You are no longer required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test at most indoor locations in San Francisco and the city of Berkeley beginning Friday.

This includes businesses serving food and drink, such as restaurants and bars, and places where elevated breathing occurs, such as gyms and fitness studios, public health officials said.

Businesses can opt to be more restrictive than local health guidelines and continue to ask for proof of vaccination or a negative test from staff and clients.

The cities are still requiring that you show proof of vaccination or a negative test at large indoor events of 1,000 people or more.

San Francisco was the first city in the nation to require proof of vaccination before entering indoor businesses, and it’s lifting the mandates as cases and hospitalizations go down. The city’s seven-day average was 110 cases per day on March 1, compared with 1,346 cases per day on Jan 1. The city’s seven-day average was 105 new cases per day on March 3, compared to 1,531 new cases per day a month ago.

“With cases and hospitalizations continuing to fall and our high vaccination rate providing a strong defense against the virus, San Francisco is ready to further reduce COVID-19 restrictions and allow individuals to make their own decisions to protect themselves and their loved ones,” Health officer dr Susan Philip said in a statement released on Wednesday. “The proof of vaccination and testing requirements served their purpose in keeping these spaces as safe as possible for staff and patrons. Rolling it back is part of coming out of crisis mode and learning to live with the virus.”

The post This is the place San Francisco is not requiring proof of vaccination beginning Friday appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

Find an updated count of COVID-19 cases in California and by county on our tracker here.

Latest Updates

San Francisco and Los Angeles to drop proof of vaccination requirements in certain instances

Two years into the pandemic and Americans take cautious steps forward

Chinese city of 9 million goes back into lockdown as new cases crop up

National mask mandate on public transportation has been extended to April 18

Experts look to the past to predict how COVID-19 will end

COVID-19 By The Numbers

Friday, March 11

10:13 a.m.: San Francisco and Los Angeles to drop proof of vaccination requirements in certain instances

Los Angeles and San Francisco are moving toward ending requirements that certain businesses require patrons to show proof of vaccination as new cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations fall.

According to the Associated Press, the Los Angeles City Council ordered the city attorney on Wednesday to craft an ordinance that makes vaccine verification voluntary for indoor locations such as bars, restaurants and gyms and eliminates proof of vaccination for large outdoor events.

A final will be required when the ordinance is ready. San Francisco on Friday will stop requiring proof of vaccination to enter those businesses.

Vaccination verifications will still be required to enter indoor events with 1,000 or more people in both cities.

9:38 a.m.: Two years into the pandemic and Americans take cautious steps forward

On the two-year anniversary of the start of the pandemic, people are shedding their masks and getting back to normal as COVID-19 deaths and cases plummet, as reported by the Associated Press.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hospitalizations from COVID-19 in the U.S. have dropped 80% in the last six weeks, since a mid-January pandemic peak down to the lowest levels since July 2021.

Case counts have followed the same trend line, and even the death tally, which typically lags, has slowed significantly in the last month.

People are headed back to gyms, bars, restaurants and even crowded concerts — things that seemed too risky just last month.

8:53 a.m.: Chinese city of 9 million goes back into lockdown as new cases crop up

China has ordered a lockdown of the 9 million residents of the northeastern city of Changchun amid a new spike in COVID-19 cases attributed to the highly contagious omicron variant, according to the Associated Press.

Residents are required to remain home with one family member permitted to venture out to buy food and other necessities every two days. All have to undergo three rounds of massive testing.

The latest lockdowns also include Yucheng, with 500,000 people in the eastern province of Shandong.

Despite some earlier indications that authorities would be implementing more targeted measures, the latest happenings show that China seems to be planning to stick to its strict approach to the pandemic.

China reported 397 cases nationwide on Friday, with just two cases being detected within Changchun.

Thursday, March 10

9:56 a.m.: National mask mandate on public transportation has been extended to April 18

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is developing guidance that will ease the nationwide mask mandate for public transit next month, according to the Associated Press.

But the existing face-covering requirement will be extended through April 18.

The masking requirement had been set to expire on March 18 but is being extended by a month to allow the public health agency time to develop new, more targeted policies.

Currently, the requirement extends to planes, buses, trains and transit hubs.

9:31 a.m.: Experts look to the past to predict how COVID-19 will end

Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic and most of the world has seen a dramatic improvement in infections, hospitalizations and death rates in recent weeks, signaling the crisis appears to be winding down — but how will it end?

