricted

 Change as of Sunday, February 7, 2021

1. Religious and Cultural Ceremonies Capacity Limits up to 25%. △
2. No singing, chanting, wind or brass instruments. △
3. Older Adults, those with health risks, and members of their household urged not to participate. △
4. Must implement at least one ventilation checklist measure if any activity involves removal of face coverings. △
5. Ventilation signage must be posted including new Breakrooms requirement.
Outdoor 1. See Gatherings (Religious Activities and Political Protests)
Playgrounds and Family Entertainment Centers

Directive 2020-36
Appendix C-1

 Outdoor

Restricted

 Change as of Thursday, January 28, 2021
1. Outdoor Skate Parks, Outdoor Roller and Ice Rinks Capacity Limit up to 25%. △
2. Outdoor Playgrounds, Outdoor Batting Cages & Outdoor Mini-Golf allowed. △
Outdoor Recreation, including Tennis, Pickleball, Golf and Swimming Pools

Order No. C19-07
Appendix C-2
Directive 2020-15

 Outdoor

Restricted

 Change as of Thursday, January 28, 2021
1. Golf Capacity Limits up to 4 people, 1 Golfer per Golf Cart with tee times staggered at least 10 minutes. △
2. Tennis Capacity Limits up to 4 people, doubles w/ 1 household per team. △
3. Pickleball Capacity Limits up to 2 people (singles only) from different households. △
4. Total Capacity Limits: up to 2 swimmers from different households per 300 Sq Ft of Shared Outdoor Swimming Pool Space.
Gatherings (Drive-In)

Order No. C19-07
Appendix C-2

 Outdoor

Restricted

 Change as of Wednesday, January 20, 2021
1. Drive-In Gatherings of up to 100 Vehicles. △
2. Food and beverage concessions allowed only with online or remote ordering. △
3. No live performances. △
Gatherings (Religious Activities and Political Protests)

Order No. C19-07
Appendix C-2

 Outdoor

Restricted

 Change as of Thursday, January 28, 2021
1. Religious Activities and Political Protest allowed, No capacity limits, social distancing is required. △
Gatherings (Meal)

Order No. C19-07
Appendix C-2

 Outdoor

Restricted

 Change as of Thursday, January 28, 2021
1. A maximum of 6 people from 2 households may gather outdoors if eating and drinking are involved. △
Gatherings (Small Outdoor)

Order No. C19-07
Appendix C-2

 Outdoor

Restricted

 Change as of Thursday, January 28, 2021
1. A maximum of 12 people from 3 different households may gather outdoors. No eating or drinking allowed. △

Information and Guidance

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

The following resources are prepared for patients and the general public on the COVID-19 Vaccine. For more information about local COVID-19 vaccine efforts, visit https://sf.gov/information/about-covid-19-vaccines

Testing in San Francisco

Contact your healthcare provider to get tested:

If you have insurance, you can get tested through your healthcare provider.

Contact your insurance or health system to get testing. Call your healthcare provider directly if you don’t see them on this list:

If you DO NOT have health insurance, to schedule a test at one of the following SF Health Network sites, call 415-682-1740 – calls are answered 24 hours a day in most languages.

  • Castro Mission Testing Site 3850 17th St. M-F: 8-5pm | S-S: 12-4
  • Maxine Hall Testing Site 1181 Golden Gate Ave. M-F: 8-5pm
  • Southeast Health Center Testing Site 2401 Keith St. M-F: 8-5pm
  • ZSFG Testing Site 1001 Potrero Ave. M-F: 9-6pm
  • Mission Neighborhood Health Center Shotwell Parking Lot 240 Shotwell St. | 415-552-3870 M-F: 8-5pm (Call for appointment)
  • Or visit gov/citytestsf to get screened and schedule a drive-through or walk-through test at CityTestSF

 

Who should get tested?

