San Francisco exempt from Calif. mask mandate

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 5:34 PM PT – Wednesday, December 15, 2021

San Francisco is exempt from portions of California’s new indoor mask mandate.

The mandate went into effect statewide on Wednesday, but San Francisco gyms and workplaces have been named as areas of exemption for fully vaccinated people. The city already had an indoor mask mandate in place for other locations, which haven’t been affected by the exemption.

According to city health officials, the exemption is to recognize the hard work San Francisco has done in getting a high vaccination rate.

“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.

With a rise in #COVID19 case rates, hospitalizations, and #Omicron, we must do all we can to protect each other and prevent a winter surge. To slow the spread, today, #California will require masking in indoor public settings. pic.twitter.com/6rjaQkjjlk

— CA Public Health (@CAPublicHealth) December 15, 2021

The city has made sure that those who are not vaccinated aren’t allowed to eat at a restaurant or improve their health by going to a gym.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) had relaxed mask mandates back in June, but with the increase of COVID-19 cases since the new Omicron variant, health officials have become worried. The new mandate will remain in effect until at least Jan. 15.

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