Masks No Longer Required in SF’s City Buildings Starting March 18

In alignment with state guidance, indoor masking will no longer be required in City Hall and City facilities beginning on March 18, 2022, except for in public hearing rooms while in session. City facilities include libraries, recreation centers, offices, and other service sites operated by the City. The San Francisco Health Officer still strongly recommends that people wear masks in these facilities.  

Starting March 18, City employees and members of the public visiting City facilities will be strongly recommended but not required to wear masks regardless of vaccination status in most settings. Masks will continue to be required of all participants when attending public hearings in these facilities regardless of vaccination. 

This week, the San Francisco Department of Public Health announced that the City will align with the State in strongly recommending but not requiring unvaccinated individuals to wear masks in most indoor public settings. However, Bay Area health officers continue to strongly recommend masks as an effective tool to prevent the spread of the virus and to protect those who are medically vulnerable or are not able to get vaccinated. 

Businesses, venue operators, and hosts may choose to adopt more restrictive measures to protect staff and patrons. Masks are still required in health care settings, congregate settings like correctional facilities and homeless shelters, and long-term care facilities. Federal and state law continues to require masks to be worn on transit vehicles and at transit facilities through March 18, 2022, unless extended. 

The City Administrator’s Office will continue to work with City departments and state and local health officials to monitor data regarding COVID-19 cases and transmission and will make adjustments to health and safety protocols as needed to ensure the safety of City staff and members of the public.