coronavirus

San Francisco Delays Plan to Reopen More Businesses Due to Surge in COVID-19 Cases

NBC Universal, Inc.

A spike in coronavirus cases has forced San Francisco Mayor London Breed to delay the city's plan to reopen more businesses.

Breed announced the decision Friday, adding San Francisco, like the state, is seeing COVID-19 cases rising rapidly.

San Francisco planned on allowing hair salons and barbershops, nail salons, tattoo salons, museums, zoos, outdoor bars and outdoor swimming to reopen starting Monday.

According to Breed, on June 15, when the city reopened outdoor restaurant dining and retail shops, the city had 20 COVID-19 cases. On Thursday, the number of cases increased to 103.

"At our current rate, the number could double rapidly. If that continues and we don't intervene, we'll be at such a high number that our only option would be to shut down," she said.

Breed urged residents continue wearing face coverings and practice other precautions like regular hand washing and social distancing. She also encouraged residents, particularly essential workers, to get tested if they're having symptoms.

"Our public health experts will evaluate the data over the coming days to determine if it's safe to move forward. I know people are anxious to reopen--I am too. But we can't jeopardize the progress we've made. We'll continue to let you know as soon as decisions are made," she said.

As of Friday, the city has reported 3,400 cases and 48 deaths.

Contact Us