Updated 11:05am 8/12/2021 

It’s been coming for a while, but after many businesses (including big tech’s Facebook, Google, Lyft, Uber, Twitter) mandated vaccination for returning workers, and most San Francisco bars independently requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test with 72 hours upon entry, the Mayor’s Office is expected to make full vaccination requirements for many indoor activities official this morning.

District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney announced the news before the Mayor’s News conference:

San Francisco will become the first major US city to require full vaccination for patrons at indoor establishments like restaurants, cafe, bars, and gyms.

— Matt Haney (@MattHaneySF) August 12, 2021

Official vaccination mandates have been hampered in recent weeks, while the private sector carried on with their own vaccination requirements getting only vocal support from City Hall. After threats to quit and of lawsuits from certain city employees the mayor had to backdown from requiring vaccination in all city employees. The City and County of San Francisco are currently requiring that all City employees be vaccinated 10 weeks after final FDA approval (which is pending), with certain medical and religious exemptions.

Last week, New York City became the first city to require proof of at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for indoor activities. Breed’s mandate is expected to go a step further, requiring full vaccination upon entry, which would be the first of its kind in the USA.

It’s a very controversial subject, with very loud detractors, New York is already seeing backlash from restaurant owners who do not wish to be ‘the vaccination police’ around their customers.   In New York City, proof of vaccination will be required citywide for indoor activities such as dining, gyms and concerts starting next week. After a grace period, enforcement will then begin on Sept. 13, we expect SF to be a week behind that, but have a similar rollout.

San Francisco is currently 78% fully vaccinated for individuals 12 years and older.  (See SF city vax stats here.)

What this basically means, is that the (few) SF businesses who do not require proof of vaccination for indoor patrons now, will have to comply with official mandates by law, just as certain businesses who serve alcohol have to ask for proof of ID before serving patrons. It will be interesting to see what the fines and penalties for businesses who refuse the mandate, will be.

More details will be announced at an 11 a.m. news conference with Mayor London Breed and SF Health Director Dr. Grant Colfax.  Expect establishments like restaurants, cafe, bars, and gyms to all require proof of full vaccination upon entry in the coming weeks.

We will update following press conference!

Updated 11:05am 8/12/2021 – Breed makes it official!  Mandate to begin August 20th.

Vaccines are our way out of this pandemic. They're how we can live our lives together, safely.

San Francisco will be requiring proof of vaccination for patrons and employees in a number of indoor settings, including bars, restaurants, gyms, and large events.

— London Breed (@LondonBreed) August 12, 2021

Mayor London Breed via twitter: “Vaccines are our way out of this pandemic. They’re how we can live our lives together, safely. San Francisco will be requiring proof of vaccination for patrons and employees in a number of indoor settings, including bars, restaurants, gyms, and large events.”

A number of businesses, large and small, have already led by requiring proof of vaccination before this. This new health order is about protecting the health of employees, residents, and visitors, and keeping our businesses open.

The requirement for proof of full vaccination for patrons at indoor public settings is effective August 20. The requirement for staff is effective October 13 to allow time for full vaccination. This order doesn’t include individuals ordering or picking up food or drink to go.”

he health order also extends vaccination requirements to certain health care providers—including workers at adult day centers, residential care facilities, dental offices, home health aides and pharmacists—who are not already required. This goes into effect October 13.

It is important to note that this does not apply to people ineligible to be vaccinated, including children under 12. 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.

Lastly, 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.”

-Mayor London Breed via twitter.

FULL enforcement article/official press release: https://sfmayor.org/article/san-francisco-require-proof-vaccination-entry-certain-indoor-businesses-and-all-large-indoor

Exact wording: “The health order requirement for proof of full vaccination for patrons of indoor public settings, including bars, restaurants, clubs and gyms goes into effect on August 20. This requirement includes indoor event spaces where food or drink is served. By that same date, those businesses must use their best efforts to ascertain the vaccination status of their employees. To preserve jobs while giving time for compliance, the proof of vaccination requirement for staff goes into effect October 13 for employees.”