Disease Prevention and Control, San Francisco Department of Public Health

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for the Public

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May 6,2021 - Notice of Allowances and Restrictions of Indoor and Outdoor Activity (Full Statement)

The Notice of Suspension or Restrictions of Indoor and Outdoor Activity is available in PDF Format in [English]  [Chinese]  [Spanish]  [Tagalog]  [Vietnamese]  [Russian] [Translations for May 6 update in progress]

See What is Open and Find out Restrictions for SF in Yellow Tier

Important Note

In alignment with the State’s recommendations, San Francisco began reopening at the State’s Yellow Tier starting May 6, 2021 to allow some additional activities and increased capacity for others. The decision to reopen balances the public health risks of COVID-19 transmission with the public health risks of economic and mental health stress.

Even though COVID-19 case rates have come down, and more people are vaccinated, there remains a risk that people who you come into contact with may have COVID-19. Most COVID-19 infections are caused by people who have no symptoms of illness and to date, only about 50% of people you may come into contact with in San Francisco are fully vaccinated. We have also seen surges in other parts of the country and the world, increasingly impacting younger adults. Therefore, the opening of sectors does not necessarily signify that these activities are “safe” but getting fully vaccinated can help us get there.

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 a well-fitted mask that covers your mouth and nose in all recommended settings (refer to Face Covering Health Order and Gatherings Directives for more information), avoiding indoor settings to the extent possible, maintaining at least 6 feet distance from those you don’t live with, getting tested and isolating if you are ill, complying with additional health protocols required of open businesses.

People at risk for severe illness from COVID-19 — such as older adults, people with health risks, and those who live with or care for them are urged to get fully vaccinated. If you are fully vaccinated (i.e.,14 days have passed since your final dose), you can feel safer about your own health risks when participating in activities permitted by our state and local health departments. However, please consider the possible risk your exposure may have on those around you, especially those you live with and those who are unvaccinated, when you take part in activities that involve people outside your household.

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 May 6, 2021. If cases rise, the Health Officer may further restrict or suspend other activities currently allowed under Health Officer Order C19-07.

Important Notes: 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 Health Order and Directives take precedence over any discrepancies listed in the table below.

Dining

Related Order, Directives, and Guidance:

Affected Groups: Restaurants, Bars, Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries, Shopping malls with food, Hotels with Restaurants, Museums, Zoos and Aquariums with Restaurants, Gyms with food, Office Cafeterias

Indoor Restricted

Change as of Thursday, May 6, 2021

1. Indoor dining capacity limits, up to 50% (not including personnel); must maintain at least 6 feet distance between diners. △
2. Indoor bars (without a meal) allowed up to 25% (max. 100 people, not including personnel) and consistent with indoor dining rules. △
3. Per table limit up to 8 people with no household limit. △
4. Self-service and buffets allowed with sanitation, distancing, and other safety protocols. △
5. Live entertainment allowed including singing, speaking, chanting and wind instruments (see indoor gatherings).
6. Tabletop cooking by personnel or patrons is allowed.
7. Personnel who interact with patrons are required to wear a well-fitted mask. △
8. Patrons with health risks and members of their household are strongly encouraged to get fully vaccinated. △
9. If any activity involves removal of masks, business is required to post Ventilation Checklist and implement at least one measure.
10. Required Dining and Vaccination signage must be posted.
11. Designate and implement a COVID-19 Worksite Safety Monitor.
12. For take-out, no eating or drinking while waiting for your food.
13. Vaccination and Ventilation signage must be posted in area for personnel.

Outdoor Restricted

Change as of Thursday, May 6, 2021

1. Outdoor restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries and wineries allowed. All patrons must be seated to be served.
2. Per table limit up to 8 people with no household limit. △
3. Group reservations of (max. 25 people). Must implement measure to keep groups separated.
4. Self-service and buffets allowed with sanitation, distancing, and other safety protocols. △
5. Live entertainment allowed including singing, speaking, chanting and wind instruments. (see outdoor gatherings).
6. Tables must be spaced at least 6 feet apart between seated patrons; per State requirements, no barriers in lieu of 6 feet distance. Only exception is for barriers installed before Dec 6.
7. Mask no longer required for patrons (see outdoor gatherings). △
8. Patrons with health risks and members of their household are strongly encouraged to get fully vaccinated. △
9. Designate and implement a COVID-19 Worksite Safety Monitor.

Gatherings (social, community center, adult day programs, etc.)