Experts believe past epidemics may provide clues, according to the Associated Press.

One thing experts have learned is that it can be a long-drawn-out process. This includes different types of endings that may not all occur at the same time.

Generally, there are three types of “endings,” including a “medical end,” when disease recedes, the “political end,” when government disease prevention measures cease, and the “social end,” when people move on. These ends may happen in any order.

9:19 a.m.: Here’s how the pandemic has evolved since it started in late 2019

Two years after the pandemic began, more countries are shifting towards a return to pre-pandemic life and are attempting to adapt to living with the virus.

Safe and effective vaccines have been developed at record speeds. As reported by the Associated Press, as of early March, 10 vaccines have been cleared for emergency use by the World Health Organization.

Experts have learned a lot more about keeping the coronavirus under control since it emerged in late 2019.

“The world has watched us learn in real-time how to treat COVID-19,” says Neil J. Sehgal, an assistant professor of health policy and management at the University of Maryland School of Public Health.

Still, the distribution of vaccines has been unequal despite an international effort to deliver shots more fairly, and misinformation has fueled hesitancy about the shots.

However, there are still some questions experts have about the virus. Studies are underway to better understand how long COVID-19 affects the body months after an initial infection.

And with all of this new information, scientists are still on the lookout for the next fast-spreading variant.

Wednesday, March 9

10 a.m.: Nevada’s Clark County School District loosens remaining masking requirements

Nevada’s largest school district is loosening some of its COVID-19 restrictions, effective Wednesday.

As reported by the Associated Press, the Clark County School District no longer requires wearing masks on school buses and employees don’t have to participate in mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing.

The district took these steps as the numbers of COVID-19 cases dropped in the previous week. Last month, the district lifted its requirements for masking indoors at schools and other facilities immediately after Gov. Steve Sisolak lifted the state’s mask mandate.

Sisolak said school districts could set their own policies. CCSD measures remaining in place include a mandate that parents or guardians ensure children are free of symptoms when going to school.

9:32 a.m.: Minor league baseball and hockey teams turn to COVID-19 relief funds to stay afloat

Over 100 minor league baseball and more than a dozen minor league hockey teams are hoping to get COVID-19 relief from the U.S. government to offset millions of dollars of losses from the pandemic.

According to the Associated Press, minor league sports teams and their facilities were left out of the first round of small business subsidies. Most had to rely on Paycheck Protection Program loans to keep their staff together.

Unlike major league teams, minor league teams are very reliant on in-person attendance to stay afloat due to a lack of TV and streaming ad revenue. A Minor League Baseball survey found that the average team lost over 91% of revenue from pre-pandemic levels — a result of the entire 2020 season being canceled — while the American Hockey League reported revenues are down 85-95% from its last full seasons in 2018-2019.

An influx of funds from a bill that could go through Congress as soon as next week would allow teams to hire more people, payback debts and dig out of the hole they’ve been in for the past two years.

9:23 a.m.: WHO says globally COVID-19 cases and deaths have fallen

The World Health Organization said the number of new coronavirus cases and deaths globally have continued to fall in the past week, as reported by the Associated Press.

Only the Western Pacific is reporting an increase in COVID-19.

According to the latest report from the health agency, the WHO said new COVID-19 infections dropped by 5% in the last week, continuing a declining trend that first started more than a month ago.

Deaths were also down by 8% and have been falling globally for the last two weeks.

Tuesday, March 8

10:02 a.m.: Black-owned businesses dropped 41% during the start of the pandemic, study shows

Recent research from UC Santa Cruz shows a dramatic drop in small businesses early in the pandemic, especially those owned by people of color.

In particular,  there was a loss of about 450,000 Black-owned businesses, a 41% drop.

The Inclusivity Project aims to raise $100 million to help 1,000 Black entrepreneurs in California.

Jay King, president and CEO of the California Black Chamber of Commerce,, is involved in this effort.

“My hope is that what it does is, it starts to build those micro and mini-micro businesses into a small business that can house two to four employees and then scale it up,” King said on CapRadio’s Insight.

He said the goal of the Inclusivity Project is to provide mentorship and business development expertise.

9:56 a.m.: WHO says booster shots are now needed, in reverse from last year’s stance

An expert group convened by the World Health Organization said it “strongly supports urgent and broad access” to coronavirus vaccines, including booster doses, according to the Associated Press.

The call caps a reversal from the U.N. health agency’s previous insistence that booster doses weren’t necessary and contributing to vaccine inequity.

