SFDPH to require masks for skilled nursing facility staff interacting with residents, effective Nov. 1

San Francisco Department of Public Health Director Mark Colfax told the Health Commission on Oct. 15 that the department will issue a limited masking order focused on staff of skilled nursing facilities, requiring masks when interacting with residents. The order is intended to protect particularly vulnerable residents during the coming respiratory-disease season and is scheduled to take effect Nov. 1 and run through March 30, 2025.

Colfax said the department considered broader measures adopted by some Bay Area counties but chose a narrower approach that targets populations at highest risk and relies on high local vaccination coverage. He and Health Officer Dr. Philip explained that this limited order differs from prior hospital-based requirements: there will be no citywide COVID-vaccine or masking mandate for acute-care hospital staff this winter; hospitals retain discretion to set their own masking policies.

The department also noted prior heat-wave response actions, ZSFG equity reporting and perioperative capacity expansions in the directors report. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about how this order interacts with existing evergreen influenza-vaccine/masking policies and whether hospitals would change masking guidance; DPH said the influenza order remains in effect and hospitals may make their own operational decisions.

Ending: The masking order will take effect Nov. 1; staff and hospitals were advised to coordinate implementation and DPH will provide guidance as needed.