FAQS FOR SAN FRANCISCO HEALTH ORDERS
Updated 4/29/2020
We are at a critical point in managing the transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
According to health experts, our collective actions have had a positive impact.
Hospitalizations for COVID-19 infected patients in San Francisco have been stable for
several weeks. However, the vast majority of the population remains susceptible to
infection, and there is not yet an effective treatment or cure for the disease. San
Francisco is working on building up its testing, case finding, case investigation and
contact tracing capacity. While that happens, it is imperative that the City extend the
duration of its stay-at-home order. At the same time, we can ease restrictions on some
activities with a lower risk of spreading the virus. The City will continue to strictly apply
the Order consistent with its stated intent, and you must strictly follow it. The answers
to frequently asked questions below should guide your compliance. The City will keep
updating this information to align with the best public health practices and any changes
to the Order as circumstances evolve. We have a path forward. Everyone needs to
continue to pull together—and together we will get through this.

STAY SAFE AT HOME EXPLAINED
What does the Order do?
As of May 4, 2020, there will be a new Order that replaces the existing stay-at-home
order (“May 4 Order”). The May 4 Order requires that most people continue sheltering
in their place of residence through May 31, 2020. However, the new Order makes a
number of significant changes, which are highlighted below:

Essential Businesses:


Under the new May 4 Order, all construction projects can resume, provided they
comply with the Construction Project Safety Protocols issued as part of the
Order.



Commercial as well as residential real estate transactions are allowed to fully
resume, but with continued restrictions on in-person viewings and appointments.



Under the new Order, childcare establishments, and other educational and
recreational programs can operate to provide care and supervision for children to
allow all persons who are working in essential businesses or outdoor businesses
or performing minimum basic operations to access childcare. All of these
operations must comply, to the greatest extent possible, with restrictions
specified in the Order, including that they be carried out in stable groups of 12 or
fewer children. This category is also subject to the State’s Shelter in Place Order,

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 but the Health Officer will assess whether to ease childcare restrictions further in
coordination with the State and as the spread of COVID-19 is further contained.
Outdoor Businesses:


Outdoor Businesses (as defined in the Order and described below) are now
allowed to operate, and people are allowed to visit them to perform work or to
obtain goods, services, or supplies.



Outdoor Businesses are those that normally operated primarily outdoors prior to
the Shelter in Place Orders, and where social distancing of at least six feet can
be maintained between all people. These include outdoor retail businesses like
nurseries, outdoor service providers like landscapers, and agricultural operations.
Outdoor businesses do not include outdoor restaurants, cafes, or bars.

Social Distancing Protocols for Businesses:


All business facilities operating in the County, including businesses carrying out
minimum basic operations, must comply with the requirement to create a Social
Distancing Protocol. (Note: construction activities must instead comply with the
Construction Project Safety Protocols.)



In their Social Distancing Protocols, businesses must now ensure that personnel
and customers wear face coverings when entering their facilities (except those
customers for whom face coverings are not recommended, like young
children).



All existing Social Distancing Protocols must be updated to reflect the new
requirements.



We encourage businesses that are not yet allowed to operate to focus on
planning to effectively implement social distancing and related measures in their
facilities so they are ready to safely reopen when allowed.

Essential Activities and Travel:


All residential moves are now allowed to proceed.

Recreation:


The new Order allows use of shared outdoor recreational facilities that do not
encourage gathering or contain high-touch equipment. However, everyone must
follow any restrictions that either state or local authorities impose. For instance,
right now, the State Shelter Order prohibits golf courses from operating.

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 COVID-19 Indicators


The Health Officer will consider easing or expanding restrictions based on
progress we collectively achieve on several key indicators described in the new
Order and referred to as the COVID-19 Indicators.

(Amended 4/29/2020)

When does the new Order go into effect?
The new Order is in effect starting at 11:59 p.m. on May 3, 2020.
(Amended 4/29/2020)

How long does the new Order last?
The new Order is currently set to last until May 31, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. The City’s
Health Officer may choose to shorten or extend the time period based on what the
health situation demands. How long the restrictions are in place will depend on what
the Health Officer decides is necessary to protect public health.
(Amended 4/29/2020)

Can the new Order be changed?
Yes. The Health Officer may make changes to the new Order as more information
emerges about the public health situation and may issue new orders and directives as
conditions warrant.
Why aren’t more businesses allowed to open?
Thanks to the collective effort and sacrifice of the 7 million residents across the Bay
Area, we have made progress in slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus, ensuring
our hospitals are not overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases and saving lives. This
progress allows us to ease some restrictions to allow lower-risk outdoor businesses and
outdoor activities to resume, so long as they strictly comply with social distancing
requirements and other protections in the Order.
The Order also adds certain business activities to the essential business list, including
construction and commercial real estate transactions—that have become critical as we
gradually head into a period of expanded economic activity in which more space to
accommodate increased social distancing will be necessary.
However, at this stage of the pandemic, we need to maintain most of the restrictions of
shelter-in-place so that we do not lose the progress we have achieved. Lifting too many
restrictions too soon could easily lead to a large surge in cases and result in avoidable
hospitalizations and deaths, and it may also lead to longer-term economic harms.
(Added 4/29/2020)

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 Is this mandatory or is it just guidance?
It is mandatory. This Order is a legal Order issued under the authority of California law.
You are required to comply, and it is a crime (a misdemeanor) not to follow the Order.
I run an “Essential Business” or “Outdoor Business” as defined by the new May 4
Order. Do I need to get an official letter of authorization from the City to operate a
facility in the City?
No. If your business is covered in the list of “Essential Businesses” or “Outdoor
Businesses” in the Order, then you may operate your business from a facility in San
Francisco so long as you create, post, and implement a Social Distancing Protocol for
each facility using the template attached to the Order. You do not need to obtain any
specific authorization from the City to run your business. The City does not issue
written determinations or authorizations.
(Amended 4/29/2020)

Is a building that has “Essential Businesses” as tenants required to create and
post a social distancing protocol? Or is it the responsibility of the business
tenants themselves?
It is the responsibility of tenant essential businesses to comply with the social distancing
requirements, including creating and posting a social distancing protocol.
(Added 4/7/2020)

I work for an “Essential Business” or “Outdoor Business” as defined by the new
Order. Do I need to have a letter from my employer or other documentation to
travel?
No. You do not need to carry official documentation (and the City does not issue any)
demonstrating that you are exempt under the new Order. But be prepared to explain if
requested by law enforcement why your travel is allowed under the Order.
(Amended 4/29/2020)

What does it mean to “shelter in place?”
The term “shelter in place” means to stay safe in your home and not leave unless
necessary for one of the exceptions listed in the Order (discussed more below).
I heard that there is a statewide shelter-in-place order. Do I still need to comply
with San Francisco’s Order?
Yes. In addition to the statewide order, the City Health Officer’s Order remains in effect.
All residents must comply with the restrictions in both orders. If the restrictions in the
two orders are different, you must comply with the stricter of the two orders.