Related Order, Directives, and Guidance Links:

Outdoor Gatherings Restricted

Affected Groups: Small Gatherings (e.g. receptions, gatherings at a park) Drive-In Gatherings (Drive in Movie Theaters)

Change as of Thursday, May 6, 2021

1. Outdoor Small Gatherings
a. A maximum of 75 people may gather outdoors, and eating is allowed. △

2. Drive-In Gatherings
a. Capacity limits of up to 100 Vehicles.
b. Food and beverage concessions allowed. Must follow distancing and masking protocols with ordering and pickup.

3. Singing, raised voices, chanting and playing wind instruments. Individual performers and audience members must be 6 feet of distance from others outside their household and follow masking protocols. △

4. Masking: Masks should be kept-on hand and do not need to be worn unless: △
a) Physical distancing from others cannot be maintained, 6 feet distancing recommended.
b) If present at a crowded (over 300 people) event or setting, regardless of distancing.
c) Going indoors for any reason.
d) Personnel are required to wear a well-fitted mask when interacting with the public.
e) If you’re unvaccinated you are urged to wear masks.

Indoor Gatherings Restricted

Affected Groups: Small Gatherings (small groups that are non-private settings e.g. Adult Day Programs, Community Centers for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities, religious exercise) Private Social Gatherings (in private settings, primary residences, or setting not involving a business or facility staff, includes religious exercise)

Change as of Thursday, May 6, 2021

1. Indoor Small Gatherings
a. Capacity limit up to 50% of facility (Max. 50 people) and face mask required. △
b. Eating or drinking allowed (see indoor dinning). △

2. Indoor Private Social Gatherings
a. Capacity limit up to 50% of facility (Max. 50 people) and face mask required for unvaccinated individuals. △
b. Gatherings involving multiple households can include unmasked fully vaccinated individuals with:(1) unmasked fully vaccinated individuals or (2) unmasked unvaccinated low risk individuals from a single household. △

3. Singing, raised voices, chanting and playing wind instruments. Performers must be 6 feet of distance from other households. Anyone who is singing, speaking, or chanting must wear a mask and anyone playing any wind instruments must have an instrument cover. △

Religious Activities and Political Protests Restricted

Change as of Thursday, January 28, 2021

1. Religious Activities and Political Protest allowed, no capacity limits, social distancing is required.
2. Singing, speaking, chanting and wind instruments allowed (See outdoor gatherings).

Gyms / Fitness Centers

Related Order, Directives, and Guidance

Affected Groups: Gyms, Fitness Centers, Climbing Gyms, Group Fitness Classes (including cardio, aerobic, spin, boot camp, kickboxing, stretching, yoga) Stationary Exercise Equipment (such as a stationary bikes or treadmills)

Indoor Restricted

Change as of Thursday, May 6, 2021

1. Indoor gyms / fitness centers capacity limits up to 50% (not including personnel). △

a. Face masks required
b. 6 feet of physical distance allowed if the business posts the Ventilation Checklist and implements at least one measure in the room. Otherwise 12 feet distancing required between people engaged in aerobic exercise. △
c. Group fitness classes maximum 200 people not including personnel. △

2. Hot tubs capacity limits up to 50% with physical distancing. △
3. Locker rooms and showers allowed up to 25% with implementation of at least one ventilation measure plus additional restrictions.
4. Saunas and steam rooms capacity limits up to 25%. △
5. Eating is allowed in a separate room or separate space which must be 12 feet from others. (see dining for additional guidance).
6. If any activity involves removal of masks, business is required to post Ventilation Checklist and implement at least one measure.
7. Vaccination and Ventilation signage must be posted in area for personnel.

Outdoor Restricted

Change as of Thursday, May 6, 2021

1. Outdoor gyms and fitness classes allowed, no capacity limits, 6 feet distancing required.
2. Outdoor hot tubs capacity limits up to 100% with physical distancing. △
3. Six feet physical distancing and mask required (see outdoor gatherings). △

Hotels and Lodging Facilities

Related Directives and Guidance:

Affected Groups: Hotels, Lodging Facilities

Change as of Thursday, May 6, 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. If not vaccinated, it is strongly recommended to quarantine for 10 days for any travel.
4. Dining allowed (See Dining).
5. Indoor gyms, fitness centers, saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs allowed (see gyms / fitness centers). △
6. Conference rooms, business centers, lounge areas and other gathering places allowed for convention and meeting events with capacity limits up to 200, 300, or 400 (excluding fully vaccinated individuals) based off indoor / outdoor, COVID-19 testing requirements, vaccination status and other restrictions. △
7. Vaccination and Ventilation signage must be posted in area for personnel.
8. In-room spa services allowed with restrictions.
9. Some Hotel staff strongly recommended to wear well-fitted or N-95 masks.

