Media Contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc/David Perry (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com
Tonight, Tuesday, November 24 Annual Holiday Lights Kick Off Season Around Union Square
Seasonal Events Take Creative, Virtual Turn but Traditions Continue in Union Square — “The Heart of San Francisco” www.visitunionsquaresf.com
24 November 2020 — San Francisco, CA: If ever there was a time to make the Season Bright – brighter than the year that has been – that time is now. With the Macy’s annual Holiday Tree fully lit, the San Francisco Police Department’s new community ambassadors and our own “Clean & Safe” team of Union Square Ambassadors on the job every day and evening to keep the public safe and informed, this is the week that San Francisco officially gets its Holidays on! Starting today, Tuesday, November 24 at sundown, the annual “Festival of Lights” kicks off across San Francisco, with Union Square and the surrounding area lit large with LED and other electronic displays to warm every heart. The palm trees in Union Square Park are lit and oversize ornaments adorn Powell Street. Hallidie Plaza and Maiden Lane are also decked with seasonal designs and “snowflakes” will fall via impressive projections on the buildings surrounding the Square to give the public an immersive Holiday experience.
Additionally, while COVID protocols mandate social distancing, outdoor dining and constant attention to hygiene, the stores, restaurants and hotels in “The Heart of San Francisco” are very much open for your end-of-year shopping, relaxation, dining and mid-day unwind beneath the Macy’s Great Tree, now lit through the New Year. Also, to make sure that everyone is prepared to safely enjoy the season, Union Square Ambassadors will be distributing masks, free of charge, to those in need and visitors to the Park.
“Perhaps no other Holiday in the last 102 years will be more important, more memorable than this,” said Karin Flood, Executive Director of the Union Square Business Improvement District. “For over 170 years, Union Square has been the vibrant heart of San Francisco where memories are made. This year, those memories are even more precious. So, be smart, be careful but be aware that our shops, restaurants and hotels are open, ready and safe to serve you this Holiday Season. Plus, our ‘Shop & Dine’ program in the Square allows for people to get takeout food and enjoy it in the Square at our socially distanced tables, sanitized between every use.”
Boudin Bakery is open for pre-order of Thanksgiving breads. (www.boudinbakery.com)
From digital doggies and cyber kittens, to Santa delivering curbside versus down your chimney, there’s a lot going on in Union Square that will make the 2020 Holiday Season historic and memorable. Following is an list of the some of the special events taking place this Holiday Season.
Macy’s Holiday Windows (November 23 – January 6). This year special videos of rescue animals and SF SPCA shelter alumni are featured for passersby at the corner of Stockton and O’Farrell as well as inside Macy’s and also for online viewing at sfspca.org/holiday. This year’s windows will also take the form of a thank you letter to first responders, essential workers, marchers for equality, and San Franciscans who showed their grit, good humor, and hopeful spirit during a tumultuous year. Throughout the season, several of our Animal Assisted Therapy pets will be making surprise visits at Macy’s. These specially trained therapy animals, accompanied by a volunteer and handler, are ready to make your holidays a little merrier. Keep an eye out when you’re shopping! Inside Macy’s, shoppers can take selfies at four “Instagrammable moment” stations featuring giant cutouts of cats and dogs. Learn about the animals’ stories and share the holiday joy with friends by using hashtag #SFSPCAholiday. Holiday Windows is sponsored by Macy’s and Purina.
Neiman Marcus Personalized Holiday Experiences: This holiday season, Neiman Marcus San Francisco is here for you with personalized experiences that celebrate the magic of the season and help curate unique gifts for everyone on your list. Whether customers prefer to shop in store or from the comfort of their home, Neiman Marcus’ top priority is providing unique holiday experiences to bring the magic to holiday gifting. Also this year, Neiman Marcus unveils a new and modern “Chandelier Tree” to celebrate the season and light up the store’s prominent four-story windows at Stockton and Geary Streets. And for customers looking to enjoy Neiman Marcus classics such as our popovers, chocolate chip cookies, or chicken broth, Neiman Marcus will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays for to-go orders from The Fresh Market. And the holidays just aren’t the same without a visit from Santa Claus. Neiman Marcus is helping customers continue this tradition by offering new, socially distant ways to see Saint Nick including by virtual appointment or curbside service. Starting on the Saturday after Black Friday and occurring every Saturday until Christmas from 12pm to 6pm customers who order curbside pickup can have their gifts hand delivered to their car by the jolly guy himself, Santa. Additionally, Neiman Marcus is creating safe and special experiences for customers who want a personalized moment in-store, including a Holiday Gift Lounge where customers can shop a curated selection of merchandise, a Social Distance Lounge where customers and their friends can enjoy champagne and holiday treats together while watching one of Neiman Marcus’ Virtual Holiday Events, which will run throughout November and December, and feature personal appearances from designers and holiday experts.
