Exemptions Required To Establish Testing Protocol

San Francisco International Airport recently became the first airport in the US to require all workers to get the COVID-19 vaccination.

“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.”

The regulation extends to all contractors working at the airport. Fines may be imposed for those who do not comply with the new regulations, according to Mayor London Breed. Exemptions from the vaccination requirement 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.

San Franciscans are among the most vaccinated in the state. According to The Times' tracker, 80% of residents are at least partially vaccinated for COVID-19. City officials must all be vaccinated.

SFO became the first U.S. airport to establish an on-site rapid testing capability in August 2020 and now administers tests to an average of 500 travelers at various on-site locations every day.

"This new requirement supports our aggressive measures to protect the health and safety of our region," Breed said, "and our continued economic recovery. I want to thank SFO for their continued leadership protecting our city and its visitors."

FMI: https://www.flysfo.com