In a statement on Tuesday, WHO said its expert group concluded that immunization with authorized COVID-19 vaccines provide high levels of protection against severe disease and death amid the global circulation of the hugely contagious omicron variant.

Last year, WHO’s director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for a moratorium on booster doses, pleading with rich countries to donate their vaccines instead.

9:32 a.m.: Hong Kong experiences COVID-19 surge, could lead to lockdowns again

Hong Kong has reported more than 34,000 new coronavirus infections on Monday — a record — as authorities assess the possibilities of locking down the city.

According to the Associated Press, Hong Kong is grappling with a coronavirus surge driven primarily by the omicron variant. Daily cases have more than quadrupled from a week ago.

Health authorities say the government could implement measures that may involve “asking people to stay at home.”

Several supermarkets’ shelves were wiped bare as residents stockpiled daily necessities after rumors of a lockdown circulated on social media. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has called for calm, saying that food supplies were normal.

Monday, March 7

9:47 a.m.: Global COVID-19 death toll surpasses 6 million

The death toll from COVID-19 has surpassed 6 million, according to the Associated Press.

The tragic number confirmed on Monday is believed to be a vast undercount and shows that the pandemic in its third year is far from done. It’s also a reminder of the unrelenting nature of the pandemic, even as people are shedding masks, traveling and moving around the globe.

The last million deaths of the tally compiled by Johns Hopkins University were recorded over the previous four months.

That’s slightly slower than the previous million but highlights that many countries are still struggling with the coronavirus. Overall, some 450 million cases of COVID-19 have been recorded.

9:39 a.m.: NFL and NFL Players Association drop face masking rules

The NFL and NFL Players Association recently announced that they have agreed to suspend all COVID-19 protocols going into the 2022 football season, effective immediately.

NPR reports that both the NFL and the player’s association announced the suspension, which means the NFL will no longer conduct mandatory testing for any of its players or staff.

With the change in protocols, players and staff will no longer have to wear face coverings at team facilities, regardless of vaccination status. However, each club can require face coverings “if they elect to do so.”

While no NFL games were canceled during the 2020 and 2021 seasons due to COVID-19, many teams ended up moving games during the 2020 schedule, according to the Associated Press. Nearly 95% of NFL players and about 100% of NFL staff were fully vaccinated.

9:23 a.m.: China sees new COVID-19 cases despite ‘zero-tolerance policy’

China is seeing a new surge in COVID-19 cases across the country, despite its “zero tolerance” approach to dealing with outbreaks.

According to the Associated Press, the mainland reported 214 new cases in 24 hours on Monday. The southern province of Guangdong, which borders Hong Kong, reported the most cases at 69.

Hong Kong has been recording tens of thousands of cases per day. No new cases were reported in Beijing, which was essentially back to normal.

In his annual report to the national legislature on Saturday, Premier Li Keqiang said China needs to “constantly refine epidemic containment” but gave no indication that Beijing may switch up its current “zero tolerance” strategy.

Friday, March 4

10:59 a.m.: UC Davis will no longer require masks in most indoor settings

On March 19, UC Davis will drop their current masking policies and follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines to no longer require masking in most indoor settings.

This change will apply to both the Davis and Sacramento campuses. However, masks will still be required in clinical settings and on public transit, following federal, state and local guidelines.

Despite this change, masks are still strongly recommended by public health officials and by the school for vaccinated and unvaccinated people alike. The school said it will support those who continue to wear masks indoors for any reason.

Employees and students who are not fully vaccinated must continue testing every four days. Davis campus employees and fully vaccinated students must continue testing every 14 days.

As a reminder, people who are up to date on their vaccinations have a much lower risk to their health.

Further updates will be provided in Chancellor Gary S. May’s next letter to the community on March 11.

10:50 a.m.: Senators introduce bill to fund research into long COVID

Nearly two years after getting COVID-19, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine said he still has mild symptoms, according to the Associated Press.

The Washington Post reports that’s why Kaine joined fellow Democratic senators Edward Markey of Massachusetts and Tammy Duckworth of Illinois in introducing a bill to fund research aimed at better understanding long COVID.

The little-understood phenomenon in which symptoms linger for weeks or months after a coronavirus infection could affect thousands.

The Comprehensive Access to Resources and Education (CARE) for Long COVID Act would centralize data about patient experiences and fund research into the effectiveness of treatments.