The Westin St. Francisco Annual Donation Drive. For the last six years, San Francisco’s iconic Westin St. Francis has place donation boxes in its Powell Street lobby. This year, four charities have been selected:
Since 1942, Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) has been creating partnerships between people, dogs, and communities. With exceptional client services and a robust network of instructors, puppy raisers, donors, and volunteers, they prepare highly qualified guide dogs to serve and empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired from throughout the United States and Canada.
De Marillac Academy believes that neighborhood of residence and socioeconomic status should not determine a child’s access to a quality education or ultimate success in life. De Marillac’s holistic program liberates students and graduates to lead lives of choice, meaning and purpose. Every day, De Marillac Academy unites philanthropists with low-income families to break the cycle of poverty through education.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (BASHOF) is committed to celebrating sports greatness while inspiring youth sports participation throughout under-served communities in the Bay Area. The first Enshrinement Banquet was held in 1980 and honored Bay Area sports legends Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays, Hank Luisetti, Ernie Nevers and Bill Russell. Today, 40 years later, the BASHOF Youth Fund has given more than $3 million dollars to over 500 youth organizations in the Bay Area.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. More than 10 million kids enter a children’s hospital like Children’s Hospital every year. To provide the best care for kids, children’s hospitals rely on donations and community support, as Medicaid and insurance programs do not fully cover the cost of care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has helped fill those funding gaps by raising more than $7 billion, most of it $1 at a time through Miracle Balloon icon campaigns. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.
The Westfield San Francisco Centre. Tree lightings, virtual scavenger hunts and more are planned this holiday season at Westfield San Francisco Centre. The shopping destination will welcome guests eager to safely experience their favorite traditions with family and friends by offering festive experiences, exclusive shopping events, and a variety of services designed to complement consumers’ online shopping. Westfield will continue to go the extra mile this holiday season by providing services and amenities designed to ensure that customers have a safe and seamless experience. Westfield San Francisco Centre will offer Curbside Pickup; Line Pass, a Westfield app-based virtual queuing and appointmentservice to help make visits to the center more efficient; gift wrapping; Ask An Elf (also known as Answers on the Spot); complimentary shopping bags; as well as Guest Service Ambassadors. Westfield San Francisco Centre kicked off the holiday season with the launch of Shop Your Heart Out, a 10-day program that drives donations to local charities by offering guests access to exclusive offers from multiple retailers throughout its centers—from discounted sales, to gifts with purchase, and more. These initiatives continue Westfield’s commitment to the local community through a program that was launched in March under the hashtag #WestfieldCares. Throughout the season, Westfield San Francisco Centre will have additional programs, such as the Bay Area’s first indoor Christmas Tree Farm, celebrity pop-ups, and shopping experiences specific to the local community. For more information about holiday events, hours, locations and resources, shoppers can visit https://www.westfield.com/sanfrancisco
This year, Westfield San Francisco Centre has partnered with One Warm Coat as the need for warmth this Winter will be greater than ever before. Gently worn coats will be graciously accepted at donation barrels located next to the Concierge on level 1, November 27 – December 31.
Another first for Westfield San Francisco Centre is the Westfield Holiday Hunt, an immersive, augmented reality scavenger hunt that brings the magic of the holidays to life using CGI technology. Guests will discover unique QR codes displayed throughout each center. When scanned, they will unlock exclusive, original characters and artwork such as a snowman concierge that welcomes and guides you on your hunt; a flying Santa sleigh; and customizable winter wonderland photo backgrounds. Shoppers will receive special discounts or offers from retailers throughout the center, following each experience they unlock.
