California exempts San Francisco from COVID indoor mask rule
California exempts San Francisco from COVID indoor mask rule
FILE - Signs with social distancing guidelines and face mask requirements are posted at an outdoor mall amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Los Angeles, on June 11, 2021. California is bringing back a statewide indoor mask mandate. Calidfornia Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration announced the new mandate will start Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, and last until Jan. 15. The order comes as the per capita rate of new coronavirus cases in California has jumped 47% in the past two weeks. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — California is exempting San Francisco from a rule that takes effect Wednesday requiring all people to wear masks indoors in a bid to contain a troubling rise in new coronavirus cases.
San Francisco will continue to allow fully vaccinated people to remove their masks in gyms and workplaces while its overall masking mandate remains in effect, the city Department of Public Health announced.
“It’s a recognition of all of the thought and care that San Francisco residents have been putting into staying as safe as possible,” said Dr. Susan Philip, San Francisco’s health officer.
About 86% of eligible San Francisco residents have received at least one vaccine dose, according to the public health department.
San Francisco businesses were relieved that the city can continue permitting fully vaccinated people to go maskless in some indoor locations.
https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-california-public-health-san-francisco-afc70a00d200158ebd241851c79627f9