You will want to contact your healthcare provider for testing if:

Your medical provider recommends that you get tested without having symptoms – before a procedure, for example

OR

You have one or more COVID-19 symptoms:

  • Fever over 100.4° Fahrenheit or 38.0° Celsius
  • Chills (shivering a lot)
  • Cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue or soreness
  • Loss of smell or taste
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Diarrhea, feeling sick to your stomach, or throwing up

Additionally, if you leave your home to work in San Francisco, you can get tested without symptoms, if you either:

  • Interact with the public
  • Cannot stay 6 feet apart from people at your job
  • Work directly with people who are most at risk (including working in healthcare, or in long-term care facilities, or with people experiencing homelessness)

OR

  • If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days. A close contact is exposure to:
    • people in your home
    • your sex partners
    • people who stayed within 6 feet of you for more than 15 minutes
    • people who take care of you, or who you take care of
    • people for whom you had direct contact with their body fluids or secretions while you were not wearing a facemask, gown, and gloves

If you leave your home to work in SF and these apply to you, visit sf.gov/citytestsf to get screened and schedule a drive-through or walk-through test at CityTestSF

After your COVID test

 Decedent Testing 

As of June 25, 2020, testing for COVID-19 is a requirement for all recently deceased individuals per Health Officer Order No. C19-14. If you are a family member, loved one or care giver of a recently passed individual, see the information below.

Information for families on requiring COVID-19 testing of all decedents in the City and County of San Francisco (SFDPH 6/26/2020) [Chinese]  [Spanish]  [Tagalog]  [Vietnamese]  [Russian]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

For PPE recommendations for healthcare workers, see www.sfcdcp.org/hcpPPE

Should I “double-mask” (i.e., wear one mask on top of another)? 

  • Double masking is not always better than single masking especially if you have a very high quality, effective single mask or N95 respirator. Double masking might be more protective than single masking, especially when the top mask helps the bottom mask fit more snugly around your face without gaps. Using two masks made from different materials might also provide improved protection because one mask may capture particles the other doesn’t and vice versa. However, a double mask could become uncomfortable and cause the wearer to remove the masks more frequently, which would be far worse than consistently wearing one mask. The best mask is a mask you will wear consistently. Read more at www.sfcdcp.org/doublemask.

Should the general public wear an N95 respirator?

Properly fitted N95 respirators (sometimes called N95 masks or N95s) offer additional protection from the COVID-19 virus which can get past other types of face coverings. Some occupations have regulations that require the use of N95 respirators given the risks involved in the work (e.g., healthcare workers). Even if your occupation doesn’t require or have a standard to use N95 respirators, you may want to consider using an N95 respirator for extra protection especially if:

Please be aware that to work effectively to prevent COVID-19, NIOSH-certified N95 masks should be tightly fitted around your face. An N95 mask is not for everyone, is not designed for children, and will increase the work of breathing, which may make it difficult to wear for long periods of time. If you feel worse wearing an N95 mask, do not wear one. For more information on how to properly and safely wear N95 respirators, see Tip Sheet: Safety Information Regarding Voluntary Use of N95 Respirators

Should the general public wear eye protection (e.g., face shield, goggles) to protect themselves from COVID-19?

      There is currently no recommendation that the general public wears eye protection for most day to day activities.  However, your eyes can theoretically be a route of infection for COVID-19, possibly through close contact to an infected person who is not wearing a mask, when they cough, sneeze, or laugh.  You can also be exposed by touching your eyes with your hands if they have been contaminated with COVID-19.  A face shield or goggles (but not regular glasses) could provide protection against these types of exposures. Therefore, individuals, particularly those at high risk of exposure or serious disease from COVID, may decide to wear eye protection in addition to masking, as an extra layer of protection against acquiring COVID-19 infection.

Please note that the documents below are intended for City-operated facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19

Who is at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19? Which groups need to take extra precautions?

See previous translations: [Chinese]  [Spanish]  [Tagalog]  [Vietnamese]  [Russian] 

See “What can I do to protect myself if I am at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 or at higher risk of getting exposed to COVID-19?”.

Updated 2/25/21

Who is at higher risk for severe illness due to COVID-19? Which additional groups need to take extra precautions?Older adults*

Persons with certain underlying medical conditions **

  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Down Syndrome
  • Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
  • Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
  • Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
  • Severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2)
  • Pregnancy
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Smoking
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • Children who are medically complex **

For more information on how to protect yourself, see “What can I do to protect myself if I am at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 or at higher risk of getting exposed to COVID-19?”