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 What is the difference between “sheltering in place” and “social distancing”?
Sheltering in place is a more rigorous form of social distancing.
Sheltering in place means you:





Must stay at home
Can only leave your home for “essential activities” or “outdoor activities,” to work
for an “essential business” or “outdoor businesses,” to provide or access
“essential governmental functions,” to perform “minimum basic operations” for
your employer, or for “essential travel,” as those terms are defined in the new
Order (you can also see the FAQs for details)
Cannot host or attend any gatherings

In addition, you should also maintain at least 6 feet of separation from other people who
are not in your household; wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds each
time (or use hand sanitizer); cough or sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve (not into your
hands); wear a face covering when out in public; and stay home if you are sick.
(Amended 4/29/2020)

What if I am homeless?
Persons experiencing homelessness are exempt from the Order’s requirement that they
shelter in place in their residence and its prohibition against all travel other than
essential travel. However, individuals staying in homeless shelters should stay there,
and all shelter guests should wash hands frequently, and practice social distancing.
Unsheltered people living in public spaces, tents, in vehicles, or otherwise unsheltered,
should use the City’s public restrooms and newly expanded hand-washing stations
frequently, and should also practice social distancing. The Order also urges the City to
keep 12x12-foot spacing around tents and only one person per tent.
How do I report a business or organization that might be violating the Order and
endangering the public or its employees?
Call 311, except for the specific complaints listed below. Your complaint will be referred
to the appropriate City agency for investigation and enforcement. When you call, help
us by providing the name and address of the business, and do your best to describe
exactly what you observed and when.
If you observe one of the following specific situations, it is best to call police nonemergency dispatch at 415-553-0123. Don’t call 911 for these situations. If you forget
the non-emergency dispatch number, just call 311:


Any of the following businesses is open or appears to be serving customers:
o bars, taverns, nightclubs, arcades and other entertainment venues
o theaters and concert halls
o movie theaters

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 o gyms, athletic clubs and fitness studios
o barbershops, salons, manicurists and health spas
o smoke shops


Any small corner or convenience store that sells alcoholic beverages is open
after 8 p.m. or before 6 a.m.



Any restaurant, café, or coffee shop is allowing seating or consumption of food or
drink on the premises. (Only take-out and delivery are allowed.)

(Added 4/6/2020)

How do I report gatherings outside where people in different households don’t
seem to be practicing social distancing, or the use of outdoor recreation facilities
(like playgrounds, tennis courts, and basketball courts) that have been closed?
It is best to call police non-emergency dispatch at 415-553-0123 (but if you forget that
number, just call 311).
(Added 4/6/2020)

DAILY ACTIVITIES
Can I leave home to visit friends or family members in another household or
living unit if there is no urgent need or I am not performing an essential activity?
No. For your safety as well as their safety, you are not allowed to visit friends or family
members outside your own household. We need to help each other fight the spread of
COVID-19 by staying at home.
Can I still get my mail and deliveries?
Yes. Mail and delivery services may continue to operate under the Order.
Can I still order the things I need online from businesses and have them delivered
to my home?
Yes. The Order allows you to go online, purchase items, and have them delivered to
your home.
Am I allowed to go to a mail drop off/post office to mail packages?
Yes. Businesses that provide mailing and shipping services are essential businesses
within the meaning of the Order, and travel to essential businesses is permitted under
the Order. But individuals are urged to delay all non-essential shipping and must
comply with social distancing requirements during any permitted outings.
(Added 4/2/2020)

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 Can I go out to do laundry or to have my laundry done?
Yes.
Can I go to the bank?
Yes, you can go to the bank. But individuals are urged to minimize unnecessary trips
and must comply with social distancing requirements during any permitted outings.
(Added 4/2/2020)

I need to take out a loan or send cash—what kinds of financial institutions are
allowed to be open?
In addition to banks and credit unions, money remittance services, financing services at
pawn shops, check cashing services, money lenders, and similar financial institutions
can operate. For businesses that mix a financial service component with a retail or
other component, only the financial service can be open.
(Added 4/29/2020)

Should I stock up on food, necessities like toilet paper, and on medicines?
No. You will continue to be able to purchase these items. Stores selling necessary
items like grocery stores, pharmacies, and hardware stores will stay open. Please
continue to buy normal quantities of these items on the same schedule you normally
follow. This will ensure that there is enough for everyone.
Does this order disrupt the fuel supply chain? Should I be stocking up on fuel?
What about other essential supply chains, such as food?
The Order does not disrupt California’s fuel supply and fuel providers are open for
business, including:
●
●
●
●
●

Refineries
Pipeline operators
Distribution terminals
Tanker trucks
Fuel wholesalers

In addition, the Order does not disrupt California’s food or hardware supply, and grocery
and hardware stores are open for business.
(Added 4/2/2020)

What if I can’t get out of the home? How can I get supplies and food?
Please contact friends, family, or others you know who can provide support. They are
allowed to pick up the items you need. You can also order food and other supplies and
have them delivered to your home.

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 Can I leave home to go to my church, synagogue, or mosque?
No. For your safety as well as the safety of your fellow worshippers, we need to help
each other fight the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home. Places of worship may
offer remote access to services, such as by emails, video streaming, or teleconference.
How can I buy non-essential products if stores are closed?
Most items can be ordered online and delivered to your home, and many other nonessential items may be available from retailers who primarily sell essential items.
Can I go to a bar, nightclub, or theater?
No. Entertainment venues are not allowed to operate.
Can I go to a restaurant, café, coffee or tea shop, ice cream shop, or other
foodservice location?
Yes, but only to pick up food. You cannot dine, eat, or drink in or around the facility.
These facilities can also deliver.
Can I walk my dog?
Yes, but be sure that you distance yourself at least six feet from all others who are not
part of your household. Use of enclosed dog parks is prohibited, while open spaces
that allow dogs are still open. Also note that the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention has released guidance advising that you should treat pets as you would your
human family members—do not let pets interact with people or animals outside the
household. If a person inside your household becomes sick, isolate that person from
everyone else, including pets.
(Amended 4/29/2020)

Are dog walkers allowed?
If nobody is at home to walk the dog because they work for essential businesses or
provide essential services, or if the dog’s guardians are incapable of walking the dog for
medical reasons, then dog walkers are permitted to walk the dog. Otherwise, dog
walkers are not permitted. Dog walkers should comply with social distancing
requirements—with respect to themselves and the dogs in their care—to the greatest
extent feasible, which may require reducing the number of dogs walked at a time.
Can I go to a vet or pet hospital if my pet is sick?
Yes. Please call first to determine if the vet has any restrictions in place.
Can I take my dog to a groomer?
Veterinary clinics and similar animal healthcare facilities may provide grooming
services, and you may use these services as necessary to maintain the health of your
animals. In addition, in-home care for pets is permitted to continue under the Order.
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 Other grooming services are not allowed to operate.(Added 4/3/2020; Amended 4/20/2020,
4/29/2020)

Can I take my pet to a kennel?
Maybe. Pet kennels (day care and overnight) may operate, but only to provide care to pets of
people who work for an essential business or outdoor businesses, perform minimum basic
operations for a business, work as an essential governmental employee, or are subject to
isolation or quarantine as a result of COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure. Facilities must comply
with all social distancing requirements, including preparation and posting of a social distancing
protocol.
(Added 4/29/2020)

I don’t cook—how can I purchase meals?
Restaurants, cafes, food trucks, and similar establishments are encouraged to remain
open to supply meals to the public via delivery and carryout. You can also purchase
prepared foods at grocery stores, supermarkets, certified farmers’ markets,
convenience stores, and other such food retailers.
How can I access free or reduced-price meals for myself or my family?
Schools, soup kitchens, food banks, and other entities that provide free or reduced
priced food or meals to the public are encouraged to continue providing these services.
You must pick up and take away the food or have it brought to you. Do not eat on the
premises.
Can I carry out a court-ordered visit with my kids?
Yes. The Order exempts travel by court order or law enforcement.
Can I still access necessary items in my self-storage unit?
Self-storage facilities are not essential businesses, but they can maintain minimum
business operations and allow people to access their units to the extent they are
accessing them for medical or related needs, or in furtherance of a pre-scheduled move
permitted by the Order.
(Added 4/2/2020)

Can common recreational spaces in apartment buildings (like gyms and roof
decks) stay open?
No. For apartment dwellers, the Order’s shelter-in-place requirements for the
“household or living unit” means their own apartment unit, not the building or complex
as a whole. Common recreational spaces shared with others in the apartment building
or complex, like apartment gyms, roof decks, barbecue areas, and roof decks, must be
closed like any other public recreational space that contains high-touch equipment or
encourages gathering.