It would also expand resources to help those with lingering symptoms.

10:44 a.m.: Here’s why vaccine rates are still low in some countries.

Experts say there are several reasons why COVID-19 vaccination rates are still low in some countries, in addition to limited supplies.

Other challenges now include unpredictable deliveries, weak health care systems and vaccine hesitancy. According to the Associated Press, many countries with low vaccination rates in Africa. Other places include Yemen, Syria and Haiti.

For most of last year, developing nations were struggling with a lack of supplies, but other setbacks have emerged, such as poor infrastructure to distribute the shots and a lack of materials like syringes.

At the same time, rich countries were hoarding doses, while many countries didn’t have the facilities to make their own vaccines. COVAX, the initiative to distribute vaccines equally around the world, faltered in delivering shots to countries that needed them.

Vaccine hesitancy has also contributed to low uptake.

Thursday, March 3

9:43 a.m.: Some of Nevada’s school districts have lowered the bar for substitute teacher hiring during states of emergency

In a move prompted by the pandemic, the state has cleared the way for Nevada’s largest school districts to hire substitute teachers with only a high school diploma during states of emergency.

According to the Associated Press, the Legislative Commission on Monday unanimously approved a permanent rule change covering school districts with over 9,000 students attending district schools or public charter schools within a district’s geographic boundaries.

The covered districts include Las Vegas, Clark and Washoe counties.

The new permanent regulation replaces a temporary measure that expired Nov. 1. It was put in place during the pandemic because of Clark County’s severe staffing shortage.

9:39 a.m.: As demand for COVID-19 vaccines drop, states scramble to figure out what to do with soon-to-expire doses

As demand to get COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. collapses in many areas, states are scrambling to use stockpiles of doses before they expire.

Millions of doses have already gone to waste across the nation, as reported by the Associated Press.

From the least vaccinated states like Indiana and North Dakota to some of the most vaccinated states like New Jersey and Vermont, public health departments are shuffling doses around their states in hopes of finding providers that can use them.

In California, the percentage of wasted doses is only about 1.8%, but in a state that’s received 84 million doses and administered more than 71 million of them, that’s about 1.4 million wasted doses.

All this comes only about a year after the vaccines were released, and people such as hospital board members, their trustees and donors jumped the line to get early access before those deemed a higher priority.

9:34 a.m.: Pfizer’s COVID-19 pill treatment takes months to produce

Pfizer’s new COVID-19 treatment came with a catch when it debuted late last year — it can take months to make tablets.

According to the Associated Press, company leaders said they have since expanded production and expect big gains in the next several months. That could help if another wave of cases develops later this year.

The drugmaker uses more than 20 different sites in over 10 countries to produce Paxlovid, however making the complex drug involves chemical reactions that need time to develop. Pfizer said it has reduced production time from nearly nine months to about seven.

Wednesday, March 2

9:56 a.m.: California man allegedly stole $1 million in COVID-19 tests

Authorities say they are seeking a Southern California warehouse manager who is accused of stealing more than $1 million worth of COVID-19 tests from his employer’s clinic.

Santa Ana police say 33-year-old Carlitos Peralta had access to his employer’s shipping and delivery system, according to the Associated Press.

His employer has seven warehouses nationwide that are used to store and ship COVDI-19 tests to customers, including clinics, pop-up testing sites, schools, and hotels.

Police say Peralta diverted nearly 100 separate shipments from multiple warehouses to his home.

The police department asked the public on Thursday to contact the agency with information about his whereabouts.

9:51 a.m.: Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines protect young kids against omicron, report shows

A new government report shows Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine gave children 5 and older strong protection against hospitalization and death even during the omicron surge.

As reported by the Associated Press, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the new data on Tuesday.

A day earlier, a study from New York raised the question of whether the vaccine is less effective in children ages 5 to 11, especially against milder infections, particularly since younger kids get an even smaller dose than teens.

However, CDC data from additional states doesn’t suggest any age-related issues with the vaccine. While vaccines are generally less effective against omicron, they still protect against severe outcomes.

9:40 a.m.: Los Angeles County set to drop indoor mask mandate this week

Los Angeles County is set to lift its indoor mask mandate this week as coronavirus case rates and hospitalizations plummet, according to the Associated Press.

Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer said Tuesday that California’s most populous county would likely issue a revised health order that would take effect Friday and along with new state guidelines.

Ferrer told the county’s Board of Supervisors that it would still be recommended but not required for vaccinated and unvaccinated residents to wear face coverings in public indoor settings.

