FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Contact: San Francisco Joint Information Center, dempress@sfgov.org

*** PRESS RELEASE ***

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 the key 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.

GATHERINGS
Recommendations for Staying Safe from Covid-19 During the Holidays

During holiday season, you may be wondering if it is safe to gather and celebrate with loved ones. Here are guidelines for protecting yourself and others from COVID-19.

The safest gathering is one that is a small, stable group that meets outdoors for a short duration and uses face coverings, distance and other safety measures.

Any activity outside of your household increases chances of exposure to the virus. Be selective and space out which public activities you choose. If gathering with your small, stable group is most important, consider forgoing or delaying other activities such as a haircut or indoor dining to reduce your overall exposures and protect your group.

If you gather in person, keep it safe, small, short, and stable

OUTSIDE IS SAFER Gather outside and follow safety guidelines
The risk of COVID-19 transmission is highest in indoor spaces without enough ventilation. That’s why gathering inside is not allowed, except as permitted under the state’s health order. Outdoor spaces that are covered are okay, as long as 75% of the space is open to the outdoors. People may go inside to use restrooms, as long as restrooms are sanitized often and attendees only go one at a time.

SMALL: Limit gatherings to no more than 3 households
When people from different households are together at the same time in the same space, the risk of spreading COVID-19 goes up. That’s why gatherings of more than 3 different households are not allowed.

SHORT: Limit gatherings to no more than 2 hours
The longer people gather together, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spreading. That’s why gathering for longer than 2 hours is not allowed, under the state’s health order.

STABLE: Do not participate in multiple gatherings with many different households

If anyone in your household develops COVID-19 symptoms after attending a gathering:

• Get tested for COVID-19
• Notify the other attendees as soon as possible regarding the potentialexposure
• Stay home as much as possible for14 days after the gathering or untilhousehold member tests negative
• Avoid being around people whohave higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19

Considerations before hosting or attending:

• Are there many or increasing cases of COVID-19 in areas where attendees live?
• Have all attendees been taking precautions against COVID-19?
• Will all attendees wear face coverings and keep physical distance at the gathering?Do not attend if:
  • Anyone in your household has COVID-19-like symptoms
  • You are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 due to age or medical conditionsHosts should let guests know safety guidelines must be followed before the event so everyone is aware.

The more people come into contact with others outside their household, the higher the risk of spreading COVID-19. That’s why participating in multiple gatherings with different households is strongly discouraged. If you attend several gatherings over the holidays, keep it to the same group of people.

Safety recommendations

• Maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance from people not in your household at all times, whether you’re sitting or standing. More distance is safer.
• Wear face coverings at all times, including when talking to others. You can remove face covering briefly to eat, drink, or take medication as long as you stay at least 6 feet away from everyone outside your own household. More distance is safer.
• Remain outside as much as possible. If you go inside, open windows and doors to increase ventilation.
• Wash hands with soap and water often. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Serve shared food safely. If it is not possible to use single-serve disposable containers, food andbeverages must be served by a person who washes or sanitizes their hands frequently and wears a face covering. If you are dropping off home-prepared food or drink gifts, be sure to wear a mask and disinfect or wash your hands thoroughly.
• Avoid singing, chanting, and shouting. If you cannot avoid these activities, keep your face covering on, your volume low, and at least a 6-foot distance from others. More distance and being outdoors are safer.

Link to full PDF

Media Contact: DP&A, Inc. / David Perry / news@davidperry.com / (415) 676-7007

LYRIC’s Toni Newman Calls Joe Biden & Kamala Harris Victory “Historic and Heartening”

8 November 2020 – San Francisco, CA: Following today’s announcement of a victory for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, Toni Newman, Interim Executive Director for San Francisco’s esteemed nonprofit LYRIC (www.lyric.org) called the election “historic and heartening.”

 “The Trump administration has been a constant assault on the lives, livelihoods and loves of the LGBTQ+ communities and an existential threat to the future of our LGBTQ+ youth,”  said Newman. “The fight is far from over, but today we can all breathe a little easier and hold our queer heads a little higher. Today is a moment both historic and heartening as opposed to the last four years that have been histrionic and disheartening.”

LYRIC is the San Francisco Bay Area’s leading organization offering expertise in youth workforce development, healthcare navigation, individual counseling, and group-based community building to marginalized low-income LGBTQQ+ youth.  In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, LYRIC has continued its vital work for LGBTQQ youth in our community.