Westfield San Francisco Centre will virtually “Light the Night” at its 5th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Thursday, December 3 at 7pm. The 50-foot, chandelier-like tree, covered in crystals, first appeared in 2016. Hosted by Emmy Award Winning TV Personality & KTVU Meteorologist, Rosemary Orozco, the evening will include special performances from the Luminescent Grand Piano featuring Shaina Evoniuk with her LED Violin.
E&O Kitchen and Bar. The holidays are going to look different this year, but one thing you can count on is E&O’s Black Friday All Day Happy Hour! Shop til you drop then head our way foroysters, butternut squash dumplings, fritter bites, steamed pork buns, salt & pepper calamari, andtamarind hoisin glazed ribs. Keep cozy under our brand new parklet with one of our signaturecraft cocktails for $7, beer for $3.50 and wine by-the-glass for $4. E&O will also be bringing back Blue Fridaythis year. On Friday, November 27, when you buy one shot of Johnny Walker Blue Label Scotch Whisky with your meal, you’ll get a second on the house! National Fritter Day is December 2. E&O is going all out this year with brand new fritter focused menu items: fritter classics including E&O’s Famous Fritter Burger and Famous Indonesian Corn Fritter Bites and all day happy hour pricing on fritter items going for four days. Happy hour fritter pricing will be available all day, Wednesday, December 2 – Saturday, December 5. Order E&O dishes, drinks and unique pantry staples are all available on Toast, Door Dash, and Uber Eats for same-day pick-up and delivery orders Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 7pm.
The Grand Hyatt San Francisco. Right on Union Square! Make Grand Hyatt San Francisco your holiday shopping destination with free parking and a Macy’s gift card! Stay at Grand Hyatt San Francisco this holiday and enjoy free overnight self parking and a $25 gift card to Macy’s. The hotel is located just two minutes from Union Square directly across from Macy’s west coast flagship store. Self-parking for one vehicle and convenient in-and-out privileges is located at the Sutter Stockton garage located adjacent to the hotel. Safety enhancements for the well-being of all our guests and colleagues include protective masks, employee temperature checks, and hospital-grade disinfectants.
About the Union Square BID: The Union Square Business Improvement District (BID) serves members and creates a high-quality visitor experience by managing and activating public spaces, attracting new investment, and advocating for the District’s future success. Union Square is the vibrant heart of San Francisco and an international destination where visitors come to enjoy exceptional retail experiences, luxury hotels, world-class cultural institutions, and great public spaces found only in the City by the Bay. A lively 27-block community surrounding Union Square Park in the heart of San Francisco makes up the Union Square BID. It is generally bordered on the north by Bush Street, on the east by Kearny Street, on the south by Market Street and on the west Taylor Street. Within this service area there are approximately 600 parcels. The original USBID was founded in 1999 and focused primarily on cleaning and safety issues. Today’s expanded USBID continues to recognize the need for providing cleaning and maintenance and critical public safety services, though has since added destination marketing, advocacy, beautification and capital improvement programs to enhance the experience of the Union Square area and contribute to a safer and more vibrant community.
CRUISING, CRUISE SHIPS & THE CORONA VIRUS – November 22, 2020
WEEKLY NEWS & UPDATES
from Bill Miller
Nov 22nd 2020
Sun Nov 15th: Going, going, gone! Our good friend Capt Justin Zizes has sent along this photo of the 70,000-ton Carnival Fantasy being demolished as of late Oct. The ship is seen at Aliaga in Turkey.
55 Years! The Marco Polo was built in 1965 as the Soviet Alexandr Pushkin, but has now been auction-off to buyers in Dubai – and with rumors that the vintage liner may return to cruising. From over in England, our good friend Clive Harvey has sent along this photo of the 20,000-ton, 700-passenger ship in better, happier days.
Mon Nov 16th Under Tow!From over in England, our good friend Nick Braddock reports: “The Astor is half way through Med and destination Aliaga — and the scrappers on the 23rd.”
The 21,000-ton Astor was built in Germany for an arm of South Africa’s Safmarine Lines called Morgan Leisure, but to avoid political problems was registered in Mauritius. Unsuccessful from the start, however, the 650-bed ship was sold within a year to the Soviets, to the Odessa-based Black Sea Shipping Co, and renamed Fedor Dostoevsky. While later reverting to the name Astor in 1995, the 578-ft long ship was used in the charter cruise market mostly – sailing for the likes of Germany’s Transocean Tours and Neckermann Travel. The ship joined Cruise & Maritime Voyages in 2013.
