San Francisco is the latest major U.S. city to begin easing vaccination requirements against COVID-19.
City health officials made the announcement on Wednesday that bars and restaurants no longer have to ask patrons to provide proof of COVID vaccination or a negative test in order to dine indoors. The repeal also affects gyms and fitness centers, which were required to ask for these materials in order to allow customers inside. The announcement comes seven months after the regulations were imposed.
"With cases and hospitalizations continuing to fall and our high vaccination rate providing a strong defense against the virus," said San Francisco Health Officer Dr. Susan Philip, "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."
In her statement, Philip also thanked local businesses for their involvement in the reopening of San Francisco.
"We have had a successful and productive partnership with the business community and thank them for their efforts in keeping our City safe," she continued.
Individual businesses affected by the repeal can still enforce a vaccination or mask mandate, according to KTVU. Furthermore, events expecting more than 1,000 people in attendance will still have to ask for either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test.
Despite the repeal, health officials are asking citizens to remain cautious, touting the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines as a reason why the removal is happening. The usage of masks was also strongly encouraged.
"Vaccinations remain the best defense against the virus, and SFDPH strongly recommends everyone who is eligible get vaccinated and boosted to protect themselves and others," wrote the San Francisco Health Department. "Additionally, masks are recommended where an additional layer of protection is desired, and when medically vulnerable or unvaccinated people are present."
In August 2021, San Francisco became the first U.S. city to enact vaccine or negative test requirements for indoor establishments. The move garnered controversy due to its requirement that businesses must verify that their employees were vaccinated. Now, businesses will not have to worry about overcoming potential staffing shortages due to a vaccine mandate.
"Over the last two years, our business community successfully kept our residents and workers safe as they continued to work tirelessly to keep their doors open," said Office of Economic and Workforce Development Executive Director Kate Sofis. "It took bold leadership of many of our businesses, both large and small, to get to where we are today, and SF is grateful to have such important partners."
As of March 1, the city has recorded an average of 110 cases per day. Fifty-eight people have been hospitalized due to COVID-19 complications since March 5, and 83 percent of all San Francisco citizens in all different age groups are fully vaccinated. However, only 65 percent of all residents have received a vaccine booster.
Update at 3/9/22, 5:20 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with additional quotes.
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