San Francisco has moved to California’s yellow reopening tier, the lowest of the state’s COVID-19 risk levels.
San Francisco is the only Bay Area county to move to yellow and the only urban county in the state to reach this level.
Mayor London Breed says starting Oct. 27, non-essential offices can reopen at 25% capacity with ventilation requirements and mandatory health checks for employees.
Climbing gyms will also be able to open at 25% with cleaning protocols in place. Everyone will be required to wear a face covering. Other gyms and fitness centers opened in mid-September and all gyms will be able to expand to 25% capacity.
While many personal care services have already opened, the city is now allowing estheticians to resume services where the client may have to take off their mask, such as facials and waxing.
“San Franciscans have taken COVID-19 seriously from the very beginning, and thanks to everyone’s commitment to wearing face coverings and following public health guidance, we are able to keep moving forward with reopening. Today really is a sign of hope for our city and for our economic recovery,” said Mayor Breed.
Breed also announced that 56 schools have been approved to reopen and dozens more have applied, with some middle schools opening by the end of the month. Some high schools are on track to reopen in November.
If health indicators stay at their current level or continue to improve, indoor swimming pools, bowling alleys and other family entertainment centers can open by Nov. 3 and gyms will be able to reopen locker rooms.
Restaurants and churches will also be able to expand indoor service to 50% capacity with a limit of 200 people. Indoor museums, zoo, aquariums and movie theaters will also expand to 50% capacity.
Some bars may already be open in a limited capacity if they serve food, but by mid-November city officials hope that all bars will be able to open outdoors, with restrictions.
City officials say that while reopening more activities indoors is important to the economy's health, outdoor activities generally are still generally safer than indoor activities. All residents are reminded to continue wearing face coverings, washing their hands, distancing from others and avoiding large gatherings.