San Francisco International Airport (SFO) now requires all on-site personnel to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or if exempt, be tested weekly for COVID-19.
SFO is the first airport in the United States to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine. On Tuesday, Mayor London Breed and SFO announced the mandate goes into effect immediately.
“We know that vaccines are the most effective way to prevent COVID-19 transmission and reduce hospitalizations and deaths,” said Mayor Breed. “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.”
“Throughout this pandemic, SFO has been leading the aviation industry in protecting passengers and employees alike,” said Airport Director Ivar C. Satero. “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.”
In August 2020, SFO became the first U.S. airport to establish an on-site rapid testing capability. In February 2021, SFO partnered with the County of San Mateo to offer vaccines to health care workers and County residents over 65. SFO will continue to offer free vaccines at the SFO Medical Clinic.
Starting today, all @flySFO workers are required to be fully vaccinated in order to protect their health and the health of those visiting our airport. SFO was the first airport to establish on-site rapid testing, and currently offers on-site vaccinations.
Full announcement: https://t.co/rZNtwM8xWU
— London Breed (@LondonBreed) September 21, 2021