March 24th Updates

• SF playgrounds are now closed. People have been gathering in numbers at parks and beaches over the weekend, at immense risk to themselves and others. Mayor London Breed said that she wants people to have access to open spaces; however, the socializing in groups is defeating the stay-home order and endangering those who are vulnerable. If these orders aren’t followed, the city will take a further step to close its entire park system in order to ensure the safety of our residents.

• Parking lots at state beaches and parks are now closed. In a similar vein, Governor Gavin Newsom voiced concern around people flocking to beaches during this time. Those who may not be in a risk group could still spread the virus and endanger the elderly or other vulnerable populations.

• More local testing results will be reported to the City. Today the Health Officer issued an order directing all laboratories conducting COVID-19 testing to report all testing information to local and state public health authorities. This is a very important development, especially as testing increases, in order to understand the number of negatives

• San Francisco reports our first COVID-19 death, and we now have 152 confirmed cases. We are heartbroken to share that a San Franciscan in his 40s has died from complications from COVID-19, as our confirmed cases continue to grow at a steep rate. The number reported at 10:00 A.M. this morning was 152; the number is updated daily here.

We know that most people are doing their best to cope. Check in (remotely) with your friends, family, and neighbors, and let’s all remember that these orders are necessary for the health and safety of our community. The more we act in unison, the sooner we can get through this.

REMINDERS

Access resources and services: 

Find free meals for children

Find out about emergency childcare centers

Get City help if your business or employment is impacted by COVID-19

Find City services that are open during the coronavirus outbreak

Download fact sheets, social media graphics, or flyers

Stay informed: Text COVID19SF to 888-777 for text message alerts. Call 311 or visit www.SF.gov/coronavirus for more information.

Some reminders from SF Bay Area counties Shelter-in-Place order:

• Essential services remain open, including police and fire stations, hospitals and healthcare, sanitation services, public transportation, and utilities. Businesses remaining open include gas stations, pharmacies, food establishments, grocery stores and farmers markets, hardware stores, banks, laundromats, vehicle and bicycle repair shops. See the updated list here.
• What’s closed: most other businesses and services, including dine-in restaurants, bars and nightclubs, entertainment venues, gyms and fitness studios, hair and nail salons
• Leave your home only for essential trips.

Healthcare access:

• For healthcare needs, contact your provider, a nurse hotline, or urgent care center by phone or email first
• All elective medical procedures are prohibited for the time being to preserve healthcare resources needed to address the current crisis
• Do not go to the emergency room unless it’s an actual emergency.
• You cannot visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home or other residential care facilities with the exception of those accompanying a minor under 18 or someone developmentally disabled.

In our Sunset district, I’ve seen tremendous cooperation and willingness to help other in need. Thank you for doing your part.

Stay safe,
Gordon