San Francisco mayor London Breed and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) have announced that effective immediately, all workers at SFO are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
The announcement, which was made on September 21, 2021, requires all on-site personnel to be vaccinated or, if exempt, be tested weekly for COVID-19.
“Throughout this pandemic, SFO has been leading the aviation industry in protecting passengers and employees alike,” said Airport Director Ivar C. Satero in a statement made by SFO.
“As SFO prepares for the upcoming holiday travel season, and the return of pre-pandemic passenger levels, we have an obligation to provide a safe airport facility for the traveling public and our on-site employees. According to the Centers for Disease Control, vaccination is the most effective way to prevent transmission of COVID-19.”
Every SFO tenant or contractor is included in the requirement. Exemptions from vaccination can be granted by the employer for either medical disability or sincerely held religious belief. For employees granted an exemption, the tenant or contractor employer must establish a weekly COVID-19 testing and reporting protocol.
Free vaccines are continuously being offered at the airport’s own medical facility, SFO Medical Clinic.
“We know that vaccines are the most effective way to prevent COVID-19 transmission and reduce hospitalizations and deaths,” said San Francisco Mayor Breed in a statement online. “This new requirement supports our aggressive measures to protect the health and safety of our region and our continued economic recovery. I want to thank SFO for their continued leadership protecting our city and its visitors.”