San Francisco imposes a 10-day quarantine on travelers from outside the Bay Area

Colfax did not give details on how the city will enforce the ordinance, but said anyone who does not comply could face a criminal offense.

“Now is not the time to travel,” Colfax said during the press briefing. “The consequences are serious. We are just asking people to understand this and comply with the health ordinance because it is the right thing to do. The city can take additional enforcement action if the situation requires it. . In violation or in the event of non-compliance with this order. “

The order also requires that anyone who comes to San Francisco be quarantined for 10 days if they have spent time outside the following nine Bay Area counties: San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, Solano, Sonoma, Napa, Marin and Santa Cruz.

“Cases of COVID-19 are increasing in San Francisco and across the country. Bay Area hospitals are on the verge of being overwhelmed, ”said San Francisco Mayor London Breed. “We must do all we can to contain the virus and stop its circulation in our community. Now is not the time to travel and risk exposure or exposing others. We need to do what it takes to protect ourselves, our neighbors and loved ones, and make sure we can celebrate together when this is over.

The new order also includes stronger language discouraging any non-essential travel, even in the Bay Area.

Essential workers such as healthcare professionals and those providing essential infrastructure work are exempt. (Find a full list of exemptions here.)

“People passing through San Francisco International Airport on connecting flights and not spending the night in San Francisco are not required to self-quarantine,” the city said.

The travel order comes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on December 18 and will continue until 12:01 a.m. on January 4, 2021, unless extended.