Tourists visit a shop in the China Town of San Francisco, California, the United States, March 24, 2021. San Francisco Mayor London Breed on Tuesday announced that the city will resume most businesses and activities that are allowed by the state of California in the orange tier (the 2nd lowest) for counties with moderate COVID-19 transmission levels. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)
SAN FRANCISCO, March 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. San Francisco Mayor London Breed on Tuesday announced that the city will resume most businesses and activities that are allowed by the state of California in the orange tier for counties with moderate COVID-19 transmission levels.
"As of today, March 23, San Francisco has met the state's criteria to advance to the less restrictive orange tier on the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, based on its COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and other health equity metrics," the announcement said.
The city's reopening will align with what is permitted by the state. New and expanded businesses and activities can reopen starting Wednesday, March 24 at 8:00 a.m., as long as they comply with required safety protocols.
With this move, San Francisco will open non-essential offices up to 25 percent capacity, bars and breweries for outdoor service, and some indoor family recreation up to 25 percent capacity.
San Francisco has also established a timeline to resume outdoor arts, theater, and music performances and festivals for audiences of up to 50 people beginning April 1 and is working to create guidelines for outdoor spectator sports and large outdoor entertainment venues as well.
Most indoor businesses will be allowed at up to 50 percent, with exceptions for non-essential offices, indoor family entertainment, gyms and fitness centers, and indoor recreational facilities, according to the announcement.
"Thanks to the continued efforts of San Franciscans to follow public health guidelines, along with our efforts to vaccinate people as quickly as we can, we're at a place in our fight against this virus where we can continue to move forward with reopening San Francisco," said Breed. Enditem