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 (Added 4/6/2020)

What about common areas in apartments, like shared laundry rooms, that
residents need to access for sanitation needs?
Apartment residents should be allowed to access facilities that are required for
household cleaning and sanitation needs. Owners of apartment buildings must
enhance cleaning of high-touch surfaces in these areas, and residents must observe all
social distancing requirements in the Order, including maintaining at least 6 feet of
separation from other people who are not part of their own household; washing their
hands frequently for at least 20 seconds before and after use of the facilities (or using
hand sanitizer); coughing or sneezing into a tissue or sleeve (not their hands); wearing
a face covering when out in public; and avoiding using the laundry facility if they are
sick.
(Added 4/6/2020; Amended 4/29/2020)

FACE COVERINGS
(Section added 4/20/2020)

What if I can’t afford to buy a face covering or can’t find one for sale?
You can use many household goods, including a scarf or a bandana, to make a face
covering. Really all you need is a t-shirt and two rubber bands. No sewing required.
Here’s a how-to video that shows you how to make one:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-facecoverings.html
How do I clean a face covering?
Normally running a non-disposable face covering through the laundry will work. Follow
any care instructions that came with the face covering. More information can be found
online here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diycloth-face-coverings.html.
The Face Covering Order says masks with one-way valves cannot be used. Why
not?
One-way valves, which typically look like a raised plastic disk about the size of a quarter
on the front or side of the mask, allow easy flow of your breath out of the mask when
you exhale. This results in an easy route for airborne droplets to be exhaled, but the
purpose of the face covering is to limit droplets that you expel. For that reason, masks
with one-way valves are not allowed under the Face Covering Order.

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 The Face Covering Order talks about children 2 years old and under not being
allowed to wear a face covering. Why is that?
Children 2 years old and under cannot safely use a face covering. There could be a risk
of suffocation for children so young.
Is a child between 3 and 12 years old required to wear a face covering?
No. Children from 3 to 12 years old may wear a face covering, but it is not
required. Parents and caregivers must supervise use of a face covering by children in
this range in order to avoid misuse. Supervision may look different based on the age
and maturity of the child. For some children, having a discussion may be sufficient. For
younger children, parents and caretakers should be present during use by the
child. Parents and caregivers should use their judgement.
I operate an essential business or another business or facility that is permitted by
the shelter in place order to engage in minimum basic operations or to provide
essential infrastructure. What am I required to do under the Face Covering
Order?
Generally you must ensure that your employees and other staff wear a face covering in
any area when working with the public or in areas where customers or the public may
be present, even if there are no customers or members of the public present at the
time. This is in order to avoid the spreading of respiratory droplets in areas where
customers or the public may be at some point. Employees also must wear masks if coworkers are nearby.
You are also required to post at sign at entrances notifying people that they are not
permitted in without a face covering and that they will not be served if they are not
wearing a face covering. You should also not serve anyone over the age of 12 who is
not wearing a face covering unless they are excused by the Face Covering Order from
wearing a face covering.
What are the reasons that someone is allowed not to wear a face covering in an
essential business or when around other people who are not members of their
own household?
The following are exceptions to the requirements for wearing a face covering when in
essential businesses or when other people are around:
- A child 12 years old or younger;
- A medical professional has advised you that wearing a face covering may pose a risk
to your health, and you have documentation of that advisement;
- Wearing a face covering would create a risk to you related to your work as determined
by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines;
- You have trouble breathing;

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 - You are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the face covering
without assistance;
- You have a physical disability that prevents you from wearing a face covering;
- If you are deaf and use facial and mouth movements as part of communication, you
can remove your mask while signing.
I run an essential business. How do I deal with children who are not wearing a
face covering?
Children between 2 and 12 years old are not required by the Face Covering Order to
wear a face covering, but they also should not jeopardize social distancing for others in
the area. You may ask a parent or caregiver if they have a face covering they can use
for a child. If the child is putting other customers or the public at risk through their
conduct, you can ask the parent or caregiver to prevent that behavior. You may warn
them that they may be told to leave if they cannot prevent the misconduct.
Can I use a plastic Halloween mask for myself or my child as a face covering?
No. Face coverings cannot cover the eyes or forehead. Also, a face covering should
conform with the nose and mouth fairly well, and a rigid plastic mask would not do this.
Am I required to wear a face covering when I’m driving my car?
No, so long as you are the only person in your car or you are with members of your own
household and nobody else. If you operate a taxi, ride-share vehicle, or private town
car, you must always wear a face covering in that vehicle regardless of whether
someone else is in the vehicle in order to avoid breathing droplets that could
contaminate areas where guests or customers will sit and touch.
Am I required to wear a face covering on public transit and while waiting for
public transit?
Yes. A face covering is required of anyone over 12 years old while waiting for or on
public transit, including the operator of the vehicle.
Am I allowed to take my face covering off when I am at work doing an activity
authorized by the stay-at-home order and nobody else is around?
Sometimes. When you are in a private office or other room where members of the
public, customers, or others are not present or are unlikely to be present, you may
remove the face covering. You must wear a face covering when interacting in person in
the same space as others in your office or facility. You must also wear a face covering
in any area where customers or members of the public are likely to be present, even if
they are not there at the time. Employees must wear masks if co-workers are nearby.

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 Do I need to wear a face covering when walking down the street or hiking?
Generally, no, but sometimes you should if you cannot maintain six feet or more of
distance between you and others on the sidewalk or the hiking area. When social
distancing is not possible, you should put on your face covering.
Do I need to wear a face covering when running or bicycling outside?
The Order recommends that you take steps to limit the droplets that you spread when
exercising. When running, biking, or doing other activities outside, you may spread
droplets farther than normal. This makes the 6-foot physical distance less
adequate. You should avoid running or riding directly in front of or behind people or
through groups of people so you don’t expose yourself or others to droplets. You
should have a face covering on you and wear it when you may be too close to others
while engaged in these activities.
Am I required to wear a face covering at home?
No. The Face Covering Order does not require you to wear a face covering at home,
but if you or someone at home is sick, a face covering can be used to reduce
exposure. You should contact your healthcare provider if you or someone in your home
is sick.
I’m going to my doctor or health care provider for an appointment. Am I required
to wear a face covering?
Yes. You should wear a face covering when in an environment with other people you
do not live with. But your health care provider can allow you to remove the face
covering as appropriate in the context for purposes related to your care.
I am unable to wear a face covering due to a health condition or physical
disability, or because I rely on my mouth and face to help communicate (such as
with American Sign Language). Am I required to wear a face covering?
Generally no. The Face Covering Order contains exceptions for health conditions or for
those with difficulty breathing. For someone who relies on the visibility of their mouth to
help communicate (such as with American Sign Language), a face covering should be
used when not communicating. For someone with a long-term condition that makes it
impossible to wear a face covering, you should consult with your healthcare provider for
advice on how to best protect yourself and others when in public. You should also get
documentation from a medical professional showing they have advised you to not wear
a face covering.

