FAQs for COVID-19 Health Order C19-07y
1. What does the Safer Return Together Health Order do?
The Safer Return Together Health Order lifts most pandemic requirements. More specifically, it lifts capacity limits and physical distancing requirements for most businesses and activities. It also allows businesses, schools, and other activities to fully resume.
The order still has some requirements to specific situations. The purpose of these restrictions is to protect our communities and save lives by:
- Increasing vaccine coverage to the greatest extent possible
- Limiting the transmission risk of COVID-19
- Containing any potential COVID-19 outbreaks
- Aligning in general with the guidance issued by the CDC and the State relating to COVID-19 except in limited instances where local conditions require more restrictive measures
The order applies these additional measures to certain settings with vulnerable populations or where there is a high risk of COVID-19 transmission to ensure the health and safety of all in that setting.
Vaccination
2. Who should get vaccinated?
Every eligible individual living, working and visiting San Francisco is strongly urged to get vaccinated as soon as they are able. This is especially important for people at risk for severe illness with COVID-19 and people who live or work with unvaccinated older adults and unvaccinated individuals with health risks.
3. Why is the City requiring proof of vaccination to go inside certain businesses?
San Francisco’s Health Officer is taking this step to protect against the continued spread of the highly contagious Delta variant, to safeguard against likely future variants and to help ensure the continued safe reopening of schools and businesses. Vaccines are safe, effective and widely available. They are the best means of protection against COVID-19 and its known variants. They are an especially important tool to protect those not eligible to be vaccinated, like children under 12, as well as more vulnerable populations, such as people with compromised immune systems.
4. How do you show that you’ve been vaccinated?
There are several ways to do so. Acceptable methods of proof include:
- Original, copy, or electronic photo of the CDC vaccination card (or similar documentation issued by another foreign governmental jurisdiction)
- documentation from a healthcare provider
-
personal digital COVID-19 vaccine record issued by the State of California available by going to https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov
- personal digital COVID-19 vaccine record issued by another State, local, or foreign governmental jurisdictions
-
personal digital COVID-19 vaccine record issued by an approved private company
Businesses subject to this new requirement must cross-check proof of vaccination against each patron’s photo identification.
A written self-attestation or declaration of vaccination status is not acceptable as a form of proof.
5. I live in Canada and got the AstraZeneca vaccine. Does my Canadian vaccination card satisfy the proof of vaccination requirement even though AstraZeneca's vaccine wasn't approved by the FDA?
Yes, as long as you are fully vaccinated. Full vaccination means you completed the entire recommended series of vaccination (usually one or two doses) with a vaccine authorized to prevent COVID-19 by the FDA or by the World Health Organization. A vaccination card similar to a CDC vaccination record card issued by a foreign governmental jurisdiction is an acceptable form of proof of vaccination. Lists of FDA-authorized vaccines and WHO-authorized vaccines are available.
6. Is proof of vaccination required to enter all businesses in San Francisco?
No. The proof of vaccination requirement applies to two main categories of indoor businesses: (1) those that serve food and drink, like bars, restaurants, clubs, theaters and entertainment venues; and (2) indoor gyms, yoga studios and other fitness establishments. These both are types of indoor businesses that by their nature create situations where the virus could spread more easily. This is because people must take off their masks to eat and drink, and because exercise accelerates breathing. Vaccination requirements also apply to patrons and staff at large indoor events with 1,000 people or more because so many people will be gathered together in an indoor space.
7. Can I provide results from a negative COVID-19 test in place of proof of vaccination?
No. But for a limited period of time you may be able to provide a negative test to attend indoor events with more than 1,000 people. This only applies where tickets were sold before August 12 for events happening before September 15. The test result must be negative for the virus that causes COVID-19 within the prior 72 hours. Both nucleic acid (including polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) and antigen tests are acceptable.
8. When does this take effect?
The new vaccination verification requirements for patrons of bars, restaurants, clubs, theaters, entertainment venues, gyms and other covered businesses will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 20.