Newman is the former Interim Director for Employment Services at the San Francisco LGBT Center and a consultant for the Transgender Strategy Center. Toni is a graduate of Wake Forest University and current candidate for her Juris of Doctorate (JD). Toni served as the Executive Director for St. James Infirmary and the Director of Development for Maitri Compassionate Care, and previously served as the Interim Director of Development & Communications at To Help Everyone Health and Wellness Centers and as a Strategic Fundraiser, Volunteer Recruiter, and Legislative Aide for Equality California. Additionally, Toni is a best selling author, noted for her memoir I Rise – The Transformation of Toni Newman released in 2011, which is based on the poem I Rise by Wake Forest University Reynolds Professor, Dr. Maya Angelou. 

LYRIC’s mission is to build community and inspire positive social change through education enhancement, career trainings, health promotion, and leadership development with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQQ) youth, their families, and allies of all races, classes, genders, and abilities. For more information and to make a donation, go to www.lyric.org  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Saturday, November 7, 2020

Contact: Mayor’s Office of Communications, mayorspressoffice@sfgov.org

*** STATEMENT ***

MAYOR LONDON BREED ON THE ELECTION OF JOE BIDEN AND KAMALA HARRIS

San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed today issued the following statement following the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the next President and Vice President of the United States.

“Joe Biden ran on the simple but powerful idea that we should strive to be a united country, not a divided one. As president, he has promised to represent everyone, not just those who voted for him, and he will put the needs of the American people first. I am so proud that this country chose leadership, decency, and compassion in our next President. 

With this election, we also made history by choosing Kamala Harris as our Vice-President. For the first time, millions and millions of Americans chose a black woman to help lead this country. The pride I feel as a black woman is hard to put into words. Kamala Harris is a friend and mentor, but most importantly, she is an inspiration to so many of us all across this country. While Kamala’s path to Washington has been her own unique journey, she is just as sure bringing the hopes and dreams of so many little girls with her. I only wish my grandmother, a daughter of slaves and sharecroppers, a woman who raised me to believe that we can all work to make the world a better place, were still alive to see this day. 

These results have shown us how close these elections are, and how much every single vote matters. All across this country, more people than in any other election in our history took to the cast their vote to fight for our democracy. We overcame decades of sinister efforts to suppress the vote. We overcame the cynicism that too often dissuades people from voting because they think their voice doesn’t matter. With this election, we have shown not only that our voices matter, but they have the power to change the course of history. 

We’ve got a lot of work to do, and we have hard days ahead of us, but tomorrow will be a little lighter and the days to come will be a whole lot brighter. Today, I have real hope for the future of our country.”

media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

Dezart Performs Presents Special Free Virtual Series:

Creating for the Stage: Discussions with the People that Make Shows Happen

Every Wednesday November 11 – December 2 at 5:30pm (PST)
www.dezartperforms.org 

6 November 2020 – Palm Springs, CA: In pre-COVID times, theatres talked about “taking it on the road.” For Dezart Performs for the remainder of 2020, they’re taking it online. Every Wednesday from November 11 through December 2 at 5:30pm (PST), the award-winning Palm Springs ensemble presents a special free virtual series, Creating for the Stage: Discussions with the People that Make Shows Happen. Featuring actors, designers, creatives, playwrights and directors from their sold out 2019-20 season, the free online series is optimistic proof of the group’s mission this year: Still Here … and Dreaming.  To access the weekly series, go to www.dezartperforms.org

“Theatre is above all a discussion and until we can have discussions face to face, we’ll have them screen to screen,” said Dezart Performs Founding Artistic Director Michael Shaw. “These conversations were incredibly emotional for everyone concerned, and also a lot of fun and a real peek behind the fourth wall with the people who truly make shows happen.”

Details of the series are as follows:

Wednesday, November 11 – 5:30pm: Meet the Playwright and Director with Daniel’s Husband playwright Michael McKeever and director Darin Anthony.

Wednesday, November 18 – 5:30pm: Meet the Cast Members with Hand to God actors Eddie Vona, Yo Younger and Danny Gomez.

Wednesday, November 25 – 5:30pm: Meet the Director and Cast Members with SWEAT actors Desireé Clarke and Cortez Johnson and director Michael Shaw.

Wednesday, December 2 – 5:30pm: Meet the Design Team with Hand to God set designer Tom Valach, lighting designer Derrick McDaniel and props master Cecilia Orosco.

The series is moderated by local author and former TV host David Perry.

Dezart Performs, one of the Coachella Valley’s preeminent theatre companies, recognizes that the performing arts enrich the life and culture of a community, promote greater understanding and provoke insightful discussion. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre company, its mission is to provide an artistic home for bold and cutting–edge plays, creating an atmosphere of artistic growth for actors, writers, and directors who uniquely contribute to the diverse theatrical environment in the Coachella Valley.

For more information go online at www.dezartperforms.org, or call (760) 322-0179.