Coronavirus Surge Triggers Halt To San Francisco Reopenings

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — San Francisco Mayor London Breed Friday put the breaks on plans to reopen of salons, outdoor bars, and museums on Monday amid the increase in local COVID-19 cases.

The long-awaited reopening of businesses such as hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, massage establishments, tattoo studios, outdoor bars, outdoor museums and zoos was slated to take place Monday, but instead they will remain closed until further notice, according to Breed. The decision comes just days after California reached a new single-day high for new coronavirus cases. The Bay Area continues to take a more cautious approach to reopening than much of the state.

"Our reopening process is guided by data and science. COVID-19 cases are rising throughout CA. We're now seeing a rise in cases in SF too. Our numbers are still low but rising rapidly," Breed said in a statement on Twitter.

According to Breed, on June 15, when the city reopened outdoor restaurant dining and retail shops, the city had 20 COVID-19 cases. On Thursday, the number of cases increased to 103.

"At our current rate, the number could double rapidly. If that continues and we don't intervene, we'll be at such a high number that our only option would be to shut down," she said.

Breed urged residents continue wearing face coverings and practice other precautions like regular hand washing and social distancing. She also encouraged residents, particularly essential workers, to get tested if they're having symptoms.

"Our public health experts will evaluate the data over the coming days to determine if it's safe to move forward. I know people are anxious to reopen--I am too. But we can't jeopardize the progress we've made. We'll continue to let you know as soon as decisions are made," she said.

As of Friday, the city has reported 3,400 cases and 48 deaths.

Grant Colfax, director of San Francisco's Department of Public Health said authorities will be looking to see if the increase in cases correlate to a spike in hospitalizations.

"We're taking a pause here. We're not reversing," Colfax said. "We're going to have to watch the data."

Bay City News and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.