Due to the aggressive increase in COVID-19 cases and continuing rise in hospitalizations in the region, San Francisco joins other Bay Area counties in voluntarily implementing the State’s Regional Stay Home Order. Within weeks, we may not be able to care for people at our hospitals if we do not take action now. We need to use every option to slow COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
The order will take effect on Sunday, December 6, at 10 pm. An update was issued on December 9. The earliest San Francisco could lift the Stay at Home Order is when all of the following are true:
- Bay Area ICU availability is above 15%
- SF’s ICU availability is above 25%
- New cases and hospitalizations decrease for 3 weeks in a row
Keep to your household
You can keep doing activities by yourself or people you live with. You can shop for essentials. You can get healthcare and go to the dentist.
As of December 10, the health order was updated. You can meet with 1 other person who doesn’t live with you. You both can:
- Take a walk
- Hang out at the park
- Play low-contact sports like golf, tennis, pickleball, and bocce ball (but don’t share equipment)
Wear a mask and stay 6 feet away from others when you leave your home.
Outdoor religious services and political protests are still allowed, up to 200.
Many businesses must close or change operations
The following will close:
- Outdoor dining (takeout and delivery still available)
- Outdoor and indoor personal care services, including hair and nail salons
- Indoor gyms, including one-on-one personal training
- All in-person low-contact retail, like electronics repair or dog grooming (curbside operations still open)
- Outdoor museums, zoos, and aquariums (outdoor botanical gardens and historic sites still open)
- Hotels and lodging for leisure (still open for essential travel, and for isolation and quarantine)
- Drive-in gatherings, including drive-in movies
- Bus and boat tours
- Outdoor family recreation centers, like miniature golf and batting cages
Outdoor gyms and fitness classes can have up to 12 people (including staff) outside. No running groups are allowed.
Real estate agents may only show homes to potential residents over video. When a virtual showing is not feasible, one agent may show a home in person only to a maximum of 2 people. Those 2 people must be from the same household. The current occupant must not still live in the home.
Institutes of higher education and vocational education must conduct classes virtually. If training is for essential work and it cannot be taught remotely, in-person is allowed.
As of December 10, the following was updated:
- Outdoor playgrounds can open
- Low contact sports can only be played with 1 other person who doesn’t live with you (golf, tennis, pickleball, and bocce ball)
- Travelers coming from out of state can book a hotel, but must quarantine at that hotel for at least 14 days before resuming the rest of their trip
Indoor grocery, retail, and shopping malls can stay open, up to 20% capacity
As of December 10, standalone grocery stores can increase maximum capacity to 35%.
All retail and essential businesses must have a way to check the number of people inside and limit it.
Special shopping hours should be reserved for older adults and others at risk of serious illness from COVID-19.
No eating or drinking is allowed.
Support local businesses from home. Visit shopdine49.com to learn how.
Schools that have not opened yet must stay closed
Schools that have opened already can stay open. All other schools must stay closed. Grades TK through 6 who want to reopen need a waiver from the Health Officer. Middle and high schools can apply to open outdoor classes. See waiver application process from the Dept of Public Health.
Childcare facilities and after school programs may also stay open.
Organized youth sports may continue, but cannot hold competitions or allow spectators.
Guidance for a safer holiday season
While this is a time to celebrate with loved ones, it is not a normal holiday season. San Francisco is experiencing a major surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Do your part this year, so we can come together next year.
Celebrate by doing activities at home with people you already live with. Remember to wear your face covering if you need to leave home. See ideas for a safer holiday season.
Avoid traveling. If you absolutely must, see guidance about safer travel. As of December 18, everyone coming back to San Francisco from outside the Bay Area must quarantine for 10 days. See more about the travel quarantine.
You can also help support San Francisco’s recovery.