Mayor Breed: SF 'Could Soon Start Reopening' If Trends Continue

San Francisco Mayor London Breed says a reopening under state guidelines could begin soon as the city continues to make gains when it comes to containing coronavirus spread.

Despite the rosy outlook, state health officials said the Bay Area region doesn't yet meet the required 15% ICU availability projection for four weeks under state rules for a region to reopen.

An update on that projection may come as late as Tuesday, the San Francisco Chronicle reported, though COVID cases saw an uptick on Sunday, news which might pump the brakes on a potential reopening.

In a tweet Friday, Breed revealed the virus' reproductive rate is now less than one, meaning that every person infected passes it on to fewer than one other person. The Bay Area region would also need to be projected to have at least 15% ICU availability for four weeks, under state rules, to reopen.

Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at UCSF, said, "This county has been particularly conservative with the recommendations from the state. That's why I'm very hopeful that for this county to put out a tweet like that means that discussions are happening."

Gandhi says she’s hopeful limited activities — such as outdoor dining and visiting hair salons and zoos — could return as early as next week.

Marin County Public Health Officer Dr. Matt Willis says Bay Area counties are waiting on the state to determine whether the entire region can ease restrictions.

Breed also said people must still be vigilant and wear masks, avoid indoor gatherings with people from other households and to wash hands frequently.

"We all need to keep doing what we know slows the spread of the virus," Breed said.

— Sara Hossaini (@MsHossaini)