COVID-19 guidance

Labor laws related to COVID-19

COVID-Related Employment Protections

Employers aren’t allowed to discriminate if you have COVID-19.  The ordinance has expired as of March 8, 2023.

Worker Protections 

The Worker Protection Ordinance has expired as of February 28, 2023.

Employers must follow safety rules to protect their workers from COVID-19. This applies to:

• Grocery stores
• Drug stores
• Restaurants
• On-demand delivery services

Health plan benefits to families of city contractor workers 
Some city contractors providing essential services are required to provide health plan benefits to the families of their covered workers.

The directive specifically applies to employers who contract for:

• Food service
• Food delivery
• Janitorial services
• Cleaning services

Requirements include:

• Benefits must meet the minimum standards established by the Health director
• A covered worker is someone who works at least 2 hours per week on the essential services contract within San Francisco
• There are some limited exceptions

To learn more, read the directive from the mayor. If you have questions about the Worker Protections Ordinance or wish to report a violation of the law, call 311 or (415) 701-2311. For general questions, contact OLSE at (415) 554-7890 or WorkerProtections@sfgov.org.