The new requirement also means that affected businesses must use their best efforts to determine the vaccination status of their staff before 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 20. The vaccination requirement for staff will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, October 13.
The changed vaccination verification requirements for indoor mega-events and the new vaccination verification requirements for large indoor events will take effect on August 20. This is subject to a limited exception for events where any tickets or reservations were sold before August 12 and that occur before September 15. Large events and mega-events that are covered by that exemption must still comply with the requirements for proof of vaccination or negative testing that currently apply to mega-events.
Covered Businesses
9. Do I need to show proof of vaccination to go inside a grocery store? What about to go inside a drug store? How about entering an indoor shopping mall?
No. Proof of vaccination is not required for patrons to enter these indoor retail spaces unless food or drink are being served and consumed inside. With limited exceptions, all persons two years of age and older are required to wear a well-fitted mask when inside these and other public indoor spaces. Businesses that operate food courts in indoor shopping centers with seated dining are required to obtain proof of vaccination before patrons enter the food court unless they have removed all the seating.
10. Is proof of vaccination required in a cafeteria or gym within an office space that is not open to members of the public?
No, not at this time. Offices or other businesses that offer cafeteria services or that have gyms that are not open to members of the public are not required to comply with the new vaccination verification requirement. If these cafeteria or gym facilities are open to members of the public, businesses must comply with the August 20, 2021 vaccination verification deadline for all persons entering these facilities.
11. Is proof of vaccination required in a hotel gym? What about a gym used exclusively by collegiate athletes or private members?
Yes. Proof of vaccination is required in gyms in hotels, gyms used by collegiate athletes, and gyms with private memberships. Offices or businesses hosting a gym that is open only to employees are not required to comply with the proof of vaccination requirement.
12. Is proof of vaccination required at institutions of higher education hosting indoor physical education classes? What about indoor culinary classes?
Yes, proof of vaccination is required before entering indoor physical education classes and intercollegiate sports where participants will be engaged in exercise involving elevated breathing. Indoor culinary classes that involve eating or drinking are also subject to the proof of vaccination requirement.
13. Are organizations providing shelter, food, or other necessities of life to people experiencing homelessness or food or shelter insecurity required to obtain verification of vaccination from clients or patrons?
Generally, no. Government agencies and other entities operating shelters or similar facilities that house or provide meals or other necessities of life to individuals experiencing homelessness or who have food or shelter insecurity may offer those services to those who are unvaccinated, although everyone is strongly urged to become fully vaccinated as soon as possible. Staff members of these entities are still subject to ascertainment (providing vaccination status) and proof of vaccination requirements. With limited exceptions, all persons two years of age and older are required to wear a well-fitted mask when inside these and other public indoor spaces.
14. Are museums and galleries covered by the vaccine mandate?
The proof of vaccination requirement only applies if 1,000 or more patrons will be present in an individual gallery or other enclosed space at the same time. Museums and galleries are encouraged to ensure that patrons move through exhibits and avoid gathering in large groups for extended periods of time. For each gallery space or room in which patrons gather museums and galleries are also encouraged to implement at least one of the ventilation strategies approved by SFDPH. But in areas where food or drinks are served and consumed (e.g., a restaurant or café within a museum), proof of vaccination for patrons and implementation of at least one ventilation strategy are required regardless of the number of people present in the space. With limited exceptions, all persons 2 years old and older are required to wear a well-fitted mask when inside galleries, museums, and other similar public indoor spaces.
15. For events being held in a hotel, museum, or other event space, who is responsible for obtaining proof of vaccination? The hotel/venue, or the event organizer? Do they have to verify before entering the venue space or the hotel?
It is the responsibility of both the operator of the host venue and the event organizer to ensure that proof of vaccination requirements are met. Proof of vaccination must be obtained before patrons enter any venue space that is subject to the proof of vaccination requirement. For example, if a hotel is hosting a gathering of over 1,000 people in a large ball room, proof of vaccination should be obtained before patrons enter the ballroom.
16. My venue holds 1,500 people. Do I need to submit a health plan to DPH for each planned event, or can I submit one plan for all planned events at my place of business?