Movie Theaters

Related Order, Directives and Guidance:

Affected Groups: Movie Theaters

Change as of Thursday, May 6, 2021

1. Movie Theaters capacity limits up to 50% (Max. 500 people per screen). △

a. Live performances up to 200 patrons allowed consistent with Movie Theater rules.
b. Live performances for over 200 patrons must follow indoor seated performances rules (see section 27 of Order No. C19-07v – Appendix C-1)
c. Accompanying live performances (e.g., spoken introduction or solo musician) allowed at all capacities

2. Food and beverage concessions allowed. Food and beverage must be consumed at assigned movie theater seat or designated seating area. (See Dining for additional guidance).

a. Inside the movie screening room group capacity limit is up to 8 people with no household limit.  Each group must be 6 feet from others. △
b. Outside the movie screening room, designated eating seating area is allowed in a separate room or separate space which must be 12 feet from others.

If any activity involves removal of masks, business is required to post Ventilation Checklist per screen and implement at least one measure.
3. Patrons with health risks and members of their household are strongly encouraged to get fully vaccinated. △
4. Vaccination and Ventilation signage must be posted in area for personnel.
5. Designate and implement a COVID-19 Worksite Safety Monitor.

Museums, Aquariums, and Zoos

Related Directives: Directive 2020-32, Appendix C-1

Affected Groups: Museums, Aquariums, and Zoos

Indoor Restricted

Change as of Thursday, May 6, 2021

1. Museums, Aquariums, and Zoos capacity limits up to 50% (not including personnel).
2. Interactive exhibits may open with sanitation, distancing, and other safety protocols.
3. Coat check may open.
4. Auditoriums may open for movie and live performances.
5. Conference rooms, business centers, lounge areas and other gathering places allowed for convention and meeting events with capacity limits up to 200, 300, or 400 based off indoor / outdoor, COVID-19 testing requirements, vaccination status and other restrictions. △
6. Indoor dining, food and beverage concessions allowed (See Indoor Dining).
7. Indoor retail allowed (See Retail Store capacity limits).
8. Vaccination and Ventilation signage must be posted in area for personnel. 

Outdoor Allowed

Change as of Thursday, April 15, 2021

Outdoor Museums, Aquariums, and Zoos allowed, No capacity limits.

Office Facilities

Related Order, Directives and Guidance: Directive 2020-18,  Tips and Frequently Asked Questions for Opening Office Facilities

Affected Groups: Nonessential offices

Change as of Thursday, May 6, 2021

1. Nonessential offices capacity limits up to 50% (excluding fully vaccinated individuals). △
2. Indoor conference rooms and meetings capacity limits up to 50% (excluding fully vaccinated individuals). △
3. Indoor breakrooms allowed up to 50% (including vaccinated individuals), 6 feet of distance required. If eating or drinking (see indoor dining). △
4. Outdoor eating with others allowed (see outdoor dining). △
5. Mask required. You can be unmasked only if you’re working alone and other are not likely to use the same space after you. △
6. Vaccination and Ventilation signage must be posted in area for personnel.

Outdoor Music and Art Festivals and Performances

Related Order, Directives and Guidance:

Affected Groups: Outdoor Performances

Change as of Thursday, May 6, 2021

1. A maximum of 100 people may attend festival or performance with seating. △
2. No assigned seating required but members of different households must maintain physical distance, 6 feet distancing recommended. △
3. If food is available, seated groups up to 8 people with no household limits.
4. Food and beverage are allowed for consumption only while in assigned seating.
5. Live entertainment allowed including singing, speaking, chanting and wind instruments (see outdoor gatherings).
6. The organizer must submit a health and safety plan.
7. Must be in-state resident or fully vaccinated out-of-state resident to attend festival.

Personal Services

Related Directives and Guidance:

Affected Groups: Hair Salons, Barber Shops, Nail Salons, Massage, Estheticians, Skin Care, Cosmetology, Electrology, Tattooing, Piercing, Microblading

Indoor Restricted

Change as of Thursday, May 6, 2021

1. Personal services capacity limits up to 50% (not including personnel).
2. Implement metering system to enforce capacity limits.
3. Services that involve removal of masks are allowed but must be done at least 6 feet from others or in a separate room. Personnel are required to wear eye protection and a well-fitted mask. N95s are strongly recommended.
4. Saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs allowed (see indoor gyms/fitness centers). △
5. Body art services for the mouth and nose area are prohibited.
6. If any activity involves removal of masks, business is required to post Ventilation Checklist and implement at least one measure.
7. Vaccination and Ventilation signage must be posted in area for personnel.