Who might have increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 ***

Persons with certain underlying medical conditions
  • Asthma (moderate-to-severe)
  • Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Hypertension or high blood pressure
  • Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines
  • Neurologic conditions, such as dementia
  • Liver disease
  • Overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2, but < 30 kg/m2)
  • Pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues)
  • Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder)
  • Type 1 diabetes mellitus

Who needs extra precautions ****

  • Racial and ethnic minority groups
  • People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • People with and caregivers of people with disabilities
  • People with and caregivers of people with developmental and behavioral disorders
  • People with drug use and substance use disorder
  • People living in rural communities
  • People experiencing homelessness
  • Newly resettled refugee populations
  • People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
  • People who live in group homes for people with disabilities
  • Caregivers of people living with dementia
Notes

* CDC has published data showing that among adults, the risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at highest risk. For example, people in their 50s are at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 40s. Similarly, people in their 60s or 70s are, in general, at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 50s. The greatest risk for severe illness from COVID-19 is among those aged 85 or older.  While the risk is not zero for younger adults – people in their 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s can and do develop severe COVID-19 illness and should take steps to protect themselves from getting COVID-19.

** The CDC has determined that these conditions place people at higher risk for severe COVID-19 disease based on consistent evidence from multiple small studies or a strong association from a large study. Children who are medically complex, who have neurologic, genetic, metabolic conditions, or who have congenital heart disease are at higher risk for severe illness than other children. See CDC pages on pediatric COVID-19.

*** CDC has determined based on limited data and information at this time, people with these conditions might have increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

**** Other groups of persons are recommended by CDC to take extra precautions, as emerging data indicate some populations bear a disproportionate burden of COVID-19 disease and death, have a higher prevalence of underlying conditions, or are experiencing conditions that may facilitate the spread of infection.

What can I do to protect myself if I am at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 or at higher risk of getting exposed to COVID-19?

[Chinese]  [Spanish]  [Tagalog]  [Vietnamese]  [Russian] 

(Updated 12/3/20)

First, follow all the advice on “How can people reduce their risk of getting sick and prevent the spread of COVID-19?”.In addition to those important steps, if you are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness (see Who is at higher risk?), or must be in higher risk situations like being indoors around people who are unmasked (such as in restaurants or public transit), you may want to consider these 4 extra precautions: 1) wearing eye protection in addition to a mask, 2) wearing an N95 respirator (also called an N95 mask) instead of a cloth face mask, 3) wearing a mask at home and asking others in your household to wear a mask at home, and 4) getting a flu shot and staying up to date on vaccinations.

Why add eye protection to masks? COVID-19 is spread when people breathe, cough or sneeze the virus and it enters your body by breathing it in, through your eyes, mouth or nose. Your eyes can be a route of infection for COVID-19, possibly by an infected person when they cough, sneeze or laugh. You can also be exposed by touching your eyes with your hands if they have been contaminated with COVID-19.

What kind of eye protection should I use? A face shield or goggles (but not regular eyeglasses) could provide extra protection against these types of potential eye exposures. Therefore, individuals, particularly those at high risk of exposure or serious disease from COVID-19, may decide to wear eye protection in addition to masking, as an extra layer of protection.

We acknowledge that there is current debate on the most effective types of eye protection – face shields, goggles or purposely-designed safety glasses. For many people the most available and comfortable eye protection option is to wear a face shield over their cloth face covering.

Should I use an N95 mask instead of a cloth face mask? I have heard I should leave them for healthcare workers. N95 masks offer additional protection from the COVID-19 virus which can get past other types of face coverings. Please be aware that to work effectively to prevent COVID-19, NIOSH-certified N95 masks should be tightly fitted around your face. For information on how to get properly fitted for N95, see more at: Resources for Medical Evaluations and N95 Fit Testing Resources. An N95 mask is not for everyone, is not designed for children, and will increase the work of breathing, which may make it difficult to wear for long periods of time. If you feel worse wearing an N95 mask, do not wear one. For more information on how to properly and safely wear N95 respirators, see Tip Sheet: Safety Information Regarding Voluntary Use of N95 Respirators

N95 masks that are available for the public to purchase are not “surgical” N95s which only healthcare settings can purchase so this will not decrease the supply of surgical N95s for healthcare workers. Some employers and some trade associations can help purchase N95s to ensure they are properly certified.

