San Francisco won’t be exiting the state’s COVID-19 Orange tier next week, but The City’s reopening will continue to expand and include indoor events like music concerts, warriors games, and theatrical performances.
San Francisco left the most restrictive purple tier in early March and weeks later, on March 23, the orange tier, allowing The City to reopen more of its economy.
City officials had expected further progress and predicted a move to the yellow row next week, but that won’t happen now.
“San Francisco will not move to the yellow category next week as originally expected,” said health officer Susan Philip on Thursday. “We didn’t meet the criteria. Our fall rate remains too high. We’ll stay in the orange row for a little more. It is unclear when we will move up to the yellow tier as our fall rate is no longer falling as it used to. “
In fact, the number of cases increases slightly with hospitalization. Health officials said the surge is expected as more of the economy opens up. However, the numbers are being watched closely as the reopening may need to be slowed down to prevent a fourth surge.
Despite the lack of level movement and a slight increase in cases, San Francisco will continue to push its reopening to allow indoor events, for example, after the state changed its guidelines last week to allow it.
“‘We think we can do that carefully because the new variable that hasn’t been here for the last three thrusts is the vaccine,” said Philip. “This will be our ticket out of the pandemic.”
The details of the update rules will be released on Wednesday and will take effect on April 15th. This depends on the cases remaining stable.
Among the big changes, The City plans to allow a maximum capacity of 35% at venues for indoor ticket and seated events and performances. Venues must have a health and safety plan approved by the Department of Health and attendees must provide evidence of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Participants must also wear their masks, except when eating or drinking.
The Warriors said they plan to bring fans back to the Chase Center for the nine remaining regular season home games. The first will take place on April 23rd against the Denver Nuggets.
The restrictions apply less to venues with a capacity of 15% or less and no more than 200 people. You don’t need to obtain an approved health and safety plan, and participants don’t need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test to participate.
Meetings, meetings and receptions are permitted indoors for a capacity of no more than 150 people with face covering and distancing. Everyone would have to provide evidence of a test or vaccination.
The city is also planning to lift the existing curfew on indoor restaurants at 11 p.m.
jsabatini@sfexaminer.com
Bay Area NewsCoronavirusan Francisco News
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