SERVICE
Stay safe. Get vaccinated. Save lives.
Help keep the spread of COVID-19 down as we celebrate a safer reopening in San Francisco.
What to know
What to do
See updates
On August 12, 2021, the Department of Public Health updated a health order to require certain businesses to get proof of vaccination for patrons and employees. See our core guidance as we reopen.
See what changed and see our progress in containing COVID-19.
Stay healthy by getting vaccinated
Getting everyone vaccinated is the way we will end this pandemic.
Face coverings
As of August 2, 2021, everyone must wear masks indoors in public spaces. Even if you are fully vaccinated, you must wear a face covering indoors in public buildings.
You also need a mask or face covering:
- On public transportation (or waiting for it indoors)
- Driving or riding in a taxi or rideshare vehicle (even by yourself)
- Getting healthcare
- Inside a K to 12 school, childcare facility, or other youth setting
- Shopping or at a business
- Jails
- Homeless shelters, cooling centers, and emergency shelters
- Long terms care facilities and adult and senior care centers
You will not be allowed to board public transportation if you are not wearing a face covering.
Scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, or bandanas are not allowed on any public transportation (or waiting for it). This is by CDC order. See SF guidance on traveling on public transit.
What's open
All businesses are now open. Businesses can also follow best practices to prevent COVID-19 transmission.
Large events are allowed. But organizers must follow requirements for these events in the health order about vaccination, testing, and masks.
Traveling
People should wait to travel until after they are fully vaccinated. See CDC guidance on traveling.
People not fully vaccinated who are coming to San Francisco from outside California should quarantine for 10 days. If you are fully vaccinated (2 weeks from final vaccine dose), you do not need to quarantine. See official travel guidance from the State of California.
Look out for older adults and people most at risk
Older adults and those with underlying health conditions are most at risk of getting severe illness from COVID-19. This is especially important when they are not vaccinated yet.
If you are not vaccinated, consider if it’s worth the risk to go out if you are older or have a chronic health condition.
Getting healthcare
If you are feeling sick, call your doctor, a nurse hotline, or an urgent care center. You can also get tested for COVID-19 at various locations in San Francisco.
You must wear a mask to go inside any healthcare facilities.
Schools and childcare
San Francisco reopened for full in-person classes for all grades at the beginning of the 2021 - 2022 school year.
Because not all kids can get the COVID-19 vaccine now, schools must follow the schools health directive.
We will continue to update our guidance as the state and the CDC update their recommendations.
Childcare providers and after school programs are open for all children. Find out more about schools and childcare during the coronavirus pandemic.
Find out about free meals from the San Francisco Unified School District.
Enforcement
This is a legally enforceable order issued under California law. It is a crime to violate this order. You may be punished by a fine or imprisonment if you do.
If there are other guidelines that do not agree with SF’s order, follow the stricter rule.
What to know
What to do
See updates
On August 12, 2021, the Department of Public Health updated a health order to require certain businesses to get proof of vaccination for patrons and employees. See our core guidance as we reopen.
See what changed and see our progress in containing COVID-19.
Stay healthy by getting vaccinated
Getting everyone vaccinated is the way we will end this pandemic.
Face coverings
As of August 2, 2021, everyone must wear masks indoors in public spaces. Even if you are fully vaccinated, you must wear a face covering indoors in public buildings.
You also need a mask or face covering:
- On public transportation (or waiting for it indoors)
- Driving or riding in a taxi or rideshare vehicle (even by yourself)
- Getting healthcare
- Inside a K to 12 school, childcare facility, or other youth setting
- Shopping or at a business
- Jails
- Homeless shelters, cooling centers, and emergency shelters
- Long terms care facilities and adult and senior care centers
You will not be allowed to board public transportation if you are not wearing a face covering.
Scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, or bandanas are not allowed on any public transportation (or waiting for it). This is by CDC order. See SF guidance on traveling on public transit.
What's open
All businesses are now open. Businesses can also follow best practices to prevent COVID-19 transmission.
Large events are allowed. But organizers must follow requirements for these events in the health order about vaccination, testing, and masks.
Traveling
People should wait to travel until after they are fully vaccinated. See CDC guidance on traveling.
People not fully vaccinated who are coming to San Francisco from outside California should quarantine for 10 days. If you are fully vaccinated (2 weeks from final vaccine dose), you do not need to quarantine. See official travel guidance from the State of California.
Look out for older adults and people most at risk
Older adults and those with underlying health conditions are most at risk of getting severe illness from COVID-19. This is especially important when they are not vaccinated yet.
If you are not vaccinated, consider if it’s worth the risk to go out if you are older or have a chronic health condition.
Getting healthcare
If you are feeling sick, call your doctor, a nurse hotline, or an urgent care center. You can also get tested for COVID-19 at various locations in San Francisco.
You must wear a mask to go inside any healthcare facilities.
Schools and childcare
San Francisco reopened for full in-person classes for all grades at the beginning of the 2021 - 2022 school year.
Because not all kids can get the COVID-19 vaccine now, schools must follow the schools health directive.
We will continue to update our guidance as the state and the CDC update their recommendations.
Childcare providers and after school programs are open for all children. Find out more about schools and childcare during the coronavirus pandemic.
Find out about free meals from the San Francisco Unified School District.
Enforcement
This is a legally enforceable order issued under California law. It is a crime to violate this order. You may be punished by a fine or imprisonment if you do.
If there are other guidelines that do not agree with SF’s order, follow the stricter rule.