She was a delightful ship – warm and cozy, and immaculately maintained. I did a 14-night Baltic cruise aboard her in July 1987, departing from Kiel and returning to Cuxhaven (Hamburg).
The photo below of the 1987-built Astor is also from Clive Harvey.
Update from Wall Street! For the second week in a row, positive vaccine news ahead of the stock market opening pushed cruise line stocks higher on Monday in premarket trading hours.
The news fueling the uptick in stock prices for the cruise line stocks was Moderna announcing that its COVID-19 vaccine was 94.5 percent effective based on interim data from a late-stage clinical trial.
By The Numbers – Premarket Trading:
Carnival Corporation (CCL) Up 8.06 Percent to $17.30
Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL) Up 7.18 Percent to $75.84
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) Up 10.12 Percent to $22.09
Lindblad Expeditions (LIND) Up 15.40 Percent to $10.65
Tue Nov 17th: Reservation Dept: Royal Caribbean International already has over 100,000 form submissions for volunteers to take trial cruises as part of the CDC’s new Conditional Framework to restart cruising in the United States.
Another Sale for Scrapping: Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s Grand Celebration is likely heading to the end of her cruise career as the ship is rumored to have been sold for scrap and is currently sailing toward India, where the 1987-built vessel is expected to arrive in early January. Built in Sweden, the 1,500-passenger ship had originally been the Celebration of Carnival Cruise Lines. She was one of three sisterships, the others being the Holiday and Jubilee.
On Another Note from Carnival: Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that it will likely use three of its newest ships when it restarts cruise service. The line confirmed it will base Carnival Horizon in Miami and near-sister-ship Carnival Breeze in Port Canaveral. A Florida-based restart was previously suggested by the line, focusing on both cities as possible restart ports. For the first time, however, Carnival has suggested that Galveston, Texas would likely be added to restart plans, using sister-vessel Carnival Vista.
The New Norm Onboard! With news of vaccines, cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean are beginning to make hints of what might change in future & how cruises themselves might change:
1. The sailing day lifeboat muster will disappear & thereby avoiding groups
2. Much more use of passenger phones for information, payments, even as a cabin key
3. Enhanced onboard cleansing
4. Enhanced onboard ventilation systems
5. Staggered embark & disembark times
6. Changes in buffet food services
7. Daily programs no longer printed but digitally provided; even an invitation for dinner with an ship’s officer might be digitally presented
8. Enhanced pre-boarding & safety screening
9. Mask wearing will gradually be phased out
10. Social distancing will be gradually reduced
11. Reduced capacity to be gradually increased
12. Proof of vaccines will be mandatory
Update from Seadream: Luxurious SeaDream Yacht Club has halted a cruise in the Caribbean following several positive coronavirus tests among passengers. The Seadream 1 has returned to port in Barbados and all passengers are currently being re-tested and in quarantine.
And Update on the CMV Fleet: The bankrupted and now auctioned fleet of UK-based Cruise Maritime Voyages has been scattered. From over in Norfolk in England, one of our top reporters, Clive Harvey, noted: “I understand that there was some delay with the Astoria [ex Stockholm, etc], leaving London-Tilbury for Portugal. She was to be towed but it seems that the tug was not powerful enough for the job. Last I heard Astoria was moved to another berth awaiting a tow. Otherwise, I believe that the Astor has left for Aliaga [and the scrappers] and the Columbus sailed on the 11th, I think, for Piraeus.”
Wed Nov 18th: Further Cancellations! Carnival Cruise Line notified guests and travel agents that it has cancelled additional cruises for the first part of 2021, including: All embarkations from U.S. homeports from Jan 1-31. Additionally, Baltimore, Charleston, Jacksonville, Long Beach, Mobile, New Orleans and San Diego embarkations through Feb 28. Embarkations on the Carnival Legend out of Tampa through Mar 26.
