San Francisco, CA — As COVID-19 case rates slowly rise but remain relatively low and hospitalizations remain low, now is the ideal time for San Franciscans to prepare for changes in the virus by taking basic actions that can protect themselves, their families, and their community.
The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) urges people to be ready for COVID:
- Stay up to date on your vaccinations –including the primary series and boosters, when eligible
- Know how to reach a doctor, especially if you are at high risk for severe illness.
- Keep a supply of rapid COVID-19 over-the-counter antigen test kits on hand.
- Keep masks handy with well-fitted N95/KN95s, or cloth over surgical masks.
- Plan ahead for a possible infection. You may need an isolation plan, a child-care plan, or a work plan.
- Stay informed with trusted sources of information, such as: SF.gov/covid
COVID remains a serious threat to our collective health and wellness. But we have the tools to dramatically decrease the risk. We can think of being prepared for COVID-19 like being prepared for an earthquake, or a winter storm,” said Director of Health, Dr. Grant Colfax. “As we will be living with this virus for some time, we need to shore up our defenses through simple steps we can do ahead of an infection, or a surge. Most importantly, stay up to date on your vaccinations and be connected to a doctor – this is where you get access to medical care for COVID-19 and resources.”
New tools to fight the virus, like COVID-19 medicines, are available for people at high risk for severe illness but must be taken very soon after infection and need a prescription. San Franciscans without health insurance or a doctor can access medical care and resources for COVID-19 through the San Francisco Health Network and community partners. To address health inequities, SFDPH is targeting COVID-19 resources toward highly impacted communities and where test positivity rates are higher, including vaccination and testing sites and distribution of masks and over-the-counter test kits, among other efforts.
San Francisco has one of the highest vaccination rates in the country, with 84% of the total population vaccinated and 74% of eligible people 12 and older boosted – demonstrating that our communities can take simple steps to build our City’s resilience to the virus. For general information about San Francisco's COVID resources, visit: SF.gov/covid. Or call the City’s COVID Resource Center (CRC) at: 628-652-2700.To learn more about how to prepare for COVID, go to: SF.gov/be-covid-ready
San Francisco Department of Public Health Grant Colfax, MD Director of Health, City and County of San Francisco, London N. Breed Mayor SFDPH 101 Grove Street, Room 308, San Francisco, CA 94102