Tuesday, March 1

9:41 a.m.: Sacramento County public health officer to virtually attend State of the Union

Sacramento County Public Health Officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye will be a virtual guest, due to safety protocols, at tonight’s State of the Union address.

Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) made the announcement Monday night. The address will cover some of the achievements of the Biden presidency, from the economy to the government’s COVID-19 response. 

“I am thrilled to have Dr. Olivia Kasirye join as my virtual guest … and thank her for her guidance, vigilance and service for the Sacramento community,” Matsui said in a press release.

Kasirye said that she’s worked together with Matusi to “provide the people of the Sacramento region with timely and accurate information and the resources they need to stay safe during the battle with COVID-19.”

CapRadio will broadcast the speech live at 6 p.m. You can also watch it live on our website.

9:06 a.m.: US Treasury Department says overwhelming amount of federal rental assistance during pandemic went to low-income tenants

The U.S. Treasury Department has concluded that more than 80% of the billions of dollars in federal rental assistance went to low-income tenants during the pandemic.

According to the Associated Press, the Treasury also found that the largest percentage of tenants receiving pandemic aid were Black households, in which many were led by women.

In the fourth quarter of 2021, the Treasury also found that more than 40% of tenants getting help were Black and 20% were Latino, while two-thirds were woman-headed households.

Lawmakers approved $6.5 billion in Emergency Rental Assistance last year, and through 2021, the government body said more than $25 billion has been spent or allocated, representing 3.8 million payments to households.

Find older coronavirus updates on our previous blog page here

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The post California coronavirus updates: San Francisco and Los Angeles to drop proof of vaccination necessities in sure cases appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

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 will require proof of full vaccination in indoor restaurants, bars, gyms and entertainment venues, to keep business 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.

It goes into effect on August 20, but companies still have two months to review employees’ 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.

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 beginning of the pandemic, and was on the forefront of other COVID-19 restrictions, including requiring all city workers to be vaccinated 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 evidence of vaccination or weekly tests.

Breed announced the mandate on Thursday at the historic Vesuvio Cafe in North Beach, a popular hangout for beat poets. The cafe 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. The people who were impatient or didn’t like the policy just walked away, ”said Janet Clyde, co-owner of Vesuvio.

“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 further possible closures that had hurt their businesses over the past year.

“We support the city’s indoor fitness vaccination policy as it provides our customers with greater confidence that they will 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 extends vaccination requirements for certain health care providers, including adult daycare workers, nursing homes, dental offices, home nurses, and pharmacists who are not covered by the state vaccination health ordinance.

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The post San Francisco mandates proof of vaccination for indoor actions like eating places, bars and fitness center appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

San Francisco is now the second major US city to require proof of vaccination in “indoor high-contact areas”, sending a clear message to art fans: It is no longer enough to see a show in a theater or concert hall to provide evidence of a recent negative coronavirus test or simply wearing a mask.

The mandate issued by Mayor London Breed on Thursday, August 12, goes into effect on August 20, ordering venues for events with a crowd of 1,000 or more to require a full vaccination for all guests 12 and older. The only exception is events where tickets were sold before Thursday, with a show date on or before September 15; these allow a negative test instead of a vaccination.

The citywide mandate also applies to employees at local arts and entertainment venues.

The artist Robin Lara puts on her mask in the West of Pecos restaurant before a performance in the Mission District on November 29th. Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle 2020

“We know that in order for our city to recover and thrive from the pandemic, we must use the best method of fighting COVID-19 and that is vaccines,” Breed said in a statement. “Vaccines are our way out of the pandemic and our way back to a life where we can be safe together.”

BroadwaySF, that reopened “Hamilton” at the Orpheum Theater on Tuesday, August 10th, allowed the audience to provide evidence of vaccinations or a recent negative test, “but will shortly update our guidelines and inform our customers,” said Communications Director Scott Walton.

The Chase Center, which has already required proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test for entry to the 18,064-person venue, plans to honor the order, starting with the next concert under the heading of Tame Impala on September 15.

The co-founder of the San Francisco Playhouse, Susi Damilano, meets theatergoer Patrick Colford in front of “Hold These Truths” at the San Francisco Playhouse on August 8th. Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle

“My gut reaction is okay, we’re pretty much doing that,” said Susi Damilano, production director of the San Francisco Playhouse, about Thursday’s order. She added that all but a few bystanders of the company had been in possession of vaccination cards as of June.

