Health order FAQs

Note: These FAQs are to help answer your questions about the Health Order, but they are not updated as often. So, if there are any differences, follow what the current Health Order says.

Masking

Where is masking required?

On October 16, 2024, the Health Officer issued Order of the Health Officer No. 2024-01, requiring mandatory masking of personnel in Skilled Nursing Facilities only. 

Effective November 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025 (unless revised or rescinded sooner), personnel working in Skilled Nursing Facilities will be required to wear a well-fitted mask at all times when in the same room as patients or residents. The order does not apply to any other healthcare settings in San Francisco.

Examples of locations where wearing a well-fitted mask is required include: waiting rooms; exam, care, or treatment rooms; residential rooms; hallways; any room in which healthcare is being provided; triage or patient assessment areas; bathrooms; administrative areas or offices; indoor open areas that are part of a larger room or contiguous space (such as nursing stations, reception areas, areas with work spaces that do not have a closing door, hallways, meeting rooms, etc.); temporary enclosed structures (including an enclosed tent or shelter); recreational or activity rooms; rooms within the facility where personal services (like hairstyling, etc.) are provided; and interview rooms. 

This requirement does not apply to spaces that are not enclosed, such as outdoor patios or exercise areas, pathways, etc. 

Who is required to wear a well-fitted mask?

All paid and unpaid people who work in indoor Skilled Nursing Facilities in San Francisco where (1) care is provided to patients, or (2) Patients or Residents have access for any purpose.  Such personnel who are required to mask include, but are not limited to, nurses, nursing assistants, physicians, technicians, therapists, phlebotomists, pharmacists, students and trainees, contractual staff not employed by the Skilled Nursing Facility, and persons not directly involved in patient care, but who could be exposed to infectious agents that can be transmitted in the health care setting (e.g., clerical, dietary, foodservice, environmental services, laundry, security, engineering and facilities management, administrative, billing, and volunteer personnel).

In addition, the requirement to wear a well-fitted mask when in the same room as patients or residents also applies to people who only visit such locations on an intermittent or occasional basis or for short periods of time, such as delivery people, contractors, regulators, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, police, and other law enforcement. 

Limited exceptions to these requirements are listed in the order.   

Vaccination

What are the requirements for COVID-19 vaccination for healthcare workers?

On October 16, 2024, the Health Officer rescinded (terminated) Health Officer Order No. 2023-02, which required COVID-19 vaccination of personnel in healthcare settings. 

The Health Officer recommends that healthcare facilities and personnel follow all federal and state vaccination standards. All healthcare workers are recommended to stay current on all vaccines for vaccine-preventable diseases.