San Francisco mandates proof of full COVID vaccine at indoor venues

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – San Francisco will require residents and visitors to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for a range of indoor activities such as visiting restaurants, cafes, bars and gyms, Mayor London Breed announced on Thursday during a press conference.

The order requires companies to check vaccination status prior to entry. This takes effect on August 20th.

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“This is to protect the children, to protect those who cannot get vaccinated, to make sure we don’t go backwards, to make sure that I never have to stand up in front of you and say, ‘I'” Sorry, I know we’ve just reopened and now the city is closed again because too many people are dying, “said Breed.

A vaccination certificate is required for all customers and employees. Employees must be fully vaccinated by October 13th.

The requirement does not include people ordering takeaway, clarifies Breed. It also does not apply to people who cannot be vaccinated, ie children under 12 years of age.

Fully vaccinated means the person received both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

However, that is not all that the new health order entails.

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There is also a new vaccination requirement for major events in halls, which requires proof of vaccination for events of 1,000 or more people.

“The Health Ordinance extends the compulsory vaccination to certain health care providers – including employees in day care centers for adults, nursing homes, dental practices, home nurses and pharmacists – who are not yet required. This goes into effect on October 13th, ”said Breed.

San Francisco is reportedly the first major US city to require proof of full vaccination in order to receive services in indoor stores. New York City recently started enforcing a similar requirement, but companies there only need proof of one dose.

If you have a cell phone and have been vaccinated in California, the state has a way to digitally retrieve your vaccination card so you don’t have to carry the hard copy with you. Tap here to get your digital COVID-19 vaccine listing.

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Before the announcement, hundreds of bars and restaurants checked vaccination cards and supported the idea of ​​presenting proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry.

Since the COVID-19 cases are on the rise again, no company wants to deal with longer closings like last year.

“We are enacting these new health requirements because indoor public spaces, where people gather in confined spaces, often without masks, are a primary route for the virus to spread,” said Dr. Naveena Bobba, Assistant Health Officer. “With COVID-19 case rates soaring, we now need anyone eligible for a vaccine.”

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San Francisco was among the first to ban large gatherings and shut schools at the start of the pandemic, and was on the forefront of other COVID-19 restrictions, including a requirement to vaccinate all city employees without the option of regular testing.

COVID-19 cases among restaurant workers have already resulted in some owners temporarily closing or restricting service to alfresco dining.

Health officials say most of the new COVID-19 cases are among unvaccinated people. There have also been reports of “breakthrough” cases of fully vaccinated individuals contracting the virus. The CDC says these landmark cases are expected and represent a very small minority of all new cases.

COVID-19 vaccines are effective and a vital tool in bringing the pandemic under control. However, no vaccine is 100% effective in preventing disease in people who have been vaccinated. There will be a small percentage of those fully vaccinated who will still get sick, hospitalized, or die of COVID-19.

CDC

“Most people were really happy that we started politics. It took patience from everyone. The people who were impatient or didn’t like politics just left, ”said Janet Clyde, co-owner of Vesuvio. She said.

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Bar owners who are already struggling to find enough staff want to protect their employees and stay open, said Ben Bleiman, president of the San Francisco Bar Owner Alliance.

He said he was forced to close his bar one night after the bartender got infected on another job.

A group representing nearly 100 gyms said the mandate would help avoid the capacity limits or further possible closures that had hurt their businesses over the past year.

“We support the city’s indoor fitness vaccine requirements as they provide our customers with another level of assurance that they will experience the mental and physical benefits of fitness in a safe, healthy environment,” said Dave Karraker, board member of San Francisco Independent Fitness Studio Coalition.

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According to data from the city of San Francisco, 78% of the city’s eligible residents are already fully vaccinated and the goal is to increase vaccination rates.

In conclusion, I ask that people be patient with one another and try to lead with empathy. This transition will be challenging, and we expect people will do their best to adhere, as businesses and local residents did with our previous health regulations.

– London Breed (@LondonBreed) August 12, 2021

63.8% of Californians nationwide are fully vaccinated, according to the state health department.

Los Angeles is considering a similar vaccination requirement, with people needing at least one dose before visiting indoor restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, and other venues. The leaders there voted on Wednesday to ask the city’s lawyers to work out the details.

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See the California Counties Vaccinated Breakdown:

Individuals who can provide evidence of a full vaccination must continue to wear a face mask as per a prior arrangement in public spaces.

How to show proof of your COVID-19 vaccination

On Wednesday, Governor Gavin Newsom said all public and private school workers in California are required to provide proof of vaccination or weekly tests.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.