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 HEALTHCARE OPERATIONS
What should I do if I’m sick? If I or a family member need immediate medical
attention, can I leave home to go to the doctor or hospital?
Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you are experiencing a medical emergency. If
you are feeling sick, first call your doctor, a nurse hotline, or an urgent care center
before going to the hospital. Do not go to the emergency room of a hospital unless you
are having an actual emergency. But you can and should seek medical advice if you or
a family member is sick. If it is not an emergency, please contact your primary care
provider to determine next steps. Also, you can check online resources to help you
assess symptoms if you are worried about whether you or a loved one has COVID-19.
You should check https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html for more
information.
Can I get my prescriptions or other healthcare needs? Can I leave home to go to
the pharmacy to get my prescription filled?
Yes. Drug stores and other medical supply stores are allowed and encouraged to
operate. When possible, you should have prescription medicines and healthcare
supplies delivered to your home.
I have a doctor’s appointment next week for routine medical care or an elective
procedure. Can I go to that appointment?
Probably not. Under a separate order (Order No. C19-08), the Health Officer has
ordered all medical providers (such as doctors, dentists, and ophthalmologists) and
healing arts practitioners (such as massage therapists, chiropractors, and
acupuncturists) to postpone routine appointments and elective surgeries except in
certain situations. You should contact your healthcare provider to discuss whether your
appointment or procedure can be postponed without a negative medical or health
impact on you. If so, it should be postponed or conducted remotely. Even if your
appointment is essential and cannot be postponed, your appointment should occur
remotely if possible. Medical providers and healing arts practitioners can only permit an
essential, in-person appointment after doing a screening of you by phone in advance for
symptoms and following protective Social Distancing Requirements.
(Added 4/2/2020)

Can I still go to my mental health or counseling appointments?
Probably not in person, but you can participate remotely. Under a separate order
(Order No. C19-08), the Health Officer has ordered all counselors, including
psychologists, marriage and family therapist, and licensed clinical social workers, to
postpone in-person routine counseling appointments or conduct them by phone or
videoconference. You should contact your mental health provider or counselor to

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 discuss whether your appointment can be held via phone or videoconference, can be
postponed, or should proceed in person.
(Added 4/2/2020)

What mental health resources are available for people experiencing distress?
People who may be experiencing distress or heightened anxiety right now can contact
the Peer-Run Warm Line for Coronavirus (COVID-19) Support 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week at 855-845-7415. Additional resources, including online support, are available
here. If you are experiencing an emergency please call 911 immediately.
(Added 4/12/2020)

What should I do if I am experiencing domestic violence?
In an emergency, call 911. If it is not safe to call 911, you can text to 911. Other nonemergency resources include:







National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
W.O.M.A.N., Inc. Crisis Line: 415-864-4722
La Casa de las Madres Crisis Line (Adult Line): 1-877-503-1850
La Casa de las Madres Crisis Line (Teen Line): 1-877-923-0700
Asian Women’s Shelter Crisis Line: 1-877-751-0880
Saint Vincent de Paul Society—Riley Center Crisis Line: 415-255-0165

Additionally, the San Francisco Police Department’s Special Victim’s Unit has an on-call
team 24/7 and is reachable at 415-553-9225.
(Added 4/12/2020)

Can I still go to my substance abuse treatment groups (e.g. Alcoholics
Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous) or other group counseling sessions?
Yes. But all participants in group counseling services should attend meetings remotely if
they are equipped to do so. Groups should make accommodations for remote support
to the maximum extent feasible. If remote participation is not feasible or advisable under
the circumstances, participation may occur in person provided that there is compliance
with the social distancing requirements set forth in the Order, including maintaining at
least 6 foot distance between individuals and capping group size to reduce in-person
interactions.
Can and should I donate blood if I am healthy?
Yes, blood banks, blood donation centers, and blood drives are exempt health care
operations. If you are healthy and do not have COVID-19 symptoms, you are
encouraged to donate. The need for adequate blood donations from healthy people is
critical.

Rev. 4/29/2020

15

 Should cafeterias in hospitals be closed?
No. Hospital cafeterias fall within the exemption for healthcare facilities and may remain
open. Hospital cafeterias must be structured to ensure six-foot minimum distancing
between non-related individuals picking up food from or eating in the facility. Hospital
cafeterias should increase cleaning and sanitization to minimize risk of exposure and
follow other Social Distancing Requirements specified in the Order to the maximum
extent feasible. Cafeterias in all other facilities must follow the requirements in the
Order – specifically, food can be carried out or delivered, but cannot be eaten in the
cafeteria.
I work in a hospital or medical clinic, but I’m not sure I’m essential. Should I
continue to work? What if I’m over 60?
Yes. All employees of hospitals, clinics, and other organizations that provide health
care, provide services to healthcare organizations, provide needed supplies to health
care organizations, or otherwise maintain health care operations of all kinds may
continue working.
The Health Order does not advise or encourage health care workers over 60 to stop
reporting to work.
What if I am diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus or have been exposed to
someone who was?
If you have been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus, you will need to be isolated to
protect those around you. If you were exposed to someone who was diagnosed with
the COVID-19 virus, you should quarantine for the recommended time in order to not
expose others if you happen to have the virus yourself. Contact your healthcare
provider if you have additional questions, or go to the DPH website at www.sfdph.org.
(Added 4/2/2020)

CARETAKING AND EDUCATION
Can I visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facility, or
other residential care facility?
Generally, no. There are limited exceptions, such as if you are going to the hospital
with a minor who is under 18 years old or someone who is developmentally disabled
and needs assistance. For most other situations, other existing Orders of the Health
Officer addressing this emergency prohibit non-necessary visitation to these kinds of
facilities. If you need to know more, please contact the facility you want to visit by
phone before you leave. This is difficult, but it is necessary in order to protect hospital
staff and other patients.

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16

 Can I leave home to care for my elderly parents or friends who require assistance
to care for themselves? Or a friend or family member who has disabilities?
Yes. But be extremely cautious when providing care to vulnerable people and ensure
that you protect them and yourself by following social distancing guidelines such as
washing hands before and after, using hand sanitizer, maintaining at least 6 feet of
distance when possible, wearing a face covering, and coughing or sneezing into a
tissue.
(Amended 4/29/2020)

Are childcare facilities allowed to operate?
As of May 4, childcare establishments, and schools or recreational institutions can
operate to provide childcare or supervision to enable people to work for an essential
business or outdoor businesses, perform minimum basic operations for a business, or
work as an essential governmental employee.
Childcare facilities need to comply with the following conditions in the Order to the
extent possible:
1. Childcare must be carried out in stable groups of 12 or fewer (“stable” means that
the same 12 or fewer children are in the same group each day).
2. Children shall not change from one group to another.
3. If more than one group of children is cared for at one facility, each group shall be
in a separate room. Groups shall not mix with each other.
4. Childcare providers shall remain solely with one group of children.
(Amended 4/29/2020)

I am a nanny. Will I get in trouble if I go to work?
You won’t get in trouble if you go to work. The Order allows nannies and childcare
providers caring for a child in the child’s own home to continue working.

