Starting December 18, people coming in from outside the Bay Area counties must quarantine for 10 days

City of San Francisco logoBay Area hospitals’ ICU capacity has fallen under 15%. San Francisco is taking further action to slow down COVID-19 transmission.

We’ve issued a health order mandating a travel quarantine. It will be in effect at 12:01 am on December 18. It will last at least until January 7, 2021. We may extend the travel quarantine if the surge continues in the Bay Area region.

People traveling from outside the Bay Area must quarantine for 10 days

You must stay put, in your home or hotel room. Do not leave, except to get healthcare. Get food or groceries delivered. See guidance about quarantining.

This rule applies to people coming into San Francisco from outside the Bay Area (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, Solano, Sonoma).

You do not have to quarantine when traveling to:

  • Do essential work
  • Work at a business allowed to be open (if otherwise short on staff)
  • Get needed healthcare
  • Care for someone
  • Comply with a court order
  • Play sports on an approved team
  • Work on an approved film or media crew
  • Get on a connecting flight at SFO
  • Go through SF and not staying overnight

You should still quarantine when you are not doing the activity that’s exempt.

You also do not have to quarantine if you started your trip before today (December 17). Although, it’s much safer if you do quarantine.

Avoid traveling even within the Bay Area

You must avoid traveling outside of San Francisco. There is a large surge across the country. You could bring more COVID-19 back to SF.

More details about the travel quarantine

See official guidance, including translations, from the Department of Public Health.

Guidance for a safer holiday season

While this is a time to celebrate with loved ones, it is not a normal holiday season. San Francisco is experiencing a major surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Do your part this year, so we can come together next year.

Celebrate by doing activities at home with people you already live with. Remember to wear your face covering if you leave home. See ideas for a safer holiday season.

You can also help support San Francisco’s recovery.