Dutch Return:Holland America Line is preparing for a gradual restart and is said to be moving six cruise ships from Europe toward the U.S. citing positive signs and a new conversation around the return to service.. The ships heading to US waters are the Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Westerdam, Zuiderdam, and Noordam. Holland America did not specify port information but the line has traditionally had a strong presence in the winter from Port Everglades and Tampa, which would pull from a large drive-to market. “While there is still much to be done, this is an important first step toward our goal of resuming cruise operation,” according to the Seattle-based company.
Heading Off! Our good friend David Trevor-Jones sent an updated report on the disposition of CMV cruise fleet: “The Astor is almost at her destination, the scrapyard at Aliaga, having left Tilbury a couple of weeks back after laying up there since March. The Magellan (ex-Holiday) has also left and is presently at Gibraltar, having apparently been bought by Sea-Jets (much speculation as to what they intend to do with their growing collection of cruise ships). The Marco Polo leaves Avonmouth tomorrow bound for Dubai. That leaves Columbus, originally Star Princess, whose destiny is a bit of a mystery, and Astoria which is to be towed to Lisbon to be returned to her owner, presently at the aggregates quay at Northfleet on the Thames having been moved out of the Tilbury inner dock a couple of weeks ago.”
In great kindness, David has sent along the photos below of the laid-up, 55-yr old Marco Polo. She is seen at Avonmouth.
Thu Nov 19th: Some Onboard Suggestions! One cruise-medical analyst has suggested a long list of ideas including: Turnaround times, between when cruises end and start, are at least a day apart. Deep cleaning public areas and kitchens requires that the ship be in port with no guests onboard. Rather than having only a few hours between when a group of guests gets off and another gets on, TUI Cruises (a luxury German cruise line that is 50%-owned by Royal Caribbean) has been scheduling turnarounds of at least two days.
Cabins are used on every-other cruise, so that time is available to thoroughly clean them. Since many ships are limiting themselves to 50% capacity, TUI Cruises has been using each cabin on the Mein Schiff 1, no more than one cruise out of two. This permits 1-2 weeks for shampooing carpets and sanitizing mattresses.
Wearing masks is required nearly all of the time. The recent Sea Dream debacle showed the folly of dispensing with masks, even when guests and crew have both been tested multiple times. According to CDC, masks are needed within 6- feet of others, both indoors and outdoors. It’s OK, CDC says, to slip masks down to eat or drink, but not to socialize.
Restrooms, spa facilities, and deck lounges are sanitized by staff after each use. Washroom attendants are making a comeback.
Fri Nov 20th:Disney Return?Which Disney Cruise Line ship will be the first to sail? So far, Disney isn’t saying, but a clue comes in the form of the Disney Wonder, which as of the morning of Nov 19th was approximately 3,700 miles east of Port Canaveral and heading for the Florida coast. The 1999-built, 2,700-passenger ship left its three Disney sisters behind at a shipyard in Brest, France, before a brief technical stop at Funchal for fuel and supplies. It was an inaugural call for Wonder at the port, but there were no passengers aboard and none of the 200-plus crew onboard left the ship.
Cruising & Economics: Cruising contributed $55 billion to the American economy in 2019 up 5.3% from 2018, according to the CLIA report. But in 2020, cruising is suspended in U.S. waters through the end of the year thanks to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. But things have changed – and changed drastically From mid-March through the end of this year, it is estimated that the suspension of cruising in the U.S. will result in a loss of more than $32 billion in economic activity and more than 254,000 American jobs. The numbers includes cruising’s economic contributions across multiple sectors, from transportation and aviation, to food and beverage services, lodging, manufacturing, agriculture, travel agencies and a vast suppliers and service providers across the United States.
Update from HAL: As Holland America Line continues to prepare and develop its plans to meet the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the company is extending its pause of cruise operations for all departures through Mar 31st 2021. The line also will cancel select longer voyages, and cruises of eight days or longer that call in the United States until Nov 1st 2021.
Sat Nov 21st: From the Air Desk: The spike in Covid-19 cases is starting to hit air travel once again, according to United Airlines. United warned in a filing Thursday morning that it has seen a drop in bookings and a rise in canceled reservations, which it attributed to increased infection rates across the country. The airline also may have to trim its schedule even more deeply in the fourth quarter, beyond the planned cut of 55% compared to a year ago.