BUSINESSES
Will all business offices and stores be required to close?
No. “Essential businesses” may keep their facilities open (and are strongly encouraged
to keep them open) to continue providing essential services and products to the
public. In addition, as of May 4, “Outdoor Businesses” are allowed to keep their
facilities open. Employees may leave home to go to jobs at these businesses. But all
businesses, including essential ones, are required to maximize the number of

Rev. 4/29/2020

17

 employees working from home and bring in only those employees who can’t carry out
their job duties from home.
Non-essential businesses must cease all activities at their facilities within San
Francisco, except to provide minimum basic operations, such as maintaining the value
of a business’s inventory, keeping the business site safe and secure, ensuring that
employees are able to work remotely, or providing for the delivery of existing inventory
to residences or businesses. Employees may otherwise work from home.
(Amended 4/29/2020)

What if my business is not considered an essential business or (as of May 4) an
outdoor business? Does this Order require that I shut down my business
facility?
Yes, it does, except for the following “Minimum Basic Operations,” which are defined in
the following excerpt from the Order:
i.

The minimum necessary activities to maintain and protect the value of the
business’s inventory and facilities; ensure security, safety, and sanitation;
process payroll and employee benefits; provide for the delivery of existing
inventory directly to residences or businesses; and related functions. For
clarity, this section does not permit businesses to provide curbside pickup to
customers.

ii.

The minimum necessary activities to facilitate owners, employees, and
contractors of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their
residences, and to ensure that the business can deliver its service remotely.

Other than to maintain minimum basic operations, your employees can only work
remotely from their residences. Any employees who are onsite must strictly follow the
Order’s social distancing requirements, including maintaining a distance of six feet from
one another (unless incompatible with the job duty), frequently washing hands with soap
and water for at least 20 seconds or using an effective hand sanitizer, covering coughs
and sneezes, wearing a face covering, and avoiding all social interaction outside the
household when sick with a fever or cough.
(Amended 4/29/2020)

I have been told by City officials that my business has to temporarily shut down
or change its operations under the Order. Can I appeal this decision?
A business can request reconsideration of a directive to temporarily shut down or
change its operations by emailing HealthOrderAppeals@sfcityatty.org. The email
should include: the name of the business and its street address; the business’s
manager/contact (along with a direct telephone number and email address); the
directive the business was given and the name of the City official who communicated it
to the business; and an explanation of why the business believes the directive was
Rev. 4/29/2020

18

 mistaken, with reference(s) to the relevant provision(s) of the San Francisco Health
Officer Order.
(Added 4/24/2020)

I operate an indoor store that sells only non-essential goods (for example, books,
records, games, jewelry, or apparel). Can I continue to sell products to customers
at my storefront?
No. If you do not sell a significant amount of essential goods like food, hygiene, or
cleaning products, you cannot keep your storefront open, you cannot have people
(employees or customers) in your store, and you cannot allow customers to pick up
orders or be served curbside or “at the door.” Your store may ship or deliver items
directly to customers’ residences. Beyond making items available for delivery, you can
only maintain minimum basic operations, such as store security and safeguarding your
inventory.
(Added 4/7/2020; Amended 4/29/2020)

I work for a large technology company that provides products and services that
the public needs to access critical services. Is my company being completely
shut down?
No. But most employees of these companies need to work from home. The only
employees of these companies who can go to work are: (i) employees who are needed
to maintain the minimum basic operations described in the Order; or (ii) employees who
are needed to work onsite to operate, maintain, or repair Essential Infrastructure (i.e.,
essential global, national, and local infrastructure for internet, computing services,
business infrastructure, communications, and web-based services for the community)
and who cannot perform their work duties from home.
Any employees who are onsite must strictly follow the Order’s social distancing
requirements, including maintaining a distance of six feet from one another (unless
incompatible with the job duty), frequently washing hands with soap and water for at
least 20 seconds or using an effective hand sanitizer, covering coughs and sneezes,
wearing a face covering, and avoiding all social interaction outside the household when
sick with a fever or cough.
(Amended 4/29/2020)

Does the Order require that businesses stop work that is necessary to our
healthcare system?
No. The Order exempts any business that is performing work related to the delivery of
health care, including hospitals, clinics, COVID-19 testing locations, dentists,
pharmacies, blood banks and blood drives, pharmaceutical and biotechnology
companies, other healthcare facilities, healthcare suppliers, home healthcare services

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19

 providers, mental health providers, and veterinary care and all healthcare services
provided to animals.
Are non-profit organizations allowed to continue operating?
Yes, if they provide essential services (or as of May 4, run an outdoor business) as
described in the Order. This would include non-profits operating food pantries,
providing housing for homeless residents, and providing other critical services. Nonprofit organizations that do not provide essential services cannot continue operating
their facilities, except to provide minimum basic operations, such as maintaining the
value of inventory, keeping the site safe and secure, providing for the delivery of
existing inventory to residences or businesses, or ensuring that employees are able to
work remotely. All employees may also work remotely from their residences.
All employees must strictly comply with the Order’s social distancing requirements,
including maintaining a distance of at least six feet from one another (unless closer
contact is necessary for their work), frequently washing hands with soap and water for
at least 20 seconds or using an effective hand sanitizer, covering coughs and sneezes,
wearing a face covering, and avoiding all social interaction outside the household when
sick with a fever or cough.
(Amended 4/29/2020)

What if some of the work my business does at its facility is essential and some is
non-essential?
Businesses that include an Essential Business component at their facilities alongside
non-essential components must scale down their in-person operations to the Essential
Business component only. For instance, if 20% of manufacturing capacity in your
business is devoted to essential products, and 80% of capacity is devoted to nonessential products, you can only operate at 20% capacity. The one exception to this
rule is that retail businesses that sell a significant amount of essential products like food,
personal hygiene, and consumer household products may keep their entire retail
storefronts open even if some of the products they sell are non-essential.
I operate a “big box store” that sells some clothing in addition to groceries and
personal hygiene products. Can I keep open the part of my store that sells
clothing?
Yes. If your store sells a significant amount of groceries and hygiene products, you can
keep your entire store open.
I operate a store that mainly sells non-essential goods, but also sells a small
amount of essential goods like food and hygiene products. Can I continue to sell
products to customers at my storefront?

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20

 No. If you do not sell a significant amount of goods like food, hygiene, or cleaning
products, you cannot keep your storefront open. Your store can deliver items directly to
customers’ residences, but you cannot have people in your store and you cannot allow
customers to pick up orders or be served curbside or “at the door.” Beyond making
items available for delivery, you can only maintain minimum basic operations, such as
store security and safeguarding your inventory.
(Amended 4/6/2020)

Under the Order, convenience stores, liquor stores, and other similar types of
establishments can stay open if a “significant” portion of the inventory they sell
to the public consists of food, hygienic products, or household products
necessary for the sanitation, habitability, and operation of a residence. What is a
“significant” portion?
These storefronts may stay open if at least 25% of the floor area used for product sales
is used for food, hygienic products, and/or household consumer products necessary for
personal hygiene or the habitability, sanitation, or operation of residences.
(Added 4/7/2020)

Can bike repair shops continue to operate?
Yes, bike repair shops are treated as an essential business (the same as auto repair
shops) because they are necessary to facilitate essential travel.
Can my company continue to provide janitorial services to businesses?
Yes, janitorial services are allowed because they are necessary for health and
sanitation.
Can grocery stores, farmers markets, and other food retailers remain open?
Yes. Grocery stores, certified farmers’ markets, farm and produce stands,
supermarkets, food banks, convenience stores, and other food retail establishments
selling foods items and non-alcoholic drinks are encouraged to stay open to provide
food items and pet supplies to the public. When visiting these places, you must help the
retailer maintain Social Distancing Requirements, including while you are shopping and
standing in line. They are also required to prepare, post and implement a Social
Distancing Protocol.

