San Francisco’s New Business Vaccine & Mask Requirements

On August 20, 2021, San Francisco businesses must comply with new vaccine and mask requirements. What steps must your business take?

High Contact Businesses:

Many businesses are considered high-contact in nature such as food and drink serving, theaters, entertainment venues, indoor gyms and fitness establishments. These high-contact businesses must require proof of all patrons that are 12 and older to show proof that they are fully vaccinated as of August 20th. Employees of these establishments will need to provide proof that they have been fully vaccinated by October13, 2021. Covered businesses must establish their employees vaccination status by August 20th. There are several ways that are acceptable for a business to document proof of vaccination. These businesses must post specific signage at their entrances and in employee breakrooms which inform both patrons and employees of the vaccination requirements.

Patron Entry Signage

Employee Breakroom Signage

All Other San Francisco Businesses:

The Health Ordinance also covers other businesses including for-profit, non-profit, and educational entities. At these businesses, everyone, including people who are fully vaccinated, must wear a well-fitted mask. The ordinance also requires that people be respectful of those wearing a mask where they are not required and no business or person shall take an adverse action against individuals who chose to wear a face covering to protect their health.

The ordinance urges businesses to do the following:

• Consider moving activities outdoors when feasible
• Develop processes for for screening for COVID-19 symptoms
• Allow employees to stay home when symptoms are present
• Post appropriate signage at entrances exits and breakrooms
• Require employees to remain masked in the workplace
• Workers in high-risk settings must be vaccinated by September 15, 2021

As San Francisco continues to update health orders, businesses should keep informed of upcoming changes. San Francisco has made this site available as a resource for guides and notices to be posted. COVID-19 Outreach Toolkit