San Francisco mandates proof of full COVID-19 vaccination at bars, restaurants, gyms and other indoor settings

(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

By Sri Ravipati

(SAN FRANCISCO) San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Director of Health Dr. Grant Colfax announced on Thursday that the city would require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination at bars, restaurants, gyms and other high-contact indoor settings.

San Francisco is the first major U.S. city to mandate proof of full vaccination to receive services at indoor businesses. Last week, New York City started enforcing that businesses only need proof of one dose.

Patrons at businesses that serve food or drink, such as bars, restaurants, clubs, theaters and entertainment venues, as well as indoor fitness establishments are required to present proof of vaccination starting Aug. 20. Large events at indoor venues with 1,000 people or more must also provide proof of vaccination. 

The health order also extends to certain health care providers, including workers at adult day centers, residential care facilities, dental offices, home health aides and pharmacists, according to the announcement.

The mandate for staff at the aforementioned businesses is effective Oct.13 to allow time for full vaccination.

The order does not affect individuals ordering or picking up food or drink to go.

Additionally, the mandate does not apply to people illegible to get the vaccine, such as children under the age of 12.

According to a statement from the mayor's office, the new health order aims to prevent the continued spread of COVID-19, particularly among the unvaccinated.

"The fact that many people are not eligible for vaccination makes it even more important for people who are eligible to do their part to protect the community," Breed tweeted Thursday.

Breed continued on Twitter, "I ask that people be patient with each other and try to lead with empathy. There will be challenges with this transition and we expect people will do their best to comply, as businesses and residents have done with our previous health orders."

Prior to the announcement, hundreds of bars and restaurants were already checking COVID-19 vaccination cards or negative test results, KRON 4 reported.

According to data from the city of San Francisco, 71% of the city’s eligible residents are fully vaccinated.

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