SFO Outlines New Face Covering Requirement in Response to COVID-19

On April 17, 2020, the San Mateo County Public Health Officer issued Order No. c19-8 (Order), in a continuing effort to mitigate the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Order applies to the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is why SFO now requires all members of the public to wear face coverings. While wearing a mask or facial covering will help contain the spread of COVID-19, members of the public should also comply with social distancing requirements by maintaining at least six feet of separation from others, as well as follow public health and CDC recommendations for minimizing the spread of coronavirus, including frequent hand washing and regular sanitizing of common spaces and touch points.

Visitors to SFO will find signage requiring face coverings. Face coverings must fully cover the nose and mouth and fit securely.  They can be a manufactured or homemade mask such as a bandana, scarf, towel, or other piece of cloth or fabric which covers the nose and mouth. The Airport urges the public to refrain from buying hospital-grade (N95) masks so there is a greater supply for health care workers and first responders.

SFO already requires Airport Commission employees, tenants and contractors to wear face coverings when working in or walking through public areas including terminal spaces and parking facilities.

SFO remains open for essential travel and regularly confers with local, state, and federal health officials regarding measures to protect against COVID-19.