• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Disease Prevention and Control, San Francisco Department of Public HealthPopulation Health Division SF Department of Public HealthPopulation Health Division SF Department of Public Health

  • Infectious Diseases A to Z
  • About
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Communicable Disease
    • 24/7 Disease Reporting
      • Disease Reporting: Additional Information for Medical Providers
      • Influenza Reporting
      • Frequently Requested Numbers 
    • Healthy Habits
      • How to Put on and Remove a Face Mask 
    • Publications, Data, and Reports
    • Infection Control
      • Infection Prevention and Control for Health Care Settings
      • Infection Prevention and Control for Long-Term Care Facilities
    • Infectious Diseases A to Z
  • Immunizations
    • Vaccines You Need
      • Adults
      • Children & Adolescents
      • Vaccines for Gay and Bisexual Men
    • Where to Get Immunized
    • Influenza (Flu)
    • Vaccine Safety
    • Immunization Programs
      • Flu Vaccine Programs: Ordering Information for Health Care Providers
      • Hepatitis Programs
        • Hepatitis Education
        • Hepatitis Vaccine Distribution Program
        • Perinatal Hep B Program
        • Programs for Asian and Pacific Islanders
      • Tdap Program
      • California Immunization Registry (CAIR)
      • Vaccines for Children
      • San Francisco Immunization Coalition
      • Emergency Mass Prophylaxis Clinic Planning
    • Schools and Child Care
    • Resources & Materials
      • Vax Facts: Vaccine Updates
      • Immunization Links
      • Request Materials
      • Vaccine Management Plan
    • Information for Medical Providers
    • Provider Spotlight
  • AITC Immunization & Travel Clinic
    • International Travelers
      • Promoting Travelers’ Health
      • Yellow Fever Vaccine FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
    • Immunization & Testing
    • Services for Businesses
    • Contact, Location, Hours, Payment
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Prices
      • Low-Cost or Free Vaccines at AITC
    • Forms
    • Links
    • About AITC
  • Health Alerts & Emergencies
    • Prepare
    • Health Alerts
      • Sign Up For Health Alerts
    • Infectious Disease Plan
      • Emergency Exercises
    • Clinician Emergency Guide
    • Recognizing Bioterrorism
    • Programs and Activities
  • Tuberculosis Control
    • Tuberculosis Services
    • Tuberculosis Information For Medical Providers
      • LTBI Referral (Specific to Civil Surgeons)
      • Tuberculosis Screening Guidelines
        • Tuberculosis Testing
      • Tuberculosis Clinic Referrals Criteria
      • Managing Positive Reactions
      • Suspected/Confirmed Active TB Reporting
      • LTBI Risk Assessment Tools and Treatment Guidelines
      • Hospital Discharge
      • QuantiFERON Information
      • Infection Control Guidelines
      • Shelter Client Screening Guidelines
      • TB Resources for the Public
    • Publications
    • Reports
    • Links
    • San Francisco Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program (SFTBPCP) Supplemental Information
  • Public Health Laboratory
    • Laboratory Contact Information
    • Check COVID-19 and Influenza Test Results Online
    • Non-Diagnostic General Health Assessments (NGHA)
    • General Specimen Submission Guidelines
    • Forms for Specimen and Culture Submission
    • Laboratory Test Menu
  • STD Services
  • Infectious Diseases A to Z
  • About

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Businesses, Employers, and Employees

Return Safer Together

Capacity restrictions have been lifted. For information on what restrictions may remain, please refer to the Safer Return Together Health Order. Also, see Frequently Asked Questions for San Francisco’s Safer Return Together Health Order.

Core Guidance During the COVID-19 Pandemic

After June 15, 2021, many of SFDPH’s COVID-19 guidance documents will not be updated unless necessary. All SFDPH COVID-19 guidance documents are clearly marked to indicate the time of the last update. Documents that are no longer applicable will be removed.

Interim Guidance: Core Guidance During the COVID-19 Pandemic (SFDPH) This is a summary of core guidance about COVID-19, how it is spread, and how to prevent it, including concise information about vaccination, contact tracing, and ventilation. This document will continue to be updated even after many I&G documents are retired.

Go To SFCDCP.ORG COVID-19 Page For the Public
Go To SFCDCP.ORG COVID-19 Page For Schools
Go To SFCDCP.ORG COVID-19 Page For Health Care Providers

Health Officer Orders and Directives

Quick Links

  • Current Health Directives and List of Rescinded Directives 
  • Orders Issued by the San Francisco Health Officer Relevant to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • Current San Francisco case numbers and Press Releases

Want to receive notifications of new and updated guidance?

Click the button below to subscribe and receive relevant updates.

