Updates to Health Officer Orders and Directives
Notice of Suspension or Restrictions of Indoor and Outdoor Activity
March 23, 2021
In alignment with the State’s recommendations, San Francisco is reopening at the State’s Orange Tier starting March 24, 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.
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. We also have confirmed there are new, more contagious virus variants in the San Francisco Bay Area and that some of these variants are more likely to cause serious illness and death in unvaccinated people. We don’t yet know exactly how these variants will impact vaccine effectiveness, although clinical trial and real world data are reassuring that they will still work as intended. The opening of sectors does not necessarily 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 a well-fitted masks that covers 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, 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 unvaccinated older adults and unvaccinated people with health risks — and those who live with or care for them are urged to defer 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.
If you are fully vaccinated (i.e., 14 days have passed since your final shot), 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 March 24, 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 Orders and Directives take precedence over any discrepancies listed in the table below.
The following table is available in [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog] [Vietnamese] [Russian]
|
Activity and Amended Order or Directive Affected Groups |
Indoor or Outdoor |
Change as of effective date |
| Retail
Directive 2020-07
|
Indoor Restricted |
Change as of Wednesday, March 24, 2021
1. Retail stores capacity limits up to 50% (not including personnel). △ |
|
Outdoor Allowed |
Change as of Sunday, November 29, 2020
1. Outdoor encouraged over indoor |
|
| Office Facilities
Directive 2020-18 |
Indoor Restricted |
Change as of Wednesday, March 24, 2021
1. Nonessential offices capacity limits up to 25%. △ |
| Hotels and Lodging Facilities
Directive 2020-29 |
Indoor Restricted |
Change as of Wednesday, March 3, 2021
1. Lodging facilities may accept reservations for all visitors in accordance with CDPH Travel Advisory. |
| Gyms / Fitness Centers
Order C19-07
|
Indoor Restricted |
Change as of Wednesday, March 24, 2021
1. Indoor gyms / fitness centers capacity limits up to 25% (not including personnel). △ |
|
Outdoor Restricted |
Change as of Thursday, January 28, 2021
1. Outdoor gyms allowed, no capacity limits, social distancing is required. |
|
| Dining
Order C19-07
|
Indoor Restricted |
Change as of Wednesday, March 24, 2021
1. Indoor dining capacity limits, up to 50% (Max. 200 pp not including personnel); must maintain at least 6 feet distance between diners. △ |
|
Outdoor Restricted |
Change as of Wednesday, March 24, 2021
1. Outdoor restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries and wineries allowed. All patrons must be seated to be served. △ |
|
| Personal Services
Directive 2020-23
|
Indoor Restricted |
Change as of Wednesday, March 24, 2021
1. Personal services capacity limits up to 50% (not including personnel). △ |
|
Outdoor Allowed |
Change as of Wednesday, March 3, 2021
1. Services that involve removal of face covering 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. |
|
| Museums, Aquariums, and Zoos |
Indoor Restricted |
Change as of Wednesday, March 24, 2021
1. Museums, Aquariums, and Zoos capacity limits up to 50% (not including personnel).△ |
|
Outdoor Allowed |
Change as of Thursday, January 28, 2021
1. With approved plan, Outdoor Museums, Aquariums, and Zoos allowed, No capacity limits. |
|
| Movie Theaters
Order C19-07 |
Indoor Restricted |
Change as of Wednesday, March 24, 2021
1. Movie Theaters capacity limits up to 50% (Max. 200 people per screen). △ |
| Playgrounds and Family Entertainment Centers
Directive 2020-36
|
Indoor Restricted |
Change as of Wednesday, March 24, 2021
1. Naturally distanced activities capacity limits up to 25% (not including personnel). △ |
|
Outdoor Restricted |
Change as of Wednesday, March 3, 2021
1. Ferris wheels, carrousels, trampolines, and train rides allowed with only |
|
| Swimming Pools |
Indoor Restricted |
Change as of Wednesday, March 24, 2021
1. Total capacity limits up to 25% with distancing requirements between swimmers. △ |
|
Outdoor Restricted |
Change as of Wednesday, March 24, 2021
1. Total capacity limits up to 50% with distancing requirements between swimmers. △ |
|
| Outdoor Recreation
Order C19-07
|
Outdoor Restricted |
Change as of Wednesday, March 24, 2021
1. Informal low, medium, and high contact 2. Tennis, Pickleball, Golf 3. Supervised and Organized |
| Indoor Recreation
Order C19-07
|
Indoor Restricted |
Change as of Wednesday, March 24, 2021
1. If any activity involves removal of face coverings, business is required to post Ventilation Checklist , strongly encouraged to implement at least one measure. △ |
| Religious and Cultural Ceremonies
Order C19-07 |
Indoor Restricted |
Change as of Wednesday, March 24, 2021
1. Religious and Cultural Ceremonies capacity limits up to 50% (not including personnel). △ |
| Outdoor | See Gatherings (Religious Activities and Political Protests) | |
| Gatherings (Religious Activities and Political Protests)Order C19-07 Appendix C-2 Directive 2020-19 Tips and Frequently Asked Questions for Gatherings |
Outdoor Restricted |
Change as of Thursday, January 28, 2021
1. Religious Activities and Political Protest allowed, no capacity limits, social distancing is required. |
| Gatherings (Indoor Private Social)Order C19-07 Directive 2020-19 Tips and Frequently Asked Questions for Gatherings |
Indoor Restricted |