You are only required to submit one health plan per venue as long as it covers all the different kinds of planned events in that venue that are subject to the proof of vaccination requirement. That plan must be submitted at least 10 days before the first covered event.
17. Does a house of worship need to require proof of vaccination at an indoor wedding reception or other gathering where food or drinks are being served?
Yes. The proof of vaccination requirement applies to indoor gatherings of all sizes hosted by houses of worship where food or drink are being served, such as a wedding reception. For clarity, proof of vaccination is not required where food or drink are served indoors briefly only as part of a religious ceremony (e.g., communion or kiddush).
18. Is a tent or other outdoor structure considered an indoor or outdoor space?
Proof of vaccination requirements apply to all indoor spaces where food or drink are being served, where people are engaged in exercise that accelerates breathing, or where groups of more than 1,000 people are gathered.
19. If a landlord has tenants that are businesses covered by the proof of vaccination requirements, does the landlord have an obligation to enforce the vaccination mandate?
Both landlords and tenants are responsible for ensuring that proof of vaccination requirements are met. If a tenant is violating a health order and won’t stop, then upon being notified by the City, a property owner must exercise its rights under the lease to stop the property from being a public nuisance.
20. Do I have to be fully vaccinated to attend a Warriors basketball game or a concert at the Chase Center?
Yes. Beginning August 20, 2021, you must show proof of vaccination to enter the Chase Center for a basketball game or concert. There is a limited exception for children under 12 and also a narrow, time-limited exception for events where any tickets or reservations were sold before August 12 and that occur before September 15. Events that are covered by that exemption must still comply with the requirements for proof of vaccination or negative testing that currently apply to mega-events.
Covered Personnel
21. Which workers must get vaccinated?
Proof of vaccination will be required for anyone who routinely works in a high-risk setting and for anyone who works in indoor businesses where the virus could spread more easily.
Employees who routinely work in a high risk-setting such as acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, residential care facilities for the elderly, homeless shelters and jails is required to be fully vaccinated by September 15, 2021.
Employees working in the other businesses that include those that serve food and drink, fitness establishments, and recreation facilities where there may be elevated breathing will need to verify that they are fully vaccinated by October 13, 2021.
The October 13, 2021 deadline also applies to (1) workers who are not permanently stationed in high-risk settings but who enter the high-risk setting in the course of their duties on an intermittent or occasional basis; (2) personnel in adult daycare facilities, adult day programs licensed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), and dental offices; (3) home health care workers and pharmacists; and (4) all staff who routinely work onsite of a covered business. Additionally, the health order does not prohibit any other businesses or government entities from requiring their employees to get vaccinated or provide verification of their vaccination status.
22. Are any employees exempt from this vaccination requirement?
There are limited exemptions to vaccination requirements such as religious beliefs and qualifying medical reasons. In order to claim an exemption, employees must submit a declination form to their employer. Unvaccinated exempt people who work in high risk settings will be required to wear a well-fitted mask (except while actively eating or drinking). Alternatively, non-vented N95 mask, supplied by the high-risk setting upon request, is strongly encouraged. They must also get tested for COVID-19 at least once a week using either a nucleic acid or an antigen test.
23. I am an employee who works in a high-risk setting. Does the health order allow my employer to ask me for information concerning my request for an exemption on the basis of a disability or sincere religious belief?
The health order prohibits employees from working indoors at high-risk facilities unless they are fully vaccinated. A worker may be able to obtain an exemption from the vaccination requirement, but only if they have a demonstrated disability or sincere religious belief that prevents them from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and only if the employer can provide the employee with a reasonable accommodation. Nothing in the health order is intended to prevent an employer from engaging in with its employees to determine whether the employee has a qualifying disability or religious belief or to determine whether the employer is able to offer the employee a reasonable accommodation.
24. If I close the indoor seating at my coffee shop or restaurant, does that mean my employees are no longer covered by this order and able to work without providing proof of full vaccination?