Who should wear a face covering at home? Face coverings offer the greatest protection to others, but there also may be benefits to the person wearing one. Wearing a face covering protects other people because it blocks COVID-19 virus from reaching people around you. However, the latest research now suggests that face coverings may also offer protection to the person wearing the mask, likely by reducing the amount of virus that can be breathed in by the wearer. If people are wearing a mask when they get infected, there is some evidence to suggest the mask may protect them from getting severely ill. If you are at higher risk and live with other people, you may want to consider wearing a mask at home for extra protection. You may also consider asking those in your household to wear a mask, especially if household members are going out to work and are exposed to the public.

Should I get a flu shot? Am I exposed to more COVID-19 risk by leaving my home to get a flu shot? A flu shot is an important way to protect your health, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many healthcare providers and other sites, such as pharmacies, are providing flu shots while maintaining social distancing and requiring masks, or even providing outdoors or drive-up options. Getting a flu shot is an important way to avoid an infection that may look like COVID-19. Staying up to date with your vaccinations is a good way to protect your health.

How can people reduce their risk of getting sick and prevent the spread of the coronavirus?

[Chinese]  [Spanish]  [Tagalog]  [Vietnamese]  [Russian]

(updated 12/3/20)

Stay home! San Francisco has issued an order for people to stay at home to reduce the spread of COVID-19. As more businesses and activities have been allowed, the best way to prevent getting COVID-19 is still to stay home and away from others who don’t live with you. More info about the stay-at-home order is available here. Keep in mind that although many indoor activities and businesses are allowed to be open, that does not mean they are “safe.” The Department of Public Health has worked hard with businesses and community groups to help make their activities SAFER but COVID-19 risk cannot be completely eliminated when people from different household are getting together, especially indoors. The COVID-19 virus can travel in the air greater than 6 feet and builds up indoors. Avoid indoor activities to the extent possible. To find out more about the indoor risk of COVID-19, see www.sfcdcp.org/indoorrisk.

Stay healthy! Avoiding social isolation and supporting physical and mental health are also important and you can do these in a safer way when you engage in permitted outdoor activities. Find more information on how to have safer social interactions here.

Other ways people can protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19:

  • Stay at least 6 feet away from people who are not in your household
  • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze.
  • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
  • Get a flu shot and stay up to date on your vaccinations.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
  • Wear a cloth face covering, like a mask, bandanna, or scarf, that covers the nose and mouth, if you must go outside.
  • Try alternatives to shaking hands, like an elbow bump or wave.
  • Follow the guidance of public health officials.

If you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or at higher risk of getting exposed to COVID-19 because you must be in higher risk situations like being indoors around people who are unmasked (such as in restaurants or public transit), see further tips above on “What can I do to protect myself if I am at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 or at higher risk of getting exposed to COVID-19?”

When do I need to wear a mask?

(Updated 6/3/2020) Current masking recommendations for San Francisco can be found here: https://sf.gov/information/masks-and-face-coverings-coronavirus-pandemic.

Should I "double-mask" (i.e., wear one mask on top of another)?

Double masking is not always better than single masking especially if you have a very high quality, effective single mask or N95 respirator. Double masking might be more protective than single masking, especially when the top mask helps the bottom mask fit more snugly around your face without gaps. Using two masks made from different materials might also provide improved protection because one mask may capture particles the other doesn’t and vice versa. However, a double mask could become uncomfortable and cause the wearer to remove the masks more frequently, which would be far worse than consistently wearing one mask. The best mask is a mask you will wear consistently. Read more at www.sfcdcp.org/doublemask.

How does someone get COVID-19?