Change as of Wednesday, March 24, 2021
1. A maximum of 12 people from 3 households may gather indoors for a private social gathering. △ |
| Gatherings (Small Outdoor)Order C19-07 Directive 2020-19 Tips and Frequently Asked Questions for Gatherings |
Outdoor Restricted |
Change as of Wednesday, March 24, 2021
1. A maximum of 25 people from 3 households may gather outdoors. No eating or drinking allowed. △ |
| Gatherings (Meal)Order C19-07 Directive 2020-19 Tips and Frequently Asked Questions for Gatherings |
Outdoor Restricted |
Change as of Wednesday, March 24, 2021
1. A maximum of 6 people from 3 households, may gather outdoors if eating and drinking are involved. △
|
| Gatherings (Drive-In)Order C19-07 Appendix C-2 Directive 2020-28 |
Outdoor Restricted |
Change as of Wednesday, March 24, 2021
1. Drive-In Gatherings capacity limits of up to 100 Vehicles. |
| Outdoor Music and Art Festivals and Performances
Order C19-07 |
Outdoor Restricted |
Change as of Wednesday, March 24, 2021
1. Starting April 1, a maximum of 50 people may attend festival or performance with seating. △ |
| Visitation at Long Term Care Facilities
Order No. C19-03
|
Outdoor/ Restricted |
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. △ |
Information and Guidance Applicable to All Businesses
You can download flyers and posters about the public health order from the SF.GOV outreach toolkit.
Small businesses can request posters and flyers for free, for pickup or delivery.
- For Non-Healthcare Businesses & Community Organizations: What to do if Someone at the Workplace Has COVID-19 (SFDPH, Updated 3/19/2021) [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog] [Arabic]
- Letter to Employers (SFDPH, Updated 10/13/2020) [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog] [Vietnamese] [Russian] [Arabic]
- COVID-19 General Exposure Advisory (SFDPH, Updated 12/4/20) [Spanish] [Chinese] [Tagalog]
- Screening Handout for personnel (“Personnel Screening Attachment A-1”) (SFDPH, Updated 3/23/2021) [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog] [Vietnamese] [Russian] [Arabic]
IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS FOR BUSINESSES/ORGANIZATIONS WHO ARE OPERATING DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC:
- If you modify the form above to only include the questions in a web form or other format, you MUST ensure that the information provided in the form above is provided to Personnel to ensure they stay out of work the appropriate amount of time.
- Business must ensure Personnel stay home or leave work if they answer “Yes” to any of the three questions in the screening form. Personnel who must stay home or leave work may be entitled to paid leave. Businesses must comply with their paid leave obligations under applicable law, including but not limited to the San Francisco Employee Protections Ordinance, San Francisco Public Health Emergency Leave, and the Federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act. For more information, go to www.sfgov.org/olse and www.sfcdcp.org/workerfaq
- Some businesses and organizations have additional screening requirements or sector-specific screening forms to use. Read sector-specific requirements at www.sfdph.org/directives.
See below for the screening form for Non-Personnel (clients, visitors, etc.)
- Screening Handout for non-personnel (“Personnel Screening Attachment A-2”) (SFDPH, Updated 3/23/2021) [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog] [Vietnamese] [Russian]
- Screening Handout for Guest at Lodging Facilities (SFDPH, 3/23/21) [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog] [Vietnamese] [Russian]
Other Screening Guidance:
- COVID-19 Symptom List for Screening and Testing (SFDPH, Updated 2/26/21) [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog]
- Interim Guidance: Asking COVID-19 Screening Questions at Any Businesses, Organization, Or Facility (SFDPH, Updated 5/26/2020)
- Interim Guidance: Measuring Temperatures when Screening for COVID-19 Symptoms (SFDPH, Updated 5/26/2020) [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog]
- Indoor Risk During the COVID-19 Pandemic (SFDPH, Updated 3/22/2021) [Spanish] [Chinese] [Tagalog]
- 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? (SFDPH, 10/15/2020)
- FAQs: General Ventilation (SFDPH, Updated 3/10/21) [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog] [Vietnamese] [Russian]
- FAQs: Room Air Exchange Rates (“Air Changes per Hour (ACH)”) (SFDPH, 12/15/20)
- Interim Guidance: Ventilation During the COVID-19 Pandemic (SFDPH, Updated 10/20/20) [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog]
- FAQs: Portable Air Cleaners (SFDPH, 11/13/20) [Spanish] [Vietnamese] [Chinese] [Russian] [Tagalog]
- Safer Ways to Use New Outdoor Shared Spaces for Commercial Activities During COVID-19 (SFDPH, Updated 12/31/2020) [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog]
- COVID-19: Cleaning and Disinfectant Safety & Approved Disinfectants (SFDPH, Updated 12/1/2020) [Spanish] [Tagalog] [Chinese]
- Cleaning and Disinfection for Non-emergency Transport Vehicles (CDC)
Facility and/or Business Cleaning Recommendations
- Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility (CDC)
- Cleaning & Disinfection for Community Facilities (CDC)
Household Cleaning Recommendations
For PPE recommendations for healthcare workers, see www.sfcdcp.org/hcpPPE
- Update on Masking: When and How to Use Higher Quality Masks (SFDPH, 3/16/21) [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog]
- Tip Sheet: Safety Information Regarding Voluntary Use of N95 Respirators (SFDPH, 3/22/2021) [Spanish] [Chinese] [Tagalog] [Vietnamese] [Russian]
- Respirator Medical Evaluations and N95 Fit Testing Resources (Updated 1/21/2021)
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.