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21

 What best practices should farmers’ markets follow to reduce the risk of
transmission?
Spacing:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

All vendors are spaced at least 6 feet apart from one another. As each booth is at
least a 10ft square, this offers 16 feet between the start of one tent and the start
of another.
All vendors are required to put a physical barrier (such as caution tape) between
them and the produce they are selling.
No produce sampling.
No seating.
All prepared foods must be served to go.
Customers ask a staff person at the booth for pre-bagged or bunched items, and
then it is handed to the customer in a bag--no self selection of produce.
Chalk demarcations on the ground to indicate where shoppers should stand
behind others, while waiting to purchase produce.
Any seller who does not abide by these requirements will not be allowed to sell
product.

Signage
•
•

Posting signage at each stand about the Public Health Order in multiple
languages
Prepare, post and implement a Social Distancing Protocol

Sanitation
•
•
•

Whenever possible, someone else at a farm booth handles the payment so that
money is only being handled by one staff person who is not then touching
produce.
Staff and sellers are required to wear gloves.
Provide handwashing stations throughout the market with soap and warm water
and tissues.

Security (crowd control)
•

Have security to ensure social distancing of patrons.

(Added 4/2/2020)

Can I operate my liquor store?
You may keep your liquor store open if it also sells a significant amount of products like
food, household cleaning items, or personal hygiene items. Under a Mayor emergency
order, they must close by 8 p.m.

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22

 I am in the business of manufacturing food that I supply to grocery stores and
other food retailers. Am I required to shut down?
No. Businesses that supply food goods and prepared meals to grocery stores and other
food retailers are essential and may continue operating.
Can warehouses and distribution centers that supply essential businesses stay
open?
Yes, but only to the extent they support or supply those essential businesses.
Warehouses and distribution centers should minimize the number of employees onsite
and strictly comply with all social distancing requirements in the Order.
Can plant stores and nurseries stay open?
Beginning on May 4, plant nurseries that qualify as “Outdoor Businesses” under the
Order may open. Plant stores and nurseries that are not “Outdoor Businesses” may
stay open to the extent they provide seeds and materials for food cultivation but, to the
extent feasible, they should scale down their in-store operations to this essential
business component only. Plant stores and nurseries that stay open must comply with
all social distancing requirements, including preparation and posting of a social
distancing protocol. Plant stores and nurseries may also deliver directly to residences
and businesses, and may have someone physically on site to water and care for the
plants as part of their minimum basic operations.
(Added 4/3/2020; Amended 4/29/2020)

May a manufacturer that has changed its business function to begin producing
essential products for medical facilities to help address the pandemic operate as
an essential business?
Yes. Companies that are changing their business function to produce surgical masks,
personal protective equipment, sanitizing products, or other essential products for
medical facilities to help address the pandemic can operate to set up and perform these
functions. They must comply with all social distancing requirements including the
preparation and posting of a social distancing protocol.
(Added 4/3/2020)

I operate a large retail store selling largely non-essential items, but we also sell
some goods that essential businesses need to operate. Can I keep my retail store
open as an essential business that supplies other essential businesses?
No. Businesses that supply other essential businesses with the support or supplies
they need to operate can remain open only for the purpose of supplying those essential
businesses. They cannot stay open to keep making sales to the general public from
retail storefronts.
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23

 What if I want to go to work at a physical location in San Francisco and I’m not
sick?
Unless your work is exempted in the Order, you cannot go to work at a physical location
even if you want to. You can work from home for any business if your employer allows
it and your work can be done from home.
I operate a business that is required to close—can my business deliver things to
people’s homes?
Yes, non-essential businesses may maintain minimum basic operations. This includes
making deliveries of existing inventory to people’s homes.
Can gardening and landscaping services continue?
Until May 4, arborist, landscaping, and gardening services can continue only if they are
necessary to maintain the habitability, sanitation, operation of businesses or residences,
or the safety of residents, employees, or the public (such as fire safety or tree trimming
to prevent a dangerous condition). Landscaping services for cosmetic purposes or
general upkeep have to stop.
Beginning on May 4, Arborists, landscapers, gardeners, and similar service professionals

can operate as outdoor businesses, as that term is defined in the Order, but they must
strictly comply with social distancing requirements.
(Added 4/29/2020)

Can home service workers continue to provide their services?
Beginning on May 4, home service workers—like plumbers, electricians, and
exterminators—can keep providing services that are necessary to maintain a livable,
sanitary, and functional household, as well as services that are attendant to a
construction project. Home-based care for children, adults, seniors, and pets is also
allowed under the Order.
(Amended 4/29/2020)

Can my pool maintenance company come to my house or business?
Yes, so long as the service is necessary to maintain safety and sanitation. Allowable
operations include routine maintenance work like cleaning, chemical balancing and
adjustments, and filtration (necessary to, for instance, prevent pool algae from
blooming) and safety-oriented repairs.
(Added 4/3/2020)

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24

 Can real estate agents show residences or commercial properties in person?
Generally, no. Real estate agents, escrow agents, and other service providers that
facilitate real estate transactions like home sales, apartment rentals, and (beginning on
May 4, commercial properties) are essential workers, but all appointments and viewings
must happen virtually (via video or livestream). If a virtual viewing is not possible, then
a single photographer or videographer is permitted to visit the property once to take
photographs and/or video. This should be done at a time when the occupant is not
present in the residence. If these options are not possible, then in-person showings can
occur by appointment with no more than two visitors at a time from the same household,
and only one agent showing the property. In-person showings or walk-throughs are not
allowed when the occupant is present in the residence. Commercial viewings (which
can commence on May 4), should be limited to the minimum number of persons
possible.
(Amended 4/29/2020)

Are the following people permitted to operate under the Order as service
providers that enable residential transactions:


Real estate inspectors and appraisers?
Yes, inspectors and appraisers are necessary to enable residential real estate
transactions to occur.



Real estate photographers?
Yes, real estate photographers are necessary to enable virtual viewings and
marketing to occur.



Real estate stagers?
No, stagers are not necessary to enable residential real estate transactions.

(Added 4/24/2020)

Can I move into a new house/apartment?
Until May 4, you can move into a new house or apartment only in a few circumstances:





If the move was pre-planned and it is not possible to defer it;
If the move is necessary to preserve access to shelter;
If the move is necessary to avoid domestic violence or child abuse;
If the move is necessitated by safety, sanitation, or habitability reasons.

Beginning on May 4, residential moves are allowed under the Order.

