San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed and Director of Health Dr. Grant Colfax today announced new health guidance that provides the public with information and resources on how to be as safe as possible if interacting with people outside their households, with the goal of continuing the effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Although the Stay Home Order is still in place, San Francisco recognizes that people may be starting to see family and friends again and is using a harm reduction model to provide guidance on the safest ways to do so.

Because San Franciscans have so carefully followed public health guidance to date, San Francisco continues to flatten the curve and is slowly and safely reopening as it meets key health indicators, in alignment with state guidance. 

“Connecting with friends and family is one of the ways we will get through this health crisis together, but we have to be smart and vigilant,” said Mayor Breed. “San Franciscans have made enormous sacrifices in order to slow the spread of COVID-19, and as we gradually and safely reopen the City, we must follow all of the guidance from our health experts to keep the progress going. We all have to work together to adjust to this new normal until we have a vaccine, and today’s guidance gives our residents information they can use to stay safe if they choose to see their friends and family.”

“Staying home continues to be the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, Director of Health. “We recognize that as the Stay Home Order continues, following it can be hard on San Franciscans’ mental health. Our hope is that these guidelines can help all of us make smart decisions about balancing the risks and benefits of limited interactions with people outside our households.”

San Francisco’s reopening plan is aligned with the State’s guidelines and is based on a San Francisco-specific risk model to control the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health. As the City allows additional activities and businesses to resume over the next few months, the Department of Public Health will issue additional guidance. For now, the public should follow this new guidance while continuing to wear face coverings, wash hands frequently, and stay at least 6 feet from people outside their households. 

Guidance for Safer Social Interactions

The first step when considering a social interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic is to assess your risk and the risk of your loved ones. If you or someone in your household is over the age of 60 or living with a chronic health condition such as diabetes or lung disease, the risk of an interaction increases.

If you choose to interact with people outside your household, you can make it safer by:

• Doing the activity outdoors.
• Staying 6 feet apart and wearing a face covering.
• Avoiding the use of shared objects like utensils and toys.
• Limiting the number of households and people involved.
• Staying home if you are feeling unwell – especially if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms like fever, cough, or fatigue.

For more detailed guidance for limited social interactions, go to SF.gov/safersocializing. 

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