San Francisco will enforce a night-time curfew and additional restrictions starting Monday, November 30, following a surge in coronavirus cases. Mayor London Breed announced the measures on Saturday, which require non-essential businesses to close and prohibit gatherings of different households between 10pm and 5am until December 21.
The city, along with neighbouring San Mateo County, has been placed under California's most restrictive tier due to rising infection rates. Indoor businesses such as movie theatres, gyms, and museums must either move outdoors or close, while malls and retail stores are limited to 25% capacity. Schools, however, may remain open for indoor instruction.
Mayor Breed described the situation as 'the most dangerous time we've faced during this pandemic' and urged residents not to travel or gather with others. The restrictions will also force the San Francisco 49ers to temporarily relocate their practices and games from Santa Clara, as the team seeks alternative venues for December fixtures.
San Francisco has recorded 15,342 COVID-19 cases and 160 deaths to date. The new curfew follows a similar three-week ban on gatherings in Los Angeles, which takes effect Monday. California previously imposed a statewide night curfew, but San Francisco was initially exempt due to lower case numbers.