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25

 If moving into or out of the Bay Area region, individuals are strongly urged to quarantine
for 14 days.
(Added 4/6/2020; Amended 4/29/2020)

I am a landlord for a unit where each of the tenants has a separate lease for a
bedroom, and they share living, dining, and bathroom space. One of the
bedrooms is vacant, and the others are occupied. Can I execute a lease and move
in a new tenant into the vacant room?
No. Involuntary changes to the members of a household, or to the composition of
individuals in a dormitory or shared bedroom setting, are not permitted at this time.
(Added 4/7/2020)

Can notaries public continue to operate?
Yes.
Can pawn shops continue to operate?
Pawn shops may continue to operate under the following conditions:
1. All facilities and stores entrances must remain locked at all times, except to allow
employees and customers to enter and exit the facility;
2. The facility or store must be closed to the general public, except for customers
who have made an appointment;
3. Operations must be limited to financial and lending services (e.g. issuing loans,
modifying existing loans, or redemption of items in loan)—retail sales are not
permitted;
4. All employees must wear gloves and masks during operations, except as
required to examine items and comply with California Pawn & Secondhand
Dealer Systems (CAPSS) reporting requirements;
5. All facilities and stores must make reasonable efforts to provide for contactless
transactions or, if not feasible to do so, must the providing of employees and
customers hand sanitizers and disinfecting all countertops, bins, payment portals,
pens, and pawned items after each interaction with a client.
6. The facility or store must comply with all social distancing requirements, including
creating and posting a social distancing protocol.
(Added 4/6/2020; Amended 4/29/2020)

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26

 Are cannabis dispensaries allowed to operate?
Yes. Because cannabis has several medicinal purposes and is an essential medical
treatment for many City residents, cannabis dispensaries are permitted to remain open,
but only for delivery or takeaway. Cannabis dispensaries shall not permit products to be
used or consumed on-site. In addition, while travel to and from cannabis dispensaries to
pick up products is permitted, individuals are strongly encouraged to have cannabis
products delivered to their home instead of obtaining them on-site. If in-store pickup is
required, to the greatest extent feasible, dispensaries and patrons must comply with
social distancing requirements, including by maintaining six-foot social distancing for
both employees and members of the public, including any customers standing in line.
Can recreational cannabis be purchased on a “take-out” basis?
Yes, although dispensary patrons are strongly encouraged to have cannabis products
delivered to their home instead of obtaining them on-site.
Can I have cannabis delivered to my home?
Yes. The Order allows businesses to deliver products to people’s residences, and a
separate Health Order encourages people to obtain those products by delivery.
What is an outdoor business? What requirements apply to them?
An outdoor business is a business that was primarily operating outdoors prior to March
16, 2020, and that has the ability to fully maintain social distancing of at least six feet
between all persons. For retail businesses, this means that more than 50% of the total
floor area regularly used for product sales was outdoors prior to March 16, 2020. The
Order provides some examples of common outdoor businesses, such as plant
nurseries, agricultural operations, and landscaping and gardening services. Outdoor
businesses, including outdoor retail businesses, must conduct all business and
transactions involving members of the public in outdoor spaces. This means that if an
outdoor business includes an indoor facility or indoor portion of its retail space that
typically serves the public, that indoor facility or indoor portion of retail space must be
closed to the public and all sales must take place outdoors. Employees may continue to
use the indoor space as necessary and may bring products outdoors for the public.
Outdoor businesses must comply with the Order’s social distancing requirements and
post a social distancing protocol.
(Added 4/29/2020)

Are auto dealerships now allowed to serve customers from their facilities under
this new Order?
Beginning on May 4, auto dealerships that qualify as an “outdoor business,” as that term
is defined in the Order, may serve retail customers from their facilities. (All auto
dealerships may provide supply and repair services.)
Rev. 4/29/2020

27

 (Added 4/29/2020)

Are car washes allowed to continue operating under the Order? What if they are
no-touch car washes?
Beginning on May 4, car washes that qualify as outdoor businesses under the Order
may open.
(Added 4/29/2020)

Can auto dealerships that are not “outdoor businesses” sell cars online and
deliver them to people’s homes?
Yes. The Order allows businesses to deliver products to people’s residences. But car
dealerships cannot sell or lease cars in-person.
I work in a cemetery-- can I go to work?
Yes, cemeteries are essential infrastructure.
Are funeral home providers and mortuaries allowed to continue operating?
Yes, funeral home providers and mortuaries may continue operating to the extent
necessary to the transport, preparation, or processing of remains. This means that any
employee necessary for the transport, preparation and/or processing of a body may
continue to report to these facilities to conduct their work.
Are office supply stores, stationary stores, and art supply stores essential
businesses since they supply products needed for people to work from home?
No. Businesses that supply products needed for people to work from home are no
longer classified as essential businesses in the new order. Accordingly, they must
temporarily close retail locations within the City, but they may deliver directly to
residences and businesses and continue minimum basic operations.
(Added 4/3/2020)

My business manufactures, supplies, or repairs cell phones. Can it stay open?
Yes. If your business is primarily engaged in supply or repair of cell phones or other
telecommunications devices, then it is essential and may continue to operate under the
Order for that purpose.
(Added 4/29/2020)

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28

 CONSTRUCTION AND ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
For detailed information on construction, renovation, and essential infrastructure,
see here.
(Amended 4/6/2020)

GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Is the local government shutting down?
No. Essential governmental functions will continue, including first responders,
emergency management personnel, emergency dispatchers, and law
enforcement. Other governmental functions or offices may be subject to reduced
schedules or may be closed as part of the effort to fight the spread of COVID-19. Each
government agency identifies the services that qualify as Essential Governmental
Functions, and designates the personnel who will continue providing those functions.
I work for the government—Can I continue to go to work?
As a government employee, you can continue to go to work if your employer designates
you as an essential employee. Each governmental agency is responsible for
determining which of its workers are essential workers.
Can I get a building permit or building inspection from the Department of Building
Inspection for my construction project, or make sure my business gets the Fire
Department’s fire safety and hazmat inspection that I need to keep operating?
Contact the relevant city agency to determine if it is still providing the service you need
as an essential governmental function.
TRAVEL AND RECREATION
I don’t have a car. Can I ride the bus or train, or can I get a ride in my favorite
ride-share/on-demand car service or a taxi?
Yes, but public transit, ride-hailing services, or any other way of traveling can only be
used for essential travel, which means:
i.

ii.

Travel related to the provision of or access to essential activities, essential
governmental functions, essential businesses, minimum basic operations,
Outdoor Activities, and Outdoor Businesses.
Travel to care for any elderly, minors, dependents, or persons with
disabilities.

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29

 iii.
iv.
v.
vi.

vii.
viii.
ix.
x.
xi.

Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials
for distance learning, for receiving meals, and any other related services.
Travel to return to a place of residence from outside the City.
Travel required by law enforcement or court order.
Travel required for non-residents to return to their place of residence outside
the County. Individuals are strongly encouraged to verify that their
transportation out of the County remains available and functional prior to
commencing such travel..
Travel to manage after-death arrangements and burial.
Travel to arrange for shelter or avoid homelessness.
Travel to avoid domestic violence or child abuse.
Travel for parental custody arrangements.
Travel to a place to temporarily reside in a residence or other facility to avoid
potentially exposing others to COVID-19, such as a hotel or other facility
provided by a governmental authority for such purposes.