Continued kindest & best thanks to our friends, readers, reporters & those faraway “maritime secret agents”
WHY: Kicking off San Francisco’s “Safe Shopper” campaign for the 2020 Holiday Season, this event will introduce the San Francisco Police Department’s newly created Community Ambassador program. Event participants will encourage shoppers to patronize businesses in Union Square and elsewhere in San Francisco while taking steps to stay safe from COVID-19 and protect their purchases and personal safety. In tandem with the Safe Shopper campaign kickoff, the San Francisco Police Department also introduced its Community Ambassador program. Comprising civilian retired police officers chosen for their training and experience in community engagement, SFPD’s pilot program aims to be a visible and helpful presence in and around Union Square this holiday season. SFPD Community Ambassadors will function as departmental liaisons to business improvement districts, and offer shoppers, visitors and merchants knowledgeable assistance and coordination with city services.
“Our Community Ambassadors program enables San Francisco and its visitors to continue benefiting from the experience, training and civic commitment our finest retired sworn members have to offer,” said Chief of Police Bill Scott. “Although these ambassadors are now in civilian roles, they are well-regarded veterans in serving our city and its diverse communities. Moreover, all have been trained in crisis Intervention and de-escalation; healthy streets operations; managing implicit bias; principled policing; and medical interventions that include first aid, CPR and AED use. We’re proud to launch this innovative pilot in San Francisco’s retail and cultural hub, and for our first partner in this Community Ambassador program to be the Union Square Business Improvement District.”
SAN FRANCISCO TO ROLL BACK SELECT ACTIVITIES IN RESPONSE TO INCREASE IN COVID-19 CASES
Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, San Francisco will roll back the reopening of indoor dining, reduce capacity of fitness centers and movie theaters, and will pause approval of plans for indoor instruction for high schools.
Department of Public Health will assess the situation and resumption of further reopening is dependent on improvement of COVID-19 impact on City
San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed and Director of Health Dr. Grant Colfax today announced the City will adjust its reopening due to a significant and rapid increase in COVID-19 case rates in San Francisco, coupled with the current increase in cases and hospitalizations in California and across the United States. San Francisco will temporarily roll back the reopening of indoor dining, and will reduce the capacity of fitness centers and movie theaters. Additionally, San Francisco will pause the reopening of indoor instruction at high schools that have not already opened. These changes will go into effect at 11:59 pm on Friday, November 13, 2020.
San Francisco is rolling back these activities in an effort to contain the spread of the virus by focusing on higher risk indoor activities and other behaviors that increase the concentration of aerosols. The Department of Public Health will continue to closely monitor the City’s case count, infection rate, and hospitalization rate in order to determine how quickly we can flatten the curve and determine when we can resume safe reopening.
“I cannot emphasize enough how important it is that everyone act responsibly to reduce the spread of the virus. Every San Franciscan needs to do their part so that we can start moving in the right direction again,” said Mayor Breed. “I know this is not the news our residents and businesses wanted to hear, but as I’ve said all along, we’re making decisions based on the data we’re seeing on the ground. Right now, our public health officials are telling us we need to take these steps to get the virus under control and save lives – so that’s what we’re doing. The hard decisions we’re making now will help us get our youngest residents back to school. We will continue to act in the best interest of public health and we’ll continue to help our impacted businesses as much as we are able. I am hopeful that in the coming months we will have support from our federal government to support these businesses and the losses they have suffered as well. I will certainly be advocating that we do.”
Since October 2, San Francisco has experienced a 250% increase in COVID-19 cases. The rolling back of certain businesses and activities is necessary to mitigate the aggressive growth of the virus that would cost lives and threaten the capacity of our health care system. This step is aimed to minimize the activities that are known to be of higher risk for increasing the spread of the virus – particularly indoor activities, high traffic activities, and those that allow for mask removal or increase the production of aerosols, such as physical activity and eating. San Francisco is reducing the capacity at which fitness centers and movie theaters are allowed to operate. Indoor dining will need to close at this time. High schools that have not yet opened will remain closed for any indoor instruction, though DPH will work with high schools that want to reopen educational programming in an outdoor setting.
One of thekey indicators of COVID-19 prevalence in the city, the number of new cases per day per 100,000 people, has more than doubled over the last three weeks from a low of 3.7 cases per 100,000 people to 9 cases per 100,000 people. The rate of increase in hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients is also a key indicator that affects the pace of reopening. San Francisco recently hit a low of 21 people in the hospital with COVID, but expects that number will increase in the coming weeks.