Outdoor Allowed

Change as of Wednesday, March 24, 2021

1. Services that involve removal of face mask are allowed but must be done at least 6 feet from others. Personnel are required to wear eye protection and a well-fitted mask. N95s are strongly recommended.
2. Body art services for the mouth and nose area are prohibited.

Playgrounds and Family Entertainment Centers

Related Directives and Guidance:

Affected Groups: Naturally distanced (Bowling Alleys, Billiard Halls, Miniature Golf), Naturally Closer activities (Arcade Game Centers, Ice and Roller Skating Rinks, and Indoor Playgrounds), Outdoor (Skate parks, Roller and Ice rinks, Batting Cages, Mini-Golf, and Outdoor Playgrounds)

Indoor Restricted

Change as of Thursday, May 6, 2021

1. Naturally distanced activities:

a. Capacity limit up to 50% (not including personnel).
b. Mask required. △

2. Indoor dining allowed in a separate room or designated dining space must be 12 feet from others. (see dining for additional guidance).
3. Vaccination and Ventilation signage must be posted in area for personnel.

Outdoor Restricted

Change as of Wednesday, May 6, 2021

1. Ferris wheels, carrousels, trampolines, and train rides allowed, mask required, each space must be 6 feet apart △
2. Outdoor skate parks, outdoor roller and ice rinks are allowed.
3. Outdoor playgrounds, outdoor batting cages & outdoor mini-golf allowed.

Recreation and Sports

Related Order, Directives, and Guidance:

Outdoor Recreation Restricted

Affected Groups: CA State’s List Low Contact (frisbee, bocce ball, lawn bowling, walking, running, hiking, biking, throwing a ball, swimming and diving tennis, pickleball, golf), Moderate Contact (badminton, baseball, cheerleading, dodgeball, field hockey, gymnastics, kickball, softball, tennis, pickleball and women’s lacrosse) and High Contact (basketball, football, men’s lacrosse, rugby, rowing/crew, soccer, water polo)

Change as of Thursday, May 6, 2021

1. Spectators are allowed. See outdoor gatherings or outdoor seated performances rules (see section 27 of Order No. C19-07v – Appendix C-1)
2. Informal/individual sports

a. Allowed for all ages, 6 feet distancing required, except for transient contact or if fully vaccinated.
b. Masks required for all participants and personnel, except for low contact sports maintaining 6 feet distancing. △
c. Low and moderate, and high contact sports with up to 25
d. If the sport cannot be played with a mask, it is not allowed.

3. Organized/supervised sports

a. Allowed for all ages and masks required for all participants and personnel, except for (1) low contact sports with 6 feet distancing, (2) sports with suffocation risk (e.g., wrestling, water sports, judo) which also include COVID testing requirements, and (3) when all participants and personnel show proof of full vaccination. △
b. Low, moderate, and high contact sports with 50 participants per team
c. Can compete with only one other team per day, except for sports where players compete individually. △
d. Out-of-state travel not allowed; cannot play out-of-state teams.

4. Swimming Pools

a. Swimming lessons and low-impact classes allowed, must have distancing requirements between swimmers.
b. 4 swimmers allowed per swim lane.
c. Must wear a mask except while swimming and diving.
d. Locker rooms and showers are allowed (see gyms/fitness center).

5. Outdoor hot tubs capacity limits up to 100% with physical distancing. △

Indoor Recreation Restricted

Affected Groups: CA State’s List  Low Contact (badminton, bowling, curling, dancing without contact, gymnastics, ice skating, physical training, swimming and diving, singles tennis and pickleball, track and field) Moderate Contact (volleyball, squash, racquetball, partner dance, dodgeball, kickball, doubles tennis and pickleball) and High Contact (basketball, ice hockey, martial arts, water polo, wrestling)

Change as of Thursday, May 6, 2021

1. If any activity involves removal of masks, business is required to post Ventilation Checklist, strongly encouraged to implement at least one measure.
2. Indoor recreation facilities capacity limits up to 50% (max. 200 people). △
3. Spectators are allowed. See indoor gatherings or indoor seated performances rules (see section 27 of Order No. C19-07v – Appendix C-1)
4. Locker rooms and showers are allowed (see gyms/fitness center).
5. Informal/individual sports

a. Allowed for all ages and masks required for all participants and personnel, except for swimming and diving.
b. Low and moderate contact sports with up to 12
c. High contact sports not allowed.

6. Organized/supervised sports

a. Allowed for all ages and masks required, except for sports with suffocation risk (e.g., wrestling, water sports, judo) which also include COVID testing requirements. △
b. Low, moderate, and high contact sports with 25 participants per team.
c. Can compete with only one other team per day.
c. Out-of-state travel not allowed; cannot play out-of-state teams.

