Expanded SF Face Covering Rules Include Sidewalks, Parks, Bars

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – San Francisco has expanded its face covering rules following a recent surge in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in the Bay Area.

The expanded rules, which went into effect over the weekend, require anyone ages 10 and older to wear a face covering when approaching a distance of 6 feet from others, in enclosed shared workplaces, in building common areas and when working in food service.

Additionally, people who are unable to wear face covering due to underlying medical conditions are now required to have a written exemption from a medical professional.

City officials said in the announcement of the expanded rules that face coverings reduce the amount of aerosols people generate and release into the air when they talk and also provide some protection to the wearer by reducing the amount of infectious droplets from people who are not wearing masks from landing on that person's face.

“Wearing a face covering is more important now than ever,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, Director of Health in the announcement. “Substantial scientific evidence shows that when combined with physical distancing and other health and safety practices like hand washing and regular disinfection of surfaces, face coverings significantly reduce the chance of COVID-19 spreading in the community.”

The new rules require face coverings in all "fluid situations," where the distances between people change frequently and where social distancing cannot be strictly monitored.

Fluid situations include sidewalks, public transit, parks, outdoor plazas, dining spaces and bars.

Face coverings are also required, even while alone, while working in a cubicle area, areas with shared equipment, shared offices and when in common areas such as conference rooms, elevators, laundry rooms, break rooms, lobbies, hallways and bathrooms. They are also mandatory when preparing food or other items for sale.

Officials warned that children under the age of 2 should not wear a mask due to the risk of suffocation.