- Interim Framework for PPE Use by City and County of San Francisco (CCSF) Environmental Services (EVS) Employees, and EVS Contractors (Custodians), Working in Facility Cleaning Areas Where Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 Patients and Clients Are Currently Treated, Housed, or Temporarily Relocated Given Current PPE Shortages (SFDPH, 6/16/2020) [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog]
- Interim Framework for PPE Use by City and County of San Francisco (CCSF) Inspectors and Contractors Conducting Field Site Visits Given Current PPE Shortages (SFDPH, 6/10/2020)
- Interim Framework During the COVID-19 Pandemic for PPE Use by City and County of San Francisco (CCSF) Disaster Service Workers and Contractors Working in Settings with Significant Commingling of Individuals with Varying COVID-19 Status (SFDPH, 5/23/2020)
Industry/Sector Specific Guidance
- Interim Guidance: Dining During the COVID‐19 Pandemic – Indoor and Outdoor (SFDPH, Updated 3/26/2021) [Spanish] [Chinese] [Tagalog] [Russian] [Vietnamese]
- 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)
Quick Links
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About In-person Visits, Communal Dining and Resident Activities (SFDPH, Updated 3/10/2021) [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog] [Russian]
- Interim Guidance: Prevention and Management of COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Facilities (SFDPH, Updated 12/2/2020)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Residential Care Facilities for Adults and Seniors (Updated SFDPH, 9/6/2020) [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog] [Russian]
- Guidance for Adult Elder and Residential Care Facilities Licensed by CA Department of Social Services (CDSS 3/5/2020)
Quick Links
- Interim Guidance: Gyms and Fitness Centers (Indoor and Outdoor) During the COVID-19 Pandemic (SFDPH, Updated 3/23/2021) [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog]
Quick Links
- Interim Guidance: Indoor Household Services – Housecleaning, Cooking and Non-essential Maintenance (SFDPH, 6/19/2020) [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog] [Russian]
- Stay safer doing house cleaning and cooking services (SFDPH, 7/30/2020) [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog]
Quick Links
- Tips for Staying in Lodging Facilities During COVID-19 (SFDPH, Updated 3/18/2021) [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog] [Russian] [Vietnamese]
Quick Links
- Interim Guidance: Outdoor Arts and Music Festivals and Performances (SFDPH, Updated 3/23/21)
- Interim Guidance: Indoor Movie Theaters (SFDPH, Updated 3/23/2021)
Quick Links
- Tips and Frequently Asked Questions for Opening Office Facilities During COVID-19 (SFDPH, 3/23/21) [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog]
Quick Links
- Interim Guidance: Guidance for People Experiencing Homelessness in Shelters and Navigation Centers to Reduce the Risk of COVID-19(SFDPH, Updated 12/11/2020) [Spanish] [Chinese] [Tagalog]
- Interim Guidance for Safe Sleeping for Unsheltered Persons Experiencing Homelessness to Reduce the Risk of COVID-19 (SFDPH, 5/19/2020)
- Interim Guidance for Safe Sleeping Villages to Reduce the Risk of COVID-19 (SFDPH, 5/19/2020)
- See PPE Recommendations
- See Cleaning Recommendations
- Tip Sheet for Operating Indoors: Personal Services (SFDPH, Updated 3/23/2021) [Vietnamese] [Spanish] [Russian] [Chinese] [Tagalog]
- Guidance for Outdoor Personal Services during COVID-19 (SFDPH, 3/23/2021) [Chinese] [Spanish] [Russian] [Vietnamese] [Tagalog]
Quick Links
Tips for Retail Businesses Offering Curbside or In-Store Shopping or Services During COVID-19 (SFDPH, Updated 3/23/21) [Chinese] [Spanish] [Tagalog]
Quick Links