Yes. If no food or beverages are served and consumed indoors then the proof of vaccination requirement does not apply to patrons or staff. With limited exceptions, all persons two years of age and older are required to wear a well-fitted mask when inside these and other public indoor spaces including while ordering or picking up food or to use the restroom.
Exemptions and Enforcement
25. Are there exceptions to the vaccination requirement?
Yes, there are limited exceptions for affected businesses:
- This requirement does not apply to children under 12 years old.
- These businesses may allow patrons to use the outdoor portions of the business without vaccination verification.
- These businesses may allow patrons wearing a well-fitted mask to use a restroom indoors without vaccination verification.
- Businesses that serve food or drink “to go” may allow individuals wearing a well-fitted mask to order, pick up or pay for food or drink without vaccination verification.
These requirements may also be subject to limited exemptions under state and federal law. But everyone, including children two years and older, must still comply with applicable indoor mask requirements under local and state health rules.
26. If I go out to a restaurant and eat at an outdoor table do I need to show proof of vaccination?
No.
27. Is my business obligated to accommodate employees or patrons who are exempt from the proof of vaccination requirement?
The order’s new requirements for both patrons and staff are subject to any applicable requirements of federal, state, or local laws requiring accommodations. As to workers, federal and state laws require accommodations for medical disability or sincerely held religious beliefs. Required accommodations for businesses for their patrons may be similar or narrower, depending on the type of business and the circumstances. For example, a restaurant may be able to accommodate a patron who could not be vaccinated because of a medical condition by serving the customer at an outdoor table or providing them to-go service. Businesses are urged to ascertain the particular requirements that apply to them.
28. I run a small restaurant or bar. Do I have to hire someone to check proof of vaccination at the door?
No. Although checking patrons before entry is preferred, dining establishments and bars may require proof of vaccination to be shown at the time of patrons’ first in-person interaction with staff (e.g., at the time of ordering) rather than at the entrance to the establishment. These establishments are prohibited from serving any patron dining or drinking indoors who fails to provide this proof. Patrons must wear masks at all times until a restaurant or bar staff member has obtained the required proof of vaccination.
29. What if a teenager doesn’t have photo ID to cross-check against their proof of vaccination?
Businesses should use best efforts to cross-check minors’ proof of vaccination against some form of identification. For example, if the minor does not have photo ID, a non-photo ID (e.g., school ID) or verification from a parent is sufficient.
30. Do indoor masking requirements still apply?
Yes, the requirements for everyone two years old and older to wear a well-fitted mask in indoor public spaces remains unchanged and in effect.
31. Do people attending an event at a private residence need to show proof of vaccination?
No. Individuals hosting private events in their homes are not subject to the new vaccination verification requirements. They are strongly urged to require all guests age 12 and older to show proof that they are fully vaccinated.
32. Do I have to be fully vaccinated to attend a Giants baseball game?
If you attend a large event that is outdoors such as a Giants game, you are not required to show proof of vaccination before entering the ballpark. But proof of vaccination is required for fans 12 years and older whenever they enter an indoor space within the ballpark. For instance, proof of vaccination would be required before entering an indoor area where any person is eating or drinking, like an indoor dining concession area or bar. Proof of vaccination would also be required before entering into any indoor area where more than 1,000 people are gathering. If you are accessing other indoor spaces (such as pick-up concessions with no eating or drinking, or restrooms) you do not need to present proof of vaccination, but you must still wear a well-fitted mask as required by State and local health orders. Although there is no legal mandate to be fully vaccinated to enter the ballpark, SFDPH strongly recommends that all eligible people get fully vaccinated as soon as possible, especially if they plan to attend large gatherings like Giants.
33. What happens if businesses do not comply with the order?
As with all of San Francisco’s health orders since the first Stay at Home Order, the City’s primary goal has been compliance through outreach and education, not punitive action. A violation of this order is considered to be a public nuisance and is punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. The Department of Public Health is authorized to respond to such public nuisances by issuing Notice(s) of Violation and ordering premises vacated and closed until the owner, tenant, or manager submits a written plan to eliminate all violations and DPH finds that plan satisfactory. But again, the City’s goal is to work to ensure compliance. This is about protecting the health of workers, residents and the broader community.
