Public urges mask mandate as DPH reports rising COVID cases and hospitalizations

Several callers urged the San Francisco Health Commission on Dec. 6 to reinstate an indoor mask mandate and provide free N95s as Director of Health Grant Colfax presented a COVID update showing rising cases and increasing hospitalizations.

Multiple members of the public — including Alyssa Matross and several members of Senior Disability Action — told commissioners that test positivity in San Francisco was “about 10.9 percent” or near 11% and said that officials must act promptly to protect children, seniors and people with disabilities. “Masks would protect my toddler grandchildren,” Alyssa Matross said during general public comment. Speakers repeatedly urged the commission to “bring back masks,” distribute high‑quality masks in public buildings and on transit, and run an active booster campaign.

Director Grant Colfax told the commission the city is experiencing a surge in cases that began before Thanksgiving and is “continuing to go up rapidly.” He reported 90 people currently hospitalized with COVID at ZSFG (noting that figure is below the Omicron peak of 286) and described hospital strain compounded by concurrent influenza and RSV activity. Colfax said 86% of the population had completed an initial vaccine series and that bivalent booster uptake was about 28%. He recommended that eligible residents receive updated boosters and follow CDC and local guidance on masking and other precautions, while noting his office was working with the state as the February 2023 end to the state of emergency approaches.

Health Officer comments: Dr. Philip (DPH infectious disease lead) appeared remotely and stressed that hospital capacity is now driven by multiple respiratory and non-respiratory factors and that masking alone “might help somewhat” but will not be a sole solution. DPH staff said they are continuing to evaluate parameters for reinstating mandates and coordinating with state and regional partners.

Public reaction and next steps: Many callers expressed frustration at what they described as insufficient action by health officials despite rising local metrics. The commission did not adopt an indoor mask mandate at this meeting; Colfax and DPH staff said they would continue to monitor hospitalizations and work with the state on possible actions and messaging, and they reiterated recommendations to get booster doses and to mask in higher‑risk situations.

Outcome: No formal policy change or mandate was adopted at the Dec. 6 meeting; public commenters requested immediate action and DPH committed to continued monitoring and interagency coordination.