Health and Safety Protocols Frequently Asked Questions

Students, staff and visitors are not required to wear masks indoors per CDPH and SFDPH guidance at any SFUSD school or office. The guidance recommends but does not require mask wearing. Students, staff and visitors may choose to wear a mask as they see fit.

No, masks are not required to be worn on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education/child care programs. 

No, masks are not required. Masks are strongly recommended indoors at all times when participants are not actively practicing, conditioning, competing, or performing. Masks are also strongly recommended indoors while on the sidelines, in team meetings, and within locker rooms and weight rooms. Students and staff may choose to wear masks as they see fit. Bell coverings for wind instruments are recommended in the guidelines. Students may choose to use bell coverings as they see fit.

No, masks are not required.  Masks are strongly recommended indoors for all spectators and observers.  Spectators and observers may choose to wear masks as they see fit.

Check out SFUSD.edu/COVID19 to review the most up-to-date information for students and families to stay safe at school. Families can review the Health and Safety section of the website to learn more about current COVID-19 guidelines and protocols. 

SFUSD continues to work closely with SF Department of Public Health to enact an equity-driven approach to support those in our community who are highly impacted by the virus. This includes people who are medically vulnerable, people not yet eligible for vaccines, and communities and neighborhoods most disparately impacted.

SFUSD has been working with our partners to increase testing capacities, distribute at-home test kits, and expand access to vaccination. 

As an individual, you can support those around you by getting vaccinated and boosted if eligible, wearing a mask and testing when gathering with vulnerable people, opening windows, and gathering outdoors.

Yes. The protocol for visitors at sites, including family drop-off and pick-up and volunteers, will be the same as the protocol before the pandemic. Please note that volunteers should follow vaccination requirements.

Yes, family and community members may come onto school campuses following the Student and Family Handbook guidelines for visiting a school. 

Families and caregivers may enter the building for pick-up and drop-off, even if they are not up to date on vaccination for COVID-19.

Family and community members may come onto school campuses at any time and should follow the Student and Family Handbook guidelines regarding volunteers and visitors.

As of August 10, 2021, the SFUSD Health and Safety Directive Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination requires that all staff, interns, contractors and volunteers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before physically accessing District facilities. Contractors and volunteers who are not yet fully COVID-19 vaccinated will be required to submit to at least weekly testing. SFUSD does not have the capacity to provide the weekly testing for unvaccinated interns, contractors and volunteers. Please refer to the vaccination FAQs.

Volunteers are allowed at SFUSD sites. The SFUSD Health and Safety Directive Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination requires that all staff, interns, contractors and volunteers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before physically accessing District facilities.  Contractors and volunteers who are not yet fully COVID-19 vaccinated will be required to submit to at least weekly testing. SFUSD does not have the capacity to provide the weekly testing for unvaccinated interns, contractors and volunteers. Please refer to the vaccination FAQs. 

SFUSD requires all service providers to be fully vaccinated. Those who qualify for a medical or religious exemption must have a negative COVID-19 test administered within 72 hours of the first time entering a school, then weekly thereafter. In addition, all service providers must follow San Francisco Department of Public Health guidelines. Service providers can learn more about these requirements at the MOU information page, and review the vaccination FAQs for service providers for more information.

The Out of School Time programs that are operated by SFUSD are also required to follow SF Department of Public Health guidelines. If you enroll your child into these programs, the Early Education Department will provide information on health and safety protocols.

You do not need to report if your child tests positive for COVID-19. Please continue to follow general guidance. Students are strongly recommended, but not required, to isolate if they test positive for COVID-19.

Festivals, performances, tours, open houses, and other events that involve families are allowed. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test is not required to attend any school-wide events.

Staff and students can go on field trips to outdoor or indoor destinations. If shared vehicles or public transportation is used, follow the same policies and guidance outlined in Administrative Regulation 6153 School-Sponsored Trips.

Overnight trips are allowed under the conditions set forth in AR 6153 School-Sponsored Trips:

• Students can now share rooms, and schools will make a separate room available for any student or staff who exhibits symptoms while on the trip.
• Testing is strongly recommended 48 hours prior to the day of departure.