Subscribe

Information and Guidance Applicable to All Businesses

What if someone at the workplace tests positive for COVID-19?

  • Letter to Employers (SFDPH, 3/15/2022)  [Chinese]  [Spanish]  [Russian]  [Arabic]  [Vietnamese]  [Filipino]
  • What to do if someone at work has COVID-19 (SFDPH, Updated 1/13/2022) [Chinese]  [Spanish]  [Tagalog]  [Arabic]

Isolation (for confirmed positive cases) and Quarantine (for close contacts)

Find isolation (for confirmed positive cases) and quarantine (for close contacts) guidance on the sfcdcp.org public information page at www.sfcdcp.org/i&q.

Required Screening for COVID-19

SFDPH no longer requires that organizations perform on-site pre-entry health checks.  This includes: screening for symptoms of COVID-19, asking about close contact with others who have COVID-19, measuring temperatures, or verifying completion of remote self-screening.  Instead, SFDPH recommends that all individuals monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms or exposures, and that employers ask employees to evaluate their own symptoms before reporting to work.  If they have symptoms, individuals should isolate, except to get tested, or seek medical care when necessary.

Organizations may choose to continue on-site health checks or verify remote self-screening and, in some cases, state and other regulatory agencies may require it.  If an organization conducts on-site health checks, it should be done safely, respectfully, and in accordance with applicable privacy and confidentiality laws.  

Scientific Rationale: On-site, pre-entry health checks have limited benefit in preventing the spread of COVID-19, particularly as infections decrease and more people get vaccinated.  Health checks do not identify people who are infected but without symptoms or people with mild symptoms who might not realize they are infected.  As such, they are not a replacement for other protective measures, such as getting vaccinated, using masks, physical distancing, and hand hygiene.  (Updated 8/4/21)

  • Digital COVID-19 vaccine cards from approved companies
  • Coronavirus Self-Checker (CDC)
  • Symptoms of COVID-19 (CDC)
  • Guidance for Businesses and Employers Responding to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (CDC)

Ventilation Recommendations

  • For Ventilation Guidance, see CDPH Interim Guidance for Ventilation, Filtration, and Air Quality in Indoor Environments
    • FAQs: General Ventilation (SFDPH, Retired 10/8/21)
    • Ventilation for Non-Healthcare Organizations During the COVID-19 Pandemic (SFDPH, Retired 10/8/21)
    • FAQs: Room Air Exchange Rates (“Air Changes per Hour (ACH)”) (SFDPH, Retired 10/8/21)
    • Interim Guidance: Ventilation During the COVID-19 Pandemic (SFDPH, Retired 10/8/21)
    • FAQs: Portable Air Cleaners (SFDPH, Retired 10/8/21)

Outdoor Structures to Prevent Spread of COVID-19

  • Outdoor Structures to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 (SFDPH, Updated 6/21/21)

Cleaning Recommendations

Facility and/or Business Cleaning Recommendations:

  • Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility (CDC)

Household Cleaning Recommendations:

  • Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home (CDC)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Find Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidance on the sfcdcp.org public information page at www.sfcdcp.org/ppe.

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

Signage & Printable Resources

You can download flyers and posters about the public health order from the SF.GOV outreach toolkit.

Industry/Sector Specific Guidance

Drivers in Non-Ambulance Transport Vehicles

  • Interim Guidance: Traveling by Public Transit (SFDPH, 1/27/2022)
  • Protect Yourself When Using Transportation (CDC)
  • Cleaning and Disinfection for Non-emergency Transport Vehicles (CDC)

Food Facilities, Delivery and Restaurants

Interim Guidance: Dining During the COVID‐19 Pandemic – Indoor and Outdoor (SFDPH, Retired 6/1/21)

Core Guidance

  • https://www.sfdph.org/dph/covid-19/core-guidance.asp

CDC Guidance

  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/business-employers/bars-restaurants.html

SF Health Officer Order

  • Safer Return Together Health Order

Other Guidance

  • Industry Guidance: Delivery Services (CDPH)
  • What Food and Grocery Pick-Up and Delivery Drivers Need to Know about COVID-19 (CDC)
  • Food Safety and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (USFDA)

Elder and Residential Care Facilities

  • Interim Guidance: Prevention and Management of COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Facilities (SFDPH, Updated 3/3/2022)
  • Guidance for Adult Elder and Residential Care Facilities Licensed by CA Department of Social Services (CDSS 3/5/2020)
  • Guidance for Limiting the Transmission of COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Facilities (CDPH)

Quick Links:

  • See Cleaning Recommendation and Ventilation Requirements
  • See Required Signage
  • See Screening Requirements 
  • See Health Directive and Required Health and Safety Templates
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About In-person Visits, Communal Dining and Resident Activities (SFDPH, Retired 6/18/21)
    • See Prevention and Management of COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Facilities