When you are on public transit, you must follow the Order’s social distancing
requirements to the greatest extent feasible, including maintaining a distance of six feet
from everyone outside your household or living unit, frequently washing hands with
soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an effective hand sanitizer, covering
coughs and sneezes, wearing a face covering, and avoiding all social interaction
outside the household when sick with a fever or cough.
When you use ride-share services for essential travel, keep in mind that you should
avoid as much as possible being in close quarters in a vehicle that has been used by
lots of other people.
(Amended 4/29/2020)

Can I use a bike from a bike-share service?
Yes, you can use shared bikes and scooters for essential travel, such as commuting to
work as an essential employee. But keep in mind that shared bikes and scooters are
not routinely sanitized. Take precautions, including bringing sanitization wipes, not
touching your face while on the bike or scooter, and washing your hands for at least 20
seconds immediately after.
Am I allowed to commute into or out of the City for work or daily activities?
Yes, but only to perform essential activities or essential government functions, operate
an essential business, or perform minimum basic operations at a non-essential
business, as those terms are defined in the Order. You can also leave to go back home
or engage in other essential travel. Otherwise, the answer is no because that puts you
and others in the community at risk. Keep in mind that Health Officers in neighboring
counties have issued the same or similar shelter-in-place orders.

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 If I’m outside San Francisco travelling for vacation or business, am I allowed to
come home?
Yes, the Order allows you to come home. But you may need to self-isolate for 14 days
if you were possibly exposed to COVID-19.
I’m staying overnight here but live elsewhere. Can I go home?
Yes, you can leave the City to return home, but you are urged to self-isolate upon
returning home.
The Order prohibits non-essential travel on foot or bike – can I still go on a walk
or take a bike ride?
Yes. The Order allows you to go outside for exercise activities like walking and running,
as long as you strictly follow social distancing requirements, including maintaining a
distance of at least six feet from everyone outside your household or living unit.
I get anxious when I’m cooped up inside. Am I allowed to go on a hike? Can I go
to a park or open space?
Yes. Spending time outside improves mood and well-being, and is particularly
beneficial to children. You can go for walks, go to the park, and enjoy other outdoor
activities. But operators of parks, beaches, and other open spaces may restrict entry,
close certain areas, or close the whole facility altogether if the Health Officer orders
those measures to reduce crowding and limit risk of COVID-19 exposure.
While you’re on a hike or enjoying an open space area, you must strictly follow social
distancing requirements, including maintaining a distance of at least six feet from
everyone outside your household or living unit.
Can I leave home to work out?
If you will be outdoors and not in close contact with other people, and will not be using
equipment that other people outside your household have touched, yes. Otherwise,
no. Fitness centers, gyms, recreational centers, fitness equipment at parks, climbing
walls, tennis courts, basketball courts, swimming pools, and other shared sports
facilities are closed.
(Amended 4/29/2020)

Can golf courses reopen under the new Order?
Outdoor recreation facilities that are not expressly prohibited by the Order, such as golf
courses, skate parks, and athletic fields, are permitted to open only if they comply with
any restrictions on access and use that are established by the Health Officer, another
government agency, or other entity that manages such area to reduce crowding and risk
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 of transmission of COVID-19. It is our understating, that as of April 29, 2020, the
California State Public Health Officer is not permitting golf courses to be open.
(Added 4/29/2020)

What are the requirements for engaging in outdoor activities under the new
Order?
The general requirements for outdoor activities with individuals not from the same
household are:
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No physical contact.
No shared balls or other equipment.
No use of common high touch surfaces in facilities.
No team sports or spectating at any sporting event or recreation activity.
Must abide by Social Distancing Requirements.
Follow recommendations in Face Covering Order.
Must separately confirm the activity is permitted under the State’s shelter in place
order.
If the activity is performed at a facility, the facility must adopt and post a Social
Distancing Protocol including appropriate signage.
Outdoor recreation activities permitted under the order must conform to any
restrictions on access and use established by the Health Officer, government, or
other entity that manages such area to reduce crowding and risk of transmission
of COVID-19. Such restrictions may include, but are not limited to, restricting the
number of entrants, closing the area to vehicular access and parking, or closure
to all public access. In the event that too many people engage in permitted
activities in close proximity, they may be directed to spread out or leave to avoid
high-risk situations.

Outdoor activities that include close physical contact or the use of shared equipment
solely by members of the same household or living unit, such as tossing or kicking a ball
back and forth on a field, are permitted in groups of six or fewer.
(Added 4/29/2020)

What outdoor recreation activities are permitted under the new Order?
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Walking, jogging, or running;
Hiking;
Walking dogs on leash;
Sunbathing or picnicking (but not at picnic benches or tables) when sufficient
distance is maintained at all times between members of a household and others
not in the same household;

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Bicycling;
Golf;
Swimming, surfing, or paddling in the ocean or lakes;
Boating, kayaking, and sculling (but only in craft used solely individuals or if by
more than one individual, only by members of one household);
Paddle boarding, kitesurfing and windsurfing (with the individual’s own
equipment);
Skateboarding, including at a skate-park;
Roller-skating and roller-blading;
Archery ranges;
Tai Chi, yoga, or other activities that can be done with social distancing;
Bird watching;
Kite flying;
Fishing, including fly casting (as long as social distancing can be maintained at
all times, and there is no sharing of equipment, including rods, reels, tackle or
bait); and
Individual equestrian activities.

(Added 4/29/2020)

Can tennis courts reopen under the new order? How about basketball courts?
No. Listed below are examples of activities not permitted to be done and facilities not
permitted to be open under the order (both indoors and outdoors). Also, areas and
facilities for such activities must be closed to public access including by signage and, as
appropriate, by physical barriers facilities for such activities, but may be repurposed and
open for other activities that are otherwise allowed under order. The prohibited
activities and facilities include:
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Tennis and other racquet sports;
Swimming in pools, including lane swimming;
Gyms and fitness centers;
Spas pools, saunas and steam rooms;
Basketball;
Baseball and softball;
Football;
Volleyball;
Lacrosse;
Soccer;
Kickball;
Rugby;
Wrestling;

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Martial arts (karate, taekwondo, jiu jitsu, etc.);
Disc sports where multiple people outside a household touch the disc;
Playgrounds;
Gym equipment;
Climbing walls and gyms;
Picnic benches and tables;
Barbeque areas;
Enclosed dog parks (but dog parks that are not enclosed are allowed subject to
social distancing and any requirements or limitations imposed by the City for use
for such areas, including on-leash or voice command restrictions, in light of
current CDC recommendations regarding the risk of transmission of the virus
between dogs and from dogs to humans, see
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html);
Field or ice hockey;
Ice skating;
Roller skating in an enclosed area;
Bocce ball;
Cricket;
Team crew;
Recreational fishing party boats (where social distancing cannot be maintained at
all times and there are common use facilities, such as a bathroom)
Water polo or other team water sports;
Bowling;
Gymnastic or trampoline activities with shared equipment; and
Track and field or other competition events involving group of people or where
equipment used by an individual is not disinfected between each user.

These activities are allowed by members of the same household or living unit in groups
of six or fewer.
(Added 4/29/2020)

Can I take my kids to the playground?
No. Recreational areas with equipment that lots of people touch or areas where people
gather close together, like playgrounds and picnic areas, must be closed and you
cannot use them while the Order is in effect. You can take your kids to the park or other
areas to run around in open spaces, or bring your own sports equipment to an open
space as long as it is used only by members of your own household and not shared with
other people.

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