“If anything, I hope that people who are vaccinated but are nervous about going out will feel more comfortable with the introduction of this mandate.”

Indeed while lots Local venues and organizations in San Francisco and beyond have already begun demanding proof of vaccination from viewers in order to perform live.

“The Roxie feels great about San Francisco’s decision,” said Lex Sloan, executive director of the Mission District cinema. “We hope that it helps our employees and customers to feel safe so that everyone can enjoy their time in the cinema.”

Randy Taradash, Feinstein’s general manager and creative director at the Nikko, doesn’t think the mandate will be an issue for Bay Area art lovers. He cited studies that showed that the art audience was vaccinated more often than the general population. (On July 19, the art research firm WolfBrown Approved Data showing 98% of the arts audience in the Bay Area are vaccinated, based on 1,870 responses from local polls. It received applause from the start, ”he said. “I think I had a mean tweet the minute we announced it and that was it.”

Junru Wang is one of the cast members in “Dear San Francisco: A High-Flying Love Story,” by Club Fugazi Experiences. Photo: Jon Bauer / Club Fugazi Experiences

A number of San Francisco performing arts organizations, including the San Francisco Opera and ODC / Dance, have already issued guidelines requiring proof of vaccination from both patrons and staff. The San Francisco Symphony has adopted a similar policy and planned to announce it on Monday, August 16, according to an orchestra spokesman.

Likewise, David Dower, co-producer and executive director of Club Fugazi Experiences, a circus scheduled to begin performing in September, said his company is already planning a similar policy for itself. He is relieved that the San Francisco audience isn’t more has to navigate a confusing patchwork of guidelines every time they see a show in a different location.

“I’m actually pretty glad the city said something clear in time for most of our seasons to start,” said Dower. “It is a public health responsibility to protect the public.”

San Francisco Performances, which showcases chamber music concerts in the city’s fall theater, plans to implement the new policy in the coming season from October, said spokeswoman Nancy Bertossa.

“I think (the order) is appropriate for the moment we are in,” said Taradash. “Trust me, I’ll be the first in line to see everything. I’m just as much a fan as I am a theater maker and producer. But if we’re not sure right now, our business won’t return any sooner. ”

The Chronicle’s authors, Lily Janiak, Joshua Kosman, and Mick LaSalle contributed to this report.

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A San Francisco police officer on leave for failing to follow a vaccination order died less than a week after testing positive for COVID-19. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Officer Jack Nyce, 46, died Saturday after being diagnosed with coronavirus last Tuesday. He died the same day he was hospitalized, his wife said. Nyce, a 17-year veteran with the department, “leaves a void that will be difficult to fill,” the San Francisco Police Officers Association said in a statement. An association official confirmed that Nyce was one of 41 officials put on 30-day administrative leave after missing the city’s vaccination deadline. Officials in the city who still refuse to do the job until November 13 will be given unpaid leave.

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SAN JOSE (KPIX) – In the 12 days since the COVID-19 vaccine was approved for children ages 5-11, Santa Clara County has given nearly 34,000 doses, representing 20% ​​of the age group. After such a strong start, health officials don’t want to lose momentum.

“I think we did pretty well, 20% in two weeks,” said Dr. Marty Windowsheib, Santa Clara County Vaccine Officer.

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The progress report comes as the county unveiled kid-friendly jungle-themed decorations during its mass vaccination at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds.

Funded by the Valley Medical Center Foundation with private donations, a team of designers and event professionals turned into a jungle with inviting colors, animals, rainforest-like trees and lots of games, colors, scavenger hunts, fidgets and other small toys.

The foundation raised approximately $ 250,000 from Bloom Energy, the Bloom Energy Stars and Strides Run, and tech executive and philanthropist Godfrey Sullivan.

Camie Vankeuren, chief development officer at the Valley Medical Center Foundation, said some of the funds will also be used for training and liaising with parents. The jungle decorations were designed to distract the kids from the needles and create a positive experience that encourages other families to join in.

“We really wanted that feeling when they came in, the distraction. So they didn’t see the tables. They did not see the red buckets that the needles were put into. They just saw the fun interactions, ”said Vankeuren.

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The county’s new jungle theme is being introduced as coronavirus cases in South Bay are trending upwards and have been rising steadily since Halloween. On Monday, the rolling 7-day average was 176. For comparison: the number of cases at the beginning of October was in the lower range of 130.