Our current understanding is that COVID-19 is mostly spread from person-to-person in the air through virus-containing droplets in the breath of someone with COVID-19. These droplets enter the air when a person breathes. Even more droplets can get in the air when infected people talk, sing, cough, or sneeze. People with COVID-19 may have no symptoms and can still be breathing out virus-containing droplets that can infect others. Transmission can occur through:

  • Larger droplets. These larger droplets are sometimes called “ballistic droplets” because they travel in straight lines and are pulled down by gravity. People nearby, usually within 6 feet, are infected when they breathe in these droplets or if the droplets land in their eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Smaller droplets or infectious particles. These can float in the air for a period of time and/or travel beyond 6 feet on indoor air currents, especially in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. People sharing the same space are infected when they breathe in these smaller droplets and particles or the droplets or particles land on their eyes, nose, or mouth – even if they are further than 6 feet away. These droplets are sometimes referred to as “aerosols” or “bioaerosols”.
  • COVID-19 can also spread if a person touches a surface that is contaminated and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth. Contaminated surfaces are sometimes called “fomites”. However, this is less common

Generally, whenever possible, choose outdoor activities over indoor activities, and if you need to go indoors or be in an enclosed space, limit your time there if you are with people who are not in your household. Avoid indoor and enclosed spaces that are crowded and have poor ventilation.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

(Updated 5/22/2020) COVID-19 symptoms include: fever, chills, repeated shaking or shivering, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, feeling weak or unusually tired, muscle pain, headache, congested or runny nose, diarrhea, and losing the sense of taste or smell.  Someone with COVID-19 can have just one of these symptoms, or more than one. Some persons with COVID-19 have no symptoms at all.  When symptoms do occur they usually begin about 5 days after exposure to the virus, but may appear as soon as 2 days or up to 14 days after exposure.

How do I get tested for COVID-19?

Contact your healthcare provider to get tested:

If you have insurance, you can get tested through your healthcare provider.

Contact your insurance or health system to get testing. Call your healthcare provider directly if you don’t see them on this list:

Carbon Health

415-792-6040

Dignity Health GoHealth Urgent Care

650-448-1455

Kaiser Permanente

800-454-8855

North East Medical Services (NEMS)

415-391-9686

One Medical

415-593-1134

UCSF

415-514-7328

If you DO NOT have health insurance, to schedule a test at one of the following SF Health Network sites, call 415-682-1740 – calls are answered 24 hours a day in most languages.

  • Castro Mission Testing Site 3850 17th St. M-F: 8-5pm | S-S: 12-4
  • Maxine Hall Testing Site 1181 Golden Gate Ave. M-F: 8-5pm
  • Southeast Health Center Testing Site 2401 Keith St. M-F: 8-5pm
  • ZSFG Testing Site 1001 Potrero Ave. M-F: 9-6pm
  • Mission Neighborhood Health Center Shotwell Parking Lot 240 Shotwell St. | 415-552-3870 M-F: 8-5pm (Call for appointment)
  • Or visit gov/citytestsf to get screened and schedule a drive-through or walk-through test at CityTestSF

 

Who should get tested?

You will want to contact your healthcare provider for testing if:

Your medical provider recommends that you get tested without having symptoms – before a procedure, for example

OR

You have one or more COVID-19 symptoms:

  • Fever over 100.4° Fahrenheit or 38.0° Celsius
  • Chills (shivering a lot)
  • Cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue or soreness
  • Loss of smell or taste
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Diarrhea, feeling sick to your stomach, or throwing up

Additionally, if you leave your home to work in San Francisco, you can get tested without symptoms, if you either:

  • Interact with the public
  • Cannot stay 6 feet apart from people at your job
  • Work directly with people who are most at risk (including working in healthcare, or in long-term care facilities, or with people experiencing homelessness)

OR

  • If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days. A close contact is exposure to:
    • people in your home
    • your sex partners
    • people who stayed within 6 feet of you for more than 15 minutes
    • people who take care of you, or who you take care of
    • people for whom you had direct contact with their body fluids or secretions while you were not wearing a facemask, gown, and gloves

If you leave your home to work in SF and these apply to you, visit sf.gov/citytestsf to get screened and schedule a drive-through or walk-through test at CityTestSF

What does “suspected COVID-19” mean?