“From the beginning of the City’s pandemic response, San Francisco has carefully monitored and responded to the pandemic, which has helped us lead the country in our containment,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, San Francisco Director of Health. “As always, we must listen to the data. The data is now telling us this virus is rapidly traveling throughout our city. If we do not take immediate action, we will have the increase in cases and hospitalizations that we have seen in many other cities across the country and around the world, but have yet to experience in San Francisco.”
The Department of Public Health will continue to monitor the City’s COVID-19 Key Public Health Indicators and other information to determine whether the infection rate is stabilizing and when the City can resume reopening. The City strongly encourages San Franciscans to avoid gatherings, wear face coverings when leaving home, and keep their distance from other people, and to get tested for COVID-19 if they feel sick.
This rollback will mean lost revenue for businesses that are already stretched thin. In an effort to support those businesses that are directly impacted, the Mayor is dedicating $4 million through the following programming:
$2.5 million will be available to waive taxes and fees for impacted small businesses, including fees for winter augmentations such as heaters. More information about how to participate is forthcoming.
$500,000 will be available through the Shared Spaces Equity Grants program for small neighborhood-serving businesses to pay for technical assistance and capital costs of setting up and augmenting shared spaces for restaurants to operate outdoors. More information about this program is forthcoming.
$500,000 in grant funding will be available through SF Shines for Reopening for restaurants to purchase equipment and re-configure space in order to meet social distancing requirements. For more information: link.oewd.org/sfshines.
$500,000 will be available through SF HELP zero interest loans to low- and moderate-income restaurant owners with little access to credit in order to pay for fixed costs, inventory, and other operating expenses. For more information: link.oewd.org/zeroloan.
“This rollback will be extremely tough for our restaurants and bars who are already struggling to make ends meet, but we must work together to contain this virus, trust the science before us, and once again flatten this curve. Our economy and the thousands of employees that need and depend on this work rests with each of us to do our part,” said Joaquín Torres, Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. “These dedicated funds will focus on those small businesses, restaurants and bars that will be severely impacted by this rollback and offer some supportive relief as we continue our push towards economic recovery. In the coming weeks, our office, under the leadership of Mayor Breed, will continue to advocate our state and federal partners for the substantial relief necessary to stabilize our small businesses and support their employees.”
The following activities will halt indoor operations until further notice:
· Indoor dining at restaurants or bars serving meals in any context including standalone restaurants, food courts in shopping centers, and dining establishments in hotels, museums or other venues.
The following activities will pause until further notice:
· High schools that are not already open with approved plans. (Switching to outdoor instruction within certain parameters).
The following activities will be required to reduce capacity to a maximum of 50 people indoors:
· Fitness centers may remain open to the lesser of 25% capacity or 50 people (down from 100).
· Movie theaters may remain open to the lesser of 25% capacity or 50 people (down from 100).
All other businesses and activities that are currently allowed may continue operating at this time, including outdoor dining and take-out, elementary and middle schools, offices, retail shopping, personal services, and cultural and family activities such as museums and aquariums.
San Francisco is taking this action in order to prevent further rollbacks of businesses and activities that have reopened and to support elementary and middle schools, community hubs and other learning and development activities to continue to open as safely as possible.
San Francisco’s increase in cases is significant but not unique. California has seen a 29% increase in new positive cases over the last week and many counties have been re-assigned to more restrictive tiers on the State’s system. Other Bay Area counties, such as Contra Costa, are also seeing a significant increase in cases and have started considering similar measures to curtail activities in order to slow the spread of the virus, despite what they are allowed by the State. The City’s relative success in managing the virus to-date is due to its COVID-19 response infrastructure, which includes testing, contact tracing, and support services, its deliberate and measured approach to reopening, and a willingness to act quickly and aggressively in order to protect public health.
The Department of Public Health will monitor the Health Indicators, the risk of specific activities, the estimated reproductive rate of the virus, the regional data and the State’s actions in determining when and how to move forward, pause, or dial back reopening. More information about San Francisco’s reopening timeline can be found at https://sf.gov/step-by-step/reopening-san-francisco.