“Our cases declined at the end of that delta rise in September. But now they are flattened and only rise very slightly. So we keep an eye on whether we are vaccinated because of this, ”says Fenstersheib.

Dr. Robert Wachter, chairman of UCSF’s medical department, said the unvaccinated not only prolong the pandemic, but also create a new normal.

“I think we’re in a strange place where we may see a version of our future,” said Wachter. “More people will be infected, more people will die than it should be. But I think where we have to accept reality, we probably won’t get that much better than we are now. “

In October, Santa Clara County made a joint announcement with several other Bay Area counties to relax interior mask orders if the following guidelines were followed:

• the county must be in the yellow level for three weeks
• According to the health officer, COVID hospital admissions are “low and stable”
• 80% of the total population of the district must be fully vaccinated, or
• It has been 8 weeks since the vaccine was approved for 5-11 year olds

In Santa Clara County, it is estimated that 55% of 5-11 year olds must be vaccinated in order for the county to meet the 80% vaccination threshold for the general population.

MORE NEWS: COVID: Long lines of children and parents at the Sonoma School Children’s Vaccination Clinic

“At this point, we are still reviewing these guidelines, especially with a winter season in mind that we may see a slight increase. So now is not the time to let our vigilance down. Let’s get through the holidays. Let’s see how we do in the next few months, ”said Fensterseib.

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Do all restaurants and bars in the Bay Area check vaccination cards before entering the country?

No, but there are a number of companies that recently decided to require proof of vaccination, which the San Francisco Chronicle’s food division tracked on sfchronicle.com. (SFGATE and the San Francisco Chronicle are both owned by Hearst but operate independently.) Since requirements may be met or missed right now, it is always a good idea to check with the company prior to your arrival or when making a reservation To avoid problems when you get to the door.

How do companies check vaccinations?

It depends on the company, but most have an employee who checks vaccination cards on the doorstep, be it physical or digital. Bars that require proof of vaccination, for example, ask bouncers to check customers’ vaccination status along with ID. Other venues, such as PianoFight in San Francisco, have their cashiers checked for vaccination cards and accept tickets for shows, separate from ID checks. Be ready to show evidence as you approach the entrance.

What do most places accept as proof of vaccination?

Most places don’t require an original vaccination card, and even some of those who previously required physical ID have now relaxed their guidelines and are ready to accept other forms of verification. (Also, getting another physical vaccination card is quite a process. If not strictly necessary, leave the original at home.) To cover your basics, having a photo of your vaccination card on your cell phone is a great first choice begin.

Another way to explore is to visit the state’s digital COVID-19 vaccination log site at myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov for a digital copy of your vaccination card and QR code. The website asks people to enter their name, date of birth and the email or telephone number attached to the vaccination certificate, and to choose a personal four-digit PIN. As soon as your data has been compared with your vaccination record, you will receive a text or email link to view your documents.

As soon as you click on the link and enter your self-selected PIN, you can view your data record, which contains your name, your date of birth, vaccine information (manufacturer name and date of the dose / doses) and the scannable QR code. You have the option of saving the recordings on your smartphone, which can then be shown to companies that accept this as proof of vaccination. However, if you have been vaccinated outside of California, you will not be able to access your records through this portal.

Other suggestions for proof of vaccination go so far as to recommend a photocopy of your vaccination card to take with you, but the options above will most likely work.

Another option that you as a customer can choose if you cannot be vaccinated for medical or other reasons is the question of whether a negative COVID test within the last 72 hours could be sufficient for entry. This can vary from business to business, but it doesn’t hurt to check beforehand that this is the case.

What if the state vaccination center isn’t working? What do i do then?

There have been a few instances where the California Department of Health’s digital vaccine site for people who have been vaccinated is not working properly. There is a troubleshooting system in place in case this happens, but it could take time for the state to fix the problem, the San Francisco Chronicle recently reported. It’s best to log into the California digital vaccination card website before your event in case you have a problem.

However, this does not mean that you will not have access to the bars and restaurants that require a vaccination card. If you’re having trouble getting your digital vaccination cards, contact the venue to see if another form of verification works.

If I am not vaccinated, can I not go to restaurants or bars that require a vaccination card?

Mostly yes, but some places allow unvaccinated guests outside. Call ahead to be on the safe side.

If I am vaccinated and show proof, do I still have to bring a mask?