Suspected COVID-19 means that you have any ONE of the following signs or symptoms, which are new or not otherwise explained:
  • Fever
  • Chills or Repeated Shaking/Shivering
  • Cough
  • Sore Throat
  • Shortness of Breath, Difficulty Breathing
  • Feeling Unusually Weak or Fatigued
  • New Loss of Taste or Smell
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Runny or congested nose
  • Diarrhea

 

If you have any ONE of the following new symptoms that are not explained by another condition, you MUST stay home from work or school until you either test negative for COVID-19 or you have waited at least 10 days from when your symptoms began. If you have symptoms and get tested negative, you can return to work or school three days after your symptoms have improved. You do not need a doctor’s note or clearance from DPH to return to work. See more information at sfcdcp.org/rtw

I was diagnosed with COVID-19 or have suspected COVID-19, when can I stop isolating myself at home?

(Updated 5/22/2020)

You can stop home isolation when ALL of the following are true:

  • At least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared
  • At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since you have had a fever (without taking fever-reducing medication such as Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve)
  • Your other symptoms (for example: cough, shortness of breath, sore throat) started to improve at least 3 days ago

*If you are still coughing at the end of your home isolation, please continue to wear a face covering when you are around others

Please see these resources for more information:

What is the treatment if someone gets sick with novel coronavirus?

(Updated 5/22/2020)  Right now there is no specific treatment that cures COVID-19.  The treatment right now is to take care of the symptoms. Most people with COVID-19 will have mild illness and can get better with the proper home care and without the need to see a provider. Just like with the flu, you should drink plenty of fluids and rest.  Non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) won’t cure the disease but they can be used to help improve the symptoms. Your health care provider can advise you about medication to help you feel better while you are sick.  The decision to have someone treated at home or at a hospital is made on a case-by-case basis, depending on how sick you are.

A number of drugs are being studied to see if they can be proven to work.  The antiviral drug remdesivir is being tested in hospitalized patients and has so far shown some benefits.  The antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine has not been shown to be safe or effective in patients with COVID-19.

I was a close contact to a case of COVID-19 and was asked to self-quarantine. What should I do?

Please follow the Quarantine Steps that are described in the Home Isolation & Quarantine Guidelines document:  https://www.sfcdcp.org/Home-Isolation-Quarantine-Guidelines

What should I do if I am uninsured and am worried I have COVID-19?

COVID-19 Test Site Information 

You can be tested for COVID-19 if you have at least one of the following:  

  • Body aches  
  • Fatigue  
  • Nasal congestion or runny nose  
  • Chills  
  • Fever (100.4° F/38° C)  
  • Sore throat 
  • Cough  
  • Headache  
  • Shortness of breath  
  • Diarrhea or vomiting  
  • Loss of smell or taste  
  • Recent close contact with a COVID+ person (only available at SF Health Network sites) 

If you have insurance, Contact your insurance provider or one of the following sites to schedule a test.   

  • Carbon Health | 415-792-6040  
  • Dignity Health GoHealth Urgent Care | 650-448-1455 | gohealthuc.com/bayarea/virtual-visits 
  • Kaiser Permanente | 800-464-4000  
  • Northeast Medical Services (NEMS) | 415-391-9686  
  • One Medical | 415-593-1134  
  • UCSF | 415-514-7328  

If you DO NOT have health insurance, Call 415-682-1740 to schedule a test at one of the following SF Health Network sites. Available 24 hours a day in most languages 

  • Castro Mission Testing Site 3850 17th St. M-F: 8-5pm | S-S: 12-4  
  • Maxine Hall Testing Site 1181 Golden Gate Ave. M-F: 8-5pm  
  • Southeast Health Center Testing Site 2401 Keith St. M-F: 8-5pm  
  • ZSFG Testing Site 1001 Potrero Ave. M-F: 9-6pm  
  • Mission Neighborhood Health Center Shotwell Parking Lot 240 Shotwell St. | 415-552-3870 ext. 2217 M-F: 8-5pm (opens May 1, call for appointment)  

Or visit sf.gov/citytestsf to get screened and schedule a test at CityTestSF  

  • Pier 30/32  
  • SOMA at 7th and Brannan  

 

If I am experiencing homelessness and I don’t have a healthcare provider and I’m concerned I might have COVID-19, where can I get healthcare?

You can go to Urgent Care at 50 Ivy Street (also called Whole Person Integrated Care – Urgent Care) during these hours:

  • Monday-Friday 8:30AM – 5:00PM
  • Saturday 9:00AM – 5:00PM

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek care at any emergency department.

