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San Francisco hopes to reopen certain businesses May 18

By Aja Seldon
Updated  May 11, 2020 3:43pm PDT
Coronavirus in the Bay Area
KTVU FOX 2

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - San Francisco Mayor London Breed said that the city is moving forward with gradually reopening certain businesses as early as next Monday to jumpstart the economy. 

Breed doubled down on her plan for certain businesses to resume operations with some modifications just days after California Gov. Gavin Newsom allowed for the state to move into Phase 2 of reopening the retail, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. 

"I know that people are anxious to see our city reopen. I'm anxious to see our city reopen. This has been a very tough and challenging time for all of us," the mayor said. 

While those challenges still remain, the economic fallout from COVID-19  has deeply impacted small business owners across the city who were already facing financial hurdles before the pandemic with the high cost of commercial rent and city taxes and fees.

"Our small businesses that are really the backbone of our city, employing hundreds of thousands of people who sadly were laid off as a result of this crisis," Breed said. "When these businesses are not open, they are not generating any money." 

As long as San Francisco continues to make progress in reducing the spread of COVID-19 some businesses will be permitted to operate with storefront pickup and delivery next Monday. Those stores include: 

  •  Bookstores
  • Florists
  • Music and record stores
  • Hobby, toy, and game stores
  • Home furnishings and home goods
  • Cosmetics and beauty supply
  • Arts supplies stores
  • Musical instrument and supplies stores

The businesses will have to follow a five-part plan outlined by the Department of Public Health (DPH) that involves creating a health plan, providing equipment and gear to protect the safety of employees and customers, social distancing markers, and cleaning protocols among other requirments.