Stay home. Save lives.

On October 27, 2020, the Department of Public Health updated a health order to allow more services to open indoors and outdoors.

See what changed and see our reopening plans. Our reopening depends on our progress in containing COVID-19 and the State’s tiered system.

See all the coronavirus public health orders, in various languages.

Download PDFs of frequently asked questions, in various languages.

Even as we reopen San Francisco, the safest choice is to stay home. The more you go out, the more you expose yourself and others to COVID-19. 

If you do meet with others for your mental health, you can reduce your risk for getting or spreading COVID-19. Meet outdoors and keep your group small. See guidance about safer social interactions during the pandemic.

To stay safe, limit the amount of time you are out of the house. Only have 1 person go out to shop. See other tips when you live with others.

You must stay 6 feet away from people you don’t live with, including when shopping or walking. Get more information on physical distancing. 

You must also wear a face covering when you are within 6 feet from people who don’t live with you. This includes:

• Dining, when you are not actively eating or drinking
• Waiting in line to go inside a store
• Visiting businesses or public places, including places of worship
• Getting your hair cut, nails done, or other personal care service
• While at a gym
• On public transportation (or waiting for it)
• Driving or riding in a taxi or rideshare vehicle (even by yourself)
• In a space that others people might use later, even if you’re alone 
• Working a job where you interact with others
• Walking or running outside and you pass someone

You will not be allowed to go into a business or public transportation if you are not wearing a face covering.

See more details about face coverings.

You can safely walk, bike or go for a run near your home. You can also do a small outdoor fitness class or go to a gym.

If it would be difficult to stay 6 feet away from people you don’t live with, go somewhere else. See other ways to stay active during the coronavirus pandemic.

Only some types of businesses can be open during the coronavirus pandemic.

Find out what businesses can be open. See what to expect when you visit businesses during the pandemic.

Find out what City services are available during the coronavirus outbreak. 

Older adults and those with underlying health conditions are most at risk if they get sick with COVID-19.

We recommend going out as little as possible if you're over 60 or have a chronic health condition. Get things delivered or call someone to help you get essentials.

Check in on anyone who may be isolated during this time. Call, email, or talk through the door. 

Limit face-to-face interactions to keep your at-risk loved ones safe.

Get help for older adults or people with disabilities.

You should work from home, as long as your employer allows it.

Many businesses are not allowed to open. Check if your business can be open. ​​​​​​

Dental appointments, elective surgeries and procedures and routine medical care are now allowed. See FAQs for dental patients, provided by the Department of Public Health.

If you are feeling sick, call your doctor, a nurse hotline, or an urgent care center. You can also get tested for COVID-19 at various locations in San Francisco.

Get more information on getting healthcare during the coronavirus outbreak.

Schools must meet safety standards before they can reopen.

TK to 6 schools can reopen now with approval from the Health Officer, which includes an approved safety plan and a site assessment. Each school will reopen separately.

Check the school reopening dashboard to see where schools are in the process. See what to expect when your child’s school reopens.

Schools may provide distance learning to their students. SFUSD plans to start in the fall with distance learning. 

Childcare providers and after school programs can open for all children. Find out more about schools and childcare during the coronavirus pandemic.

Find out about free meals from the San Francisco Unified School District.

Remote services are still the safest option. 

If you do attend an in-person service, outdoors is safer than indoors. Choose 1 service to attend per week, at most. More gatherings means more risk to all worshippers.

You can walk your dog. Dog walkers can also walk dogs from more than one household at a time, unless a dog belongs to someone who was diagnosed or exposed to someone with COVID-19. Use a leash, and distance yourself at least 6 feet from other pets and owners. Bring your own water and waste bags. Use your sleeve or a tissue to open gates to dog parks.

You can go to the vet or pet hospital.

You can get your dog groomed, but you cannot go inside to drop off your dog. You should drop off your dog on the curb outside your groomer’s business. 

You can also have a groomer or petsitter come to your home.

You can take your dog to a kennel, but you cannot go inside to drop off your dog. You should drop off your dog on the curb outside the kennel.

Some businesses can be open to the public, if they follow physical distancing and other safety requirements, like face coverings. 

Businesses not allowed to open to the public can perform basic operations.

Check to see if your business can be open.

Operate your business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All construction projects can occur, but they still need to keep job sites safe.

Information on construction projects during the coronavirus pandemic.

This is a legally enforceable order issued under California law. It is a crime to violate this order. You may be punished by a fine or imprisonment if you do.

If there are other guidelines that do not agree with SF’s order, follow the stricter rule. 

If you see businesses or others not complying with the Stay Home order, you can report a violation.