San Francisco will require people to provide proof that they’re fully vaccinated in several indoor settings, including bars, restaurants, gyms and events, the city’s mayor announced on Thursday.
Mayor London Breed (D) unveiled the mandate in a statement, saying it will apply to both patrons and employees at the indoor establishments. Customers will have to verify their full vaccination status starting Aug. 20, while employees will have until Oct. 13 “to allow time for full vaccination.”
Vaccinations will also be required for health care providers, including workers at adult day centers, residential care facilities, dentist offices, home health aides and pharmacists starting Oct. 13.
“Vaccines are our way out of this pandemic,” she tweeted. “They’re how we can live our lives together, safely.
“This new health order is about protecting the health of employees, residents, and visitors, and keeping our businesses open,” she added.
Breed cited that several large and small businesses in the city have already requested proof of vaccination before her announcement.
The requirement will not apply to those ordering or picking up food or drinks to-go or those ineligible to get vaccinated, particularly children younger than 12 years old.
“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.
“I ask that people be patient with each other and try to lead with empathy,” she added. “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.”
San Francisco’s mandate will go a step further than the one announced by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) last week. Unlike the west coast city, New York’s requirement allows people to show they got at least one COVID-19 shot.
City data shows that 71 percent of residents are fully vaccinated, and 77 percent have had at least one dose.
Vaccine requirements have gained traction in recent weeks, as different companies and jurisdictions consider implementing these mandates to reduce the spread of COVID-19 as the delta variant has taken hold of the country.
The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to instruct city attorneys to draft a law mandating vaccines for indoor public spaces. California also became the first state to require all teachers and staff in public and private school districts to be vaccinated or endure regular testing.