7. Swimming Pools

a. No classes allowed (except swimming safety) with total capacity limits up to 50%, must have distancing requirements between swimmers. △
b. 2 swimmers allowed per swim lane.
c. Must wear a mask except while swimming and diving.
d. Hot tubs capacity limits up to 50% with physical distancing. △
e. Saunas, steam rooms allowed with capacity limits up to 25%. △

Religious and Cultural Ceremonies

Related Order, Directives, and Guidance:

Affected Groups: Churches, Temples, Synagogues, Mosques and other Places of Worship (including primary residences or other facilities)

Indoor Restricted

Change as of Thursday, May 6, 2021

1. Religious, Cultural Ceremonies, and other religious exercise capacity limits up to 50% (not including personnel).
2. Singing, speaking, chanting and wind instruments allowed (See indoor gatherings).
3. Attendees with health risks and members of their household are strongly encouraged to get fully vaccinated. △
4. If any activity involves removal of face masks, business is required to post Ventilation Checklist and implement at least one measure.
5. Vaccination and Ventilation signage must be posted in area for personnel. 

Outdoor Restricted

See Gatherings (Religious Activities and Political Protests)

Retail

Related Directives and Guidance:

Affected Groups: Retail Stores, Indoor Shopping Centers, Grocery Stores

Indoor Restricted

Change as of Thursday, May 6, 2021

1. Capacity limits up to 50% (not including personnel).
2. Self-serve bulk foods, reusable bags and containers allowed with restrictions.
3. Eating or drinking allowed in cafes and restaurants inside retail (see indoor dining). △
4. Indoor food courts capacity limits up to 50% (not including personnel). △
5. Indoor common areas may open with distancing, and other safety protocols. △
6. Libraries may open with capacity limits up to 50% (not including personnel) consistent with retail distancing, and other safety protocols. △
7. Vaccination and Ventilation signage must be posted in area for personnel.

Outdoor Allowed

Change as of Sunday, November 29, 2020

1. Outdoor encouraged over indoor

Visitation at Long Term Care Facilities

Related Order, Directives and Guidance

Affected Groups: Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF); Resident Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE); Adult Residential Facility (ARF); Residential Care Facilities – Continuing Care, Social Rehabilitation Facilities, and Residential Care Facility for the Chronically Ill.

Change as of Wednesday, March 10, 2021

1.  All visitation types must align with CA State Guidance (CDPH and CDSS) or visitation at Long Term Care Facilities. Review CA state guidance for policies and procedures. △
a. “Necessary” visits may occur when there is an urgent health, legal, time-sensitive, or other critical need.
b. “Allowed” Indoors in both a communal space and in-room. △
c. Alternatives to indoor visits (such as facility window visits, vehicle visits, outdoor visits, and telephone/video visits)

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

Center for Disease Control FAQ. Available in Chinese, Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean. Other languages available through google translate.
California Department of Public Health FAQ.  Google translate available.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health FAQ, with Printable Version. Available in Chinese, Spanish and Tagalog. See link for other languages.
Center for Disease Control, Handout: What to Expect After Getting The Vaccine. Available in Chinese, Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean. Other languages available through google translate.
FDA, Handout: Pfizer Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers. Available in Chinese, Spanish and Tagalog. See link for other languages.
FDA, Handout: Moderna Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers. Available in Chinese, Spanish and Tagalog. See link for other languages.  
CDC, Pregnancy and Vaccination

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 listed here: COVID-19 Symptom List for Screening and Testing

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 you are unvaccinated for COVID-19 AND:

  • Are at higher risk of severe illness if you get COVID-19 due to age or underlying medical conditions (see sfcdcp.org/vulnerable)
  • Must be in higher-risk situations where you can’t practice ideal safety precautions such as if you must be indoors and can’t maintain 6 feet distance or you must be indoors around people who are unmasked. Examples include:
    • Being indoors around unmasked individuals (e.g., dining, personal services where masks are removed, public transit, etc.)
    • Entering indoor settings where people have been unmasked (e.g., dining, hotel room service, janitors, personal services, etc.)
    • Being indoors with exposure to a high volume of masked people throughout the day (high volume grocery store workers, high volume retail workers, transit operators)
    • Being outdoors around unmasked individuals and at least 6 feet of distance is not maintained (e.g., outdoor dining, personal services where masks are removed, etc.)
  • Must be in a higher risk situation such as being indoors with someone who has COVID-19 or was a close contact of someone with COVID-19

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

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?

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(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.

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: COVID-19 Symptom List for Screening and Testing

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?

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