Gyms and Fitness Groups

  • Interim Guidance: Gyms and Fitness Centers (Indoor and Outdoor) During the COVID-19 Pandemic (SFDPH, Retired 6/15/21)

Core Guidance

  • https://www.sfdph.org/dph/covid-19/core-guidance.asp

CDC Guidance:

  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/gym-employers.html
  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/gym-employees.html

SF Health Officer Order

  • Safer Return Together Health Order

Hotels and Lodging

  • Tips for Staying in Lodging Facilities During COVID-19 (SFDPH, Retired 6/15/2021)

Core Guidance

  • https://www.sfdph.org/dph/covid-19/core-guidance.asp

CDC Guidance:

  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/hotel-employers.html 

SF Health Officer Order

  • Safer Return Together Health Order

Entertainment (Theaters, Festivals and Performances)

  • Interim Guidance: Outdoor Arts and Music Festivals and Performances (SFDPH, Retired 6/15/21)
  • Interim Guidance: Indoor Movie Theaters (SFDPH, Retired 6/15/21)

Core Guidance

  • https://www.sfdph.org/dph/covid-19/core-guidance.asp

CDC Guidance:

  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/considerations-for-events-gatherings.html
  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

SF Health Officer Order

  • Safer Return Together Health Order

Multifamily Residences

Considerations for Owners and Operators of Multifamily Housing during the COVID-19 Pandemic (CDC)

See Cleaning Recommendation

FAQs for Occupied Apartments and Residences with Sublet Rooms (SFDPH, Retired 1/31/2022)

Offices

  • Tips and Frequently Asked Questions for Opening Office Facilities During COVID-19 (SFDPH, Retired 6/1/21)

Core Guidance

  • https://www.sfdph.org/dph/covid-19/core-guidance.asp

CDC Guidance:

  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/returning-to-work.html
  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/workplaces-businesses/

SF Health Officer Order

  • Safer Return Together Health Order

Quick Links

  • See Cleaning Recommendation and Ventilation Recommedations

Individuals working with Persons Experiencing Homelessness

  • Interim Guidance for Homeless Service Providers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (CDC)
  • Safe Sleep Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (HSH)
  • See PPE Recommendations
  • See Cleaning Recommendations
  • Interim Guidance for Safe Sleeping for Unsheltered Persons Experiencing Homelessness to Reduce the Risk of COVID-19 (SFDPH, Retired)
    • See Interim Guidance on People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness (CDC)
  • Interim Guidance for Safe Sleeping Villages to Reduce the Risk of COVID-19 (SFDPH, Retired 8/16/21)
  • Interim Guidance: Guidance for People Experiencing Homelessness in Shelters and Navigation Centers to Reduce the Risk of COVID-19(SFDPH, Retired 7/20/21)

Personal Services

  • Tip Sheet for Operating Indoors and Outdoor: Personal Services (SFDPH, Retired 6/1/2021)

Core Guidance

  • https://www.sfdph.org/dph/covid-19/core-guidance.asp

CDC Guidance

  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/personal-social-activities.html#nails
  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/nail-salon-employers.html
  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/beauty-salon-barber-employees.html

SF Health Officer Order

  • Safer Return Together Health Order

SF Health Officer Directive

  • https://www.sfdph.org/dph/alerts/files/Directive-2020-23-Personal-Services-Outdoors.pdf   Rescinded 6/11/21
  • https://www.sfdph.org/dph/alerts/files/Directive-2020-30-Indoor-Personal-Services.pdf Rescinded 6/11/21

Quick links:

  • See Cleaning Recommendation and Ventilation Recommendations

Retail

Tips for Retail Businesses Offering Curbside or In-Store Shopping or Services During COVID-19 (SFDPH, Retired 6/1/21)

Core Guidance

  • https://www.sfdph.org/dph/covid-19/core-guidance.asp

CDC Guidance

  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/returning-to-work.html
  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/workplaces-businesses/

SF Health Officer Directive

  • https://www.sfdph.org/dph/alerts/files/Directive-2020-17-Instore-Retail.pdf  Rescinded 6/11/21

SF Health Officer Order

  • Safer Return Together Health Order

Websites with Additional Information

  • California Department of Public Health Novel Coronavirus 2019 Page
  • US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Novel Coronavirus 2019 Page
  • Questions and Answers on Coronaviruses from the World Health Organization (WHO)

Footer

Contact

SF Dept of Public Health
101 Grove Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 554-2500

Web Links

  • SF Dept. of Public Health
  • City and County of San Francisco

Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Contact Us
Website by MIGHTYminnow

© Copyright 1998 - 2022, Department of Public Health, City and County of San Francisco