San Francisco to Require Proof of Vaccination at Indoor Venues – NBC Bay Space
Concerned that the highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus could wreak havoc on San Francisco’s economic recovery, Mayor London Breed announced Thursday that the city is demanding proof of full vaccination in indoor restaurants, bars, gyms and entertainment venues around the shops keep open.
“This is to protect the children, to protect those who cannot be vaccinated, to make sure we don’t go backwards, to make sure that I never have to stand up in front of you and say, ‘I'” I’m sorry, I know we just reopened and now the city is closed again because too many people are dying, “said Breed.
The mandate will be stricter than announced last week by New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio. San Francisco requires proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination for all customers and employees, while New York requires proof of at least one dose for indoor activities.
San Francisco requires proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 for a number of indoor activities such as visiting restaurants, bars and gyms, Mayor London told Breed on Thursday.
It goes into effect on August 20, but companies still have two months to review employee vaccination status “to keep jobs while giving time to comply”. The mandate does not apply to individuals who are ineligible for vaccines, including children under the age of 12.
The Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors basketball team, responded to the news by asking ticket holders for a rock concert on September 15 to provide proof of vaccination. AEG Presents, the giant concert and live events promoter, also announced Thursday that as of October 1st, proof of vaccination against COVID-19 will be required to attend its shows and festivals.
In addition to the paper cards from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention people get vaccinated, California has set up an online registration with a barcode that people who have been vaccinated can use to prove their status. Breed said a photo of the CDC card was sufficient and it was up to companies to enforce the requirement. Vaccination certificates from foreign governments are also permitted.
Kris Sanchez explains how to get a digital vaccine listing after San Francisco announced evidence of indoor events.
The aim is to increase the vaccination rate in a city where 78% of the eligible population are already fully vaccinated, she said. San Francisco was among the first to ban large gatherings and close schools at the start of the pandemic, and was on the forefront of other COVID-19 restrictions, including a requirement to vaccinate all city employees without the option of regular testing.
Los Angeles is considering a similar vaccination requirement, with people needing at least one dose before visiting indoor restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, and other venues. The leaders there voted on Wednesday to ask the city’s lawyers to work out the details.
On Wednesday, Governor Gavin Newsom said all public and private school workers in California are required to provide proof of vaccination or weekly tests.
Breed announced the mandate Thursday at the historic Vesuvio Cafe in North Beach, a favorite haunt of beat poets. The café is one of many San Francisco companies that already require a vaccination card indoors.
“Most people were really happy that we started politics. It took patience from everyone. People who were impatient or didn’t like the policy just walked away, ”said Vesuvio co-owner Janet Clyde.
“The weight of the government in the back, science, the Ministry of Health” makes enforcement easier, she said.
Bar owners who are already struggling to find enough staff want to protect their employees and stay open, said Ben Bleiman, president of the San Francisco Bar Owner Alliance.
He said he was forced to close his bar one night after the bartender got infected on another job.
A group representing nearly 100 gyms said the mandate would help avoid the capacity limits or another possible shutdown that had hurt their businesses over the past year.
On Thursday, San Francisco announced that it would require full proof of vaccination for certain indoor activities and all major indoor events. This also includes theaters and larger function rooms. Lili Tan reports.
“We support the city’s indoor fitness vaccine requirement as it provides our customers with further reassurance that they can experience the mental and physical benefits of fitness in a safe, healthy environment,” said Dave Karraker, board member of San Francisco Independent Fitness Studio Coalition.
Thursday’s ordinance also expands vaccination requirements for certain health care providers, including daycare workers, dormitories, dental offices, home health workers, and pharmacists who are not covered by the state vaccination health ordinance.