What are the criteria to be discharged from a City-sponsored Isolation and Quarantine site?

Last updated January 20, 2021

Updated Translations: [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog]

The isolation and quarantine hotels are free and voluntary for those who qualify.  Guests that meet the criteria for completion of isolation or quarantine are evaluated for medical clearance by a provider on a daily basis.  A medical clearance letter will be provided to all guests who have completed their isolation or quarantine.  Transportation may be arranged for guests who have completed their isolation or quarantine and are returning to their prior residence. Guests that are unable to return to where they were previously residing will be offered direct linkage to an appropriate shelter.

Please refer back to the following for the most up to date guidance on duration of isolation and quarantine: https://www.sfcdcp.org/infectious-diseases-a-to-z/coronavirus-2019-novel-coronavirus/coronavirus-2019-information-for-healthcare-providers/#1586562955809-a067fafe-8388

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/duration-isolation.html

If I travel outside the Bay Area and return to San Francisco, do I need to quarantine?

Previous Translations: [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog]

Last updated February 23, 2021

To the extent possible, limit your nonessential travel during this pandemic. The more people travel, the more interactions people have. The more interactions people have with people outside their household, the greater the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. If you must travel outside the Bay Area, make sure you wear a face covering and maintain at least 6 feet of distance from people outside your household at all times. If you can, travel by private vehicle with only members of your household. Avoid indoor interactions to the extent possible and keep the number of people you interact with small.

Although San Francisco lifted the local 10-day quarantine order, the City and the State both continue to strongly recommend Travelers self-quarantine for 10 days upon return to San Francisco from anywhere outside the Bay Area with limited exceptions and are strongly discouraged from any non-essential travel 120 miles away from home.

For more information on traveling during the pandemic visit:

California State Department of Public Health Travel Advisory
San Francisco Department of Public Health Travel

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) documents are readily available in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean.

CDC’s Domestic Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic
CDC’s Testing and International Air Travel

What is the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) doing to protect our health?

The City and County of San Francisco, led by the Department of Public Health, is working on preventing the virus, containing its spread, and reducing harm in the community. We are focused on the most vulnerable groups, including those over the age of 55, people in congregate living settings, and those with chronic medical conditions. However, every sector has a role to play to ensure community health and safety. The health care system, schools, businesses and individuals can all do their part.

Where can I get more information?

More information about COVID-19 in San Francisco can be found on the following pages:

Sign up for the City’s new alert service for official updates: text COVID19SF to 888-777  

Scroll down to see additional websites at the end of this page.

Should the general public wear eye protection (e.g., face shield, goggles) to protect themselves from COVID-19?

There is currently no recommendation that the general public wear eye protection for most day to day activities.  However, your eyes can theoretically be a route of infection for COVID-19, possibly through close contact to an infected person who is not wearing a mask, when they cough, sneeze or laugh.  You can also be exposed by touching your eyes with your hands if they have been contaminated with COVID-19.  A face shield or goggles (but not regular glasses) could provide protection against these types of exposures. Therefore, individuals, particularly those at high risk of exposure or serious disease from COVID, may decide to wear eye protection in addition to masking, as an extra layer of protection against acquiring COVID-19 infection.

Is there anything special I should do with solid waste (recyclable and compostable items, landfill waste) during COVID-19?

No special handling, cleaning, or disinfection is required when separating and disposing of solid waste during COVID-19, according to the CDC. Continue to follow the recommended guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting.

If you work in a healthcare setting, follow the specific health and safety protocols for your facility.

What if I'm caring for someone who is a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patient as a home-based caregiver or as a provider in a healthcare setting?

No special handling is required of solid waste (as noted above); however, if you’re caring for someone in a private residence consider the following:

  • Dedicate a lined-lidded waste container for the ill person.
  • Sort/separate solid waste before leaving that person’s room or location (rather than in a communal space such as a kitchen, hallway, other shared living space).
  • Wear gloves when handling waste for the person you are caring for
  • Bag it and tie it. Tightly secure all trash in plastic bags.
  • Wash hands after removing trash.

If you work for a Home Health Agency, follow your employer’s health and safety protocols.

See also COVID-19 FAQs from the CDC