When vaccinated, you technically don’t need to wear a mask indoors, depending on company rules, although most Bay Area counties now recommend wearing masks in public spaces due to the highly contagious Delta variant. Even if you are sitting in an outdoor bar or restaurant, you may need to put a mask on when using the toilet. (If you are not vaccinated, you must wear a mask in indoor public spaces and shops.) Regardless of the rules, however, it doesn’t hurt to have a mask with you if you need one.

SFGATE news editor Amy Graff contributed to this report.

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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – San Francisco requires proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 for a range of indoor activities such as visiting restaurants, bars and gyms, Mayor London Breed announced on Thursday.

“Many San Francisco companies are already pioneering the need to provide proof of vaccination for their customers because they care about the health of their employees, their customers and this city,” Breed said in a statement.

The mandate will be stricter than the requirement announced by New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio last week. San Francisco requires proof of a full vaccination for all customers and employees, while New York requires proof of at least one vaccination for indoor activities.

It goes into effect next Friday, but companies have two months to review employees’ vaccination status “to keep jobs while giving time to comply”.

In addition to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s paper cards that people receive when they are vaccinated, California has created an online record with a barcode that vaccinated people can use to prove their status.

Los Angeles is considering a similar move that requires people to receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine before visiting indoor restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, and other venues. The city guides there voted on Wednesday to instruct the city’s lawyers to work out the details.

The announcement comes a day after Governor Gavin Newsom said that all public and private school workers in California must provide proof of vaccination or undergo weekly tests.

Breed announced the mandate Thursday at the historic Vesuvio Cafe in North Beach, a favorite haunt of beat poets. Since July 20, the café has been asking indoor visitors to provide proof of vaccination.

“Most people were really happy that we had started the policy. It took patience from everyone. So the people who were impatient or who didn’t like the policy just left, ”said Vesuvio co-owner Janet Clyde.

“Having the weight of the government on your back, the science, the health department,” she said, makes enforcement easier.

Thursday’s ordinance extends the existing vaccination requirement for health care workers to other health care providers such as adult daycare workers, dormitories, dental practices and pharmacies.

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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.

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Much like other major music festivals like Lollapalooza and Bottle Rock, a handful of popular concert venues in the Bay Area will now require proof of vaccination to attend their shows this fall, amid an increase in cases of Delta variant.

Live entertainment company AEG Presents announced Thursday morning that ticket holders and crews would need proof of vaccination at all venues it oversees. In San Francisco, these include the Warfield, the Regency Ballroom, and the Lodge and Social Hall in the Regency Center. The updated policy also affects a number of festivals including Coachella, Stagecoach, and Day Trip in Indio, Day Club and Splash House in Palm Springs, and Second Sky in Oakland. Attendees can also submit a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of the event, if allowed, AEG Presents said in a statement.

“We concluded that it was up to us, as market leaders, to take a real stand on vaccination status,” said Jay Marciano, COO of AEG and Chairman-CEO of AEG Presents, in a statement. “Just a few weeks ago we were optimistic about where our business and our country were going. The delta variant, combined with hesitation in vaccinating, is pushing us back in the wrong direction. We know some people see this as a dramatic move, but it is the right one. We are also aware that there could be an initial setback, but I am confident and hope that at the end of the day we will be on the right side of history and do the best for artists, fans and live event staff. “

The new policy will go into effect no later than October 1, the company said, so people who haven’t been vaccinated can do so in time for the event they want to attend.

“Certain government regulations may override our mandate, or some artists may not want to jump into the plan right away, but we know that using our platform to take a strong stance on vaccination can have an impact,” said Shawn Trell. AEG COO and General Counsel presented. “The message we want to send is simple and clear: the only way to be as safe as possible is for everyone to be vaccinated. And we are confident that others who were not yet ready to make this full commitment will follow our example. “

Coronavirus cases have been linked to other festivals and shows. More than 1,000 coronavirus cases were linked to the Verknipt outdoor festival in the Netherlands during the summer, despite the organizers requiring an entry test, CNBC reported in July. That same month, shows by a Grateful Dead cover band in the Santa Cruz district may have sparked a similar outbreak. BottleRock headliner Stevie Nicks announced Tuesday that she will be leaving the festival and canceling five more appearances for the remainder of 2021 due to concerns about COVID-19 and her age.

Most new infections in the Bay Area are spread among unvaccinated people.

The new policy may change based on updates to “infection rates, transmission dates, variant developments, and local and state regulations,” AEG Presents said.

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