34. When will these requirements end?
The updates to the order will remain in effect until the Health Officer determines they are no longer needed or that they need to be changed. This will depend on health conditions. As mentioned above, these requirements are intended to address not only the current surge but possible future surges due to other variants and to help ensure the ongoing reopening of schools for in-person instruction. The Health Officer will regularly assess health conditions to determine whether and under what conditions vaccination verification is still necessary.
High Risk Settings
35. What are high-risk settings?
The health order defines high risk settings as: acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, residential care facilities for the elderly, homeless shelters (general shelters, family shelters, transitional age youth shelters, and domestic violence shelters), and jails.
These are care or living settings where many people often are living together. These are often congregate settings, where vulnerable populations reside out of necessity and where the risk of COVID-19 transmission and severe illness or death is high.
36. What steps must be taken at a worksite that is designated a high-risk setting?
By September 15, 2021, employers at high risk settings must:
- Find out the vaccination status of all personnel (i.e., staff, contractors, sub-contractors, vendors, volunteers)
- Require vaccination for all personnel (except for the exceptions given above)
- Require unvaccinated exempt personnel to wear a well-fitted mask at all times
- Require unvaccinated exempt personnel to be tested at least once per week
Masking
37. Is masking required again?
Yes. The highly contagious Delta Variant has made it necessary to require masking in indoor public spaces again.
38. Can I take off my mask at work if I am unvaccinated?
Masking in most workplaces is set by rules from Cal/OSHA and Public Health Orders. Consult those rules and your employer for details about the masking requirements in your workplace. Currently a well-fitted mask is required in all indoor work settings including shared motor vehicles.
39. Do I have to wear a mask at work if I am fully vaccinated?
Fully vaccinated employees may work without masks outside, but are currently required to wear a well-fitted mask indoors. A business or government entity can require that their employees wear facial coverings in any setting.
40. Are there times when I can remove my mask indoors?
41. Can a business or government office require employees and customers to wear masks?
Businesses or government offices must require that all customers and visitors wear masks indoors to reduce the risk to their workers and others. They should clearly post the business’ or office’s requirements onsite and online and apply them consistently. There are limited situations where wearing a mask is not possible or required, such as while actively eating or drinking, showering or being shaved.
42. As a fully vaccinated person I am not required to mask when I am outside. Should I carry a mask with me anyway?
If you are certain that you will always stay outside, you do not need to bring a mask. If there is a chance you will go indoors, or need to hop on public transit, bring a mask.
43. Can my business ask its unmasked customers about their vaccination status?
Beginning on August 20, 2021, some categories of indoor businesses, those that serve food and drink, and establishments where customers engage in activity involving elevated breathing (e.g. gyms, recreation facilities, yoga studios, and dance studios), must verify the vaccination status of their customers.
Other Considerations in the Workplace
44. Is personal health screening still required in the workplace?
Businesses and government offices must continue screening employees for COVID-19 symptoms. This does not require that the screening be performed on-site. You can ask your employees to evaluate their symptoms before arriving at work.
45. Should my business continue to offer outdoor and pick-up / to-go service?
All businesses and governmental entities are urged to continue to offer services and activities outdoors, if it is feasible and legally allowed. COVID-19 transmission risk is much lower outdoors compared to indoors.
46. Does the Safer Return Together Health Order mandate any signage?
All businesses and governmental entities are required to post signage that is easily visible reminding individuals of COVID-19 prevention best practices to reduce transmission, including messages with information about topics such as:
- Get vaccinated
- Stay home if you’re sick and talk to your doctor
- Wear a mask for added protection
- Maximize fresh air
- Clean your hands
All businesses and governmental entities are required to post signs in employee break rooms or other areas encouraging employees to get vaccinated and informing them how to obtain additional information. These signs are available at sf.gov.
47. Are there special requirements for schools and programs for children and youth?
Resources
