San Francisco mandates proof of vaccination for indoor actions like eating places, bars and fitness center

Concerned that the highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus could wreak havoc on San Francisco’s economic recovery, Mayor London Breed announced Thursday that the city will require proof of full vaccination in indoor restaurants, bars, gyms and entertainment venues, to keep business open.

“This is to protect the children, to protect those who cannot be 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'” I’m sorry, I know we just reopened and now the city is closed again because too many people are dying, “said Breed.

The mandate will be stricter than announced last week by New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio. San Francisco requires proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination for all customers and employees, while New York requires proof of at least one dose for indoor activities.

It goes into effect on August 20, but companies still have two months to review employees’ vaccination status “to keep jobs while giving time to comply”. The mandate does not apply to individuals who are ineligible for vaccines, including children under the age of 12.

The Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors basketball team, responded to the news by asking ticket holders for a rock concert on September 15 to provide proof of vaccination. AEG Presents, the giant concert and live events promoter, also announced Thursday that as of October 1st, proof of vaccination against COVID-19 will be required to attend its shows and festivals.

In addition to the paper cards from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention people get vaccinated, California has set up an online registration with a barcode that people who have been vaccinated can use to prove their status. Breed said a photo of the CDC card was sufficient and it was up to companies to enforce the requirement. Vaccination certificates from foreign governments are also permitted.

The aim is to increase the vaccination rate in a city where 78% of the eligible population are already fully vaccinated, she said. San Francisco was among the first to ban large gatherings and close schools at the beginning of the pandemic, and was on the forefront of other COVID-19 restrictions, including requiring all city workers to be vaccinated without the option of regular testing.

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.

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

Breed announced the mandate on Thursday at the historic Vesuvio Cafe in North Beach, a popular hangout for beat poets. The cafe is one of many San Francisco companies that already require a vaccination card indoors.

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

“The weight of the government in the back, science, the Ministry of Health” makes enforcement easier, she said.

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 vaccination policy as it provides our customers with greater confidence 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.

Thursday’s ordinance also extends vaccination requirements for certain health care providers, including adult daycare workers, nursing homes, dental offices, home nurses, and pharmacists who are not covered by the state vaccination health ordinance.

Conclude

Suggest a correction

Suggest a correction