As the pandemic continues, San Francisco is slated to become the United States’ second major city to have the COVID-19 vaccination-proof mandate for customers of several indoor establishments.
On Thursday, Mayor London Breed announced the requirement that will apply to customers and employees on city dining establishments and entertainment businesses like bars, clubs and theaters, as well as on huge indoor events which gather more than 1, 000 people.
The implementation of the order will start on Aug. 20.
The same mandate first took effect in New York last week, but proof of one vaccine dose will be accepted.
Meanwhile, in San Francisco, the requirement will continue as a complete vaccination is required to access indoor areas.
The order extends further on vaccination mandates to particular healthcare providers excluded in the vaccine mandate of the state. Included in this group are adult day centers, residential care facilities, dental offices, pharmacists, as well as home health aides.
Several San Francisco restaurants have been asking their patrons to show vaccination proof. The order, however, makes it now mandatory.
“Many San Francisco businesses are already leading the way by requiring proof of vaccination for their customers because they care about the health of their employees, their customers, and this City,” the mayor said in a statement. “This order builds on their leadership and will help us weather the challenges ahead and keep our businesses open.”
The mandate of the city was backed by the city’s restaurant representative, the Golden Gate Restaurant Association.
SFGate reported that the association said the mandate “will help ensure more people will choose to receive vaccinations, which is critical to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
Starting September, fines will be enforced along with the order in New York.
In San Francisco, meanwhile, Breed said the city health department members will look into the same but they anticipate most businesses to comply.
