News

SF urges safe Independence Day celebrations, gatherings and travel in light of ongoing delta variant concerns

SF continues to safely reopen its economy and welcome visitors during this weekend's Independence Day celebrations.
July 02, 2021

With 74% of San Francisco’s eligible population fully vaccinated against COVID-19, SF is in a good position to continue to safely reopen its economy and welcome visitors as part of the Independence Day weekend celebrations.


Even though we have made remarkable progress in the fight against COVID-19, the Delta variant poses an ongoing threat to the health and wellbeing of our community, in particular, the unvaccinated population. Vaccinating as many people as possible, as soon as possible, is our best defense against COVID-19, including variants. Vaccines are widely available, safe, and effective.


"Even as we celebrate a reopened San Francisco and the holiday weekend, we must be mindful that our work to control COVID is not over. While we have high vaccination rates in San Francisco as a whole, the Delta variant poses a new and serious risk in communities with lower vaccination rates where the virus can and will easily spread. With more out-of-town visitors, tourists and business travelers coming to SF throughout the summer and leading up to the fall, it is vital that all eligible individuals not yet vaccinated do so as soon as possible," says Dr. Grant Colfax, Director of Health.


The San Francisco Emergency Operations Center and the Department of Public Health proudly support and encourage 4th of July celebrations across San Francisco, including the Independence Day fireworks show along SF's waterfront on Sunday, July 4. Still, the public is advised to remain vigilant and proactive by following all public health recommendations we know work to stop the spread of COVID-19.


Have an amazing time, but wear a mask:

  • At public spaces indoors if not vaccinated
  • At indoor events of more than 5,000 people, unless there is proof that everyone is vaccinated
  • When riding public transit like Muni and BART
  • Inside any business that requires everyone to be masked regardless of vaccination status
  • If you are staff at an indoor establishment and are not vaccinated. Please check with your employer about rules that apply to your workplace.


Be safe and proactive about your health!

  • Outdoor activities are lower risk than indoor
  • If you received a vaccine that requires two doses for full protection, get your second dose as soon as you are eligible. This will not offer immediate protection but two doses are needed to best protect against the Delta variant.
  • If you are unvaccinated and are planning to attend SF's fireworks celebration and are surrounded by a crowd, we strongly suggest you wear a mask
  • To avoid disrupting celebratory plans, everyone should still carry a mask to wear as needed or if required.


While we continue to follow emerging data and science on the Delta variant, health recommendations may continue to be adjusted. In the meantime, SF supports those who are vaccinated and choose to wear masks in any setting if they feel more comfortable doing so.


To protect yourself, your family, and community, get vaccinated! The Moscone Center South high-volume vaccination site is open through July 14 every day - except July 4 - for drop-in visits. Additionally, vaccine sites in the San Francisco Health Network have expanded hours for drop-in.

Please visit sf.gov/getvaccinated or call 628-652-2700 for vaccination information and sites.


For other upcoming vaccination events, please visit sf.gov/community-covid-19-vaccine-events.


Please celebrate and enjoy the long weekend ahead, responsibly. We wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July, San Francisco!