On March 11, 2022, San Francisco lifted its proof of vaccination and negative COVID-19 test requirements for indoor public settings, including restaurants, bars, gyms, and fitness studios. This decision marked a significant step in the city’s transition from pandemic emergency measures to a more sustainable approach to managing COVID-19, aligning with the state’s broader strategy to treat the virus as endemic.
The move was announced by the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) on March 9, 2022, following a consistent decline in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. At that time, the city’s seven-day average of new cases had decreased to 110 per day, down from 1,346 per day on January 1, 2022. Hospitalizations had also significantly decreased, and the city’s vaccination rate stood at approximately 83% of eligible residents.
Mayor London Breed expressed support for the policy change, emphasizing the importance of balancing public health concerns with the need to support local businesses. “With cases and hospitalizations continuing to fall and our high vaccination rate providing a strong defense against the virus, San Francisco is ready to further reduce COVID-19 restrictions and allow individuals to make their own decisions to protect themselves and their loved ones,” Breed stated.
Dr. Susan Philip, San Francisco’s Health Officer, noted that the proof of vaccination and testing requirements had served their purpose in keeping indoor spaces safe for staff and patrons. “Rolling it back is part of coming out of crisis mode and learning to live with the virus,” Dr. Philip remarked.
Despite the easing of restrictions, individual businesses retained the authority to implement their own health and safety protocols. For instance, the Chase Center, San Francisco’s premier sports and entertainment venue, announced on March 21, 2022, that starting in April, eventgoers would no longer be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result for entry. However, attendees who were not vaccinated were still required to wear masks within the venue unless actively eating or drinking.
Governor Gavin Newsom had previously extended California’s COVID-19 state of emergency through March 31, 2022, citing concerns about potential virus spikes and the ongoing flu season. While the state maintained certain emergency powers, local jurisdictions like San Francisco had the flexibility to adjust restrictions based on local conditions.
The decision to ease restrictions was met with mixed reactions. Some residents and business owners welcomed the return to normalcy, while others expressed concerns about the potential risks of relaxing safety measures too soon. Health experts continued to emphasize the importance of vaccination, booster shots, and personal responsibility in maintaining public health safety.
As California and San Francisco navigated this new phase of the pandemic, officials and residents alike remained vigilant, balancing the desire for normalcy with the ongoing need to protect public health.
