March 6, 2020 8:00 PM
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Impacts on Recreation and Parks
Dear Park Friends,
As you may know, San Francisco's Department of Public Health recently issued new recommendations to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the community. We want to share those recommendations with you and let you know how they will impact our events and programs.
The recommendations advise vulnerable individuals to limit outings, avoid large gatherings, telecommute if possible, stay home if they are sick, and avoid people who are sick. Vulnerable individuals are those who are 60 years old and older; or who have health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease and weakened immune systems.
Rec and Park Facilities:
We are proactively increasing our sanitation efforts at all of our public facilities and restrooms. Currently, all of our facilities receive two comprehensive cleanings and sanitations daily. During the time these recommendations are in effect, we have increased our custodial staff by 20 professional custodians so that our high use facilities will receive a third complete sanitation of facility surfaces daily, as a further precaution. This intensive effort is in effect every day of the week.
Golden Gate Park Senior Center:
In order to ensure the safety of our patrons, staff, and volunteers, the Golden Gate Park Senior Center will be closed beginning Saturday, March 7 for at least the next two weeks. Additionally, registration for programs at the Golden Gate Park Senior Center will not take place as scheduled. The new tentative registration date for spring classes at the Senior Center will be Monday, March 23.
Winter Senior Programming:
In addition to the closure of the Golden Gate Park Senior Center, all senior programming citywide will be cancelled for two weeks, beginning March 7. For a list of these cancelled programs, please see our webpage: CANCELLED SENIOR PROGRAMS
Events:
The new measures recommend cancelling or postponing large gatherings in our parks. As such, we are postponing or cancelling the following events:
• March 13: Summer Resource Fair at Tenderloin Rec Center (cancelled)
• April 4: Golden Gate Park 150th Anniversary Celebration Event (to be rescheduled)
The Recreation and Park Department has not cancelled any permits for events scheduled on its property. However, it urges the public to carefully review the information that has been provided by the Department of Health. We recognize that event organizers may desire to cancel or reschedule their event and we want to provide that opportunity. As a result we are allowing for postponement or cancellation with no financial penalty other than charging our out of pockets costs for refunds (if you choose a credit, there will be no fee). If you would like to cancel or reschedule, please email rpdinfo@sfgov.org and we will process your request as soon as possible.
UPDATE ON PERMITTED EVENTS
If you are invited to events in our parks, do not attend if you are sick. Events that do proceed are recommended to:
• Have hand washing capabilities, hand sanitizer and tissues available
• Frequently cleaning high touch surface areas like counter tops and hand rails
General Recommendations:
The best way for all San Franciscans to reduce their risk of getting sick, as with seasonal colds or the flu, still applies to prevent COVID-19:
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover your cough or sneeze.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Try alternatives to shaking hands, like an elbow bump or wave.
• If you have recently returned from a country, state or region with ongoing COVID-19 infections, monitor your health and follow the instructions of public health officials.
• There is no recommendation to wear masks at this time to prevent yourself from getting sick.
We will continue to monitor any new developments and will be responsive to the guidance and directives of the San Francisco Department of Public Health and the CDC as they share new information. We urge you to stay up to date by checking this page for any cancellations or concerns regarding our parks. You should also check www.sfdph.org for official updates.
As always, thank you for supporting your parks. Please take care of yourself and stay healthy,
SF Rec & Parks