July 14, 2022
A Message From The Supervisor:
Happy Thursday! I hope everyone has had a productive week thus far. I wanted to point your attention to exciting events in the District that are coming up.
First, this Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 10:00am we will be opening the garden at Minnie and Lovie Ward Park in the OMI. Neighbors advocated for this garden (which will be maintained by neighboring families) and my office was able to support by providing funding for renovation.
I would also like to take some time to acknowledge the Taste of OMI event happening next Saturday, July 23, 2022 at noon. The Taste of OMI will feature food and drinks from Ocean Avenue and neighboring businesses. During the redistricting process my office regained a portion of the OMI’s Ocean Avenue and I am happy that there is so much activity and engagement taking place along the business corridor.
Finally, I would like to remind everyone that Jerry Day is on the way. Jerry Day is a huge concert event held at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheatre in McLaren Park. Our District’s own Tom Murphy worked collectively with Maribel Ramirez at the Excelsior Action Group to put together this year's event. I can’t wait to rock out to the tunes of the Grateful Dead and enjoy vendors from our District’s small businesses.
Our office remains accessible to the public through telephone, email, virtual meeting or in person via appointment. We are available by email: safaistaff@sfgov.org or by phone 415-554-6976 (leave a message and we will call you back). You can also check for updates on my Twitter
, Instagram, and Facebook. Stay safe and healthy.
Please note - if you miss my weekly newsletter, you may find it later on the Board of Supervisor’s website. Click HERE to read past newsletters.
Sincerely,
Supervisor Ahsha Safai |
Weekly Free Covid-19 Testing at the Boys and Girls Club
This is a quick reminder that each Wednesday between 2 - 5 there is a free walk up COVID testing site right out in front of the Boys and Girls Club at 163 London Street, San Francisco, CA 94112. No insurance is required. This weekly testing will continue until August 3rd.
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Monkeypox Updates from the San Francisco Department of Public Health
San Francisco is running extremely low on doses of the monkeypox vaccine (Jynneos) with some sites administering vaccines running out today and others by the end of the week. SFDPH has urgently requested additional allocations of Jynneos from federal supplies and is waiting to hear how much the next allocation will be and when it will arrive in San Francisco.
SFDPH’s strategy has been to get vaccines out as fast as possible. SFDPH received 2,308 doses last week from federal supplies and quickly distributed those vaccines to more than 10 locations. These included SFDPH-sites, community clinics such as the San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s Strut clinic, and to the Kaiser Permanente health system.
SFDPH’s Zuckerberg San Francisco General monkeypox clinic has 50 remaining doses that it will administer on Wednesday first come, first served, and then shutter for the rest of the week or until new vaccine supplies arrive. It is likely people will be turned away. Other SFDPH sites, such as SF City Clinic and the Adult Immunization and Travel Clinic, are working through remaining appointments and are also expected to run out of vaccines this week.
SFDPH sites have administered 1,702 doses to San Franciscans (that number does not include doses given by community and health partners). As of today, SFDPH is reporting 68 cases of monkeypox in San Francisco residents (probable and confirmed).
SFDPH acknowledges that there are many gay and bisexual men, transgendered people and others in the LGBTQ+ community who need protection from monkeypox, and that vaccine supplies are inadequate. This week SFDPH requested 35,000 doses from federal supplies as a starting point to getting on the path toward our goal of vaccinating every person who could benefit from a vaccine.
SFDPH will continue to keep the public updated on vaccine supplies, and other resources such as testing and treatment, that are essential to curbing the spread of this disease and protecting people.
For more information on monkeypox in SF, including case counts, vaccine locations and health guidance got to: sf.gov/monkeypox
How to protect yourself:
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Consider covering exposed skin in dense, indoor crowds
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Don’t share bedding or clothing with others when possible
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Before having close, physical contact with others, talk to your partners about their health and any recent rashes or sores
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Stay aware if traveling to countries where there are outbreaks
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How to protect others:
If you have symptoms particularly a rash consistent with monkeypox, or if you have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with monkeypox:
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Stay home if you are feeling sick
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Contact a health care provider as soon as possible for an evaluation
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Avoid skin-to-skin, or close contact with others, including sexual contact, until a medical evaluation has been completed
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Inform sex partners about any symptoms you are experiencing
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Cover the rash with clean, dry, loose-fitting clothing
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Wear a well-fitted mask
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If you are contacted by public health officials, answer their confidential questions to help protect others who may have been exposed
How to get help:
If you do not have a provider, or have difficulty scheduling an appointment, you can be seen at SF City Clinic at 7th Street, San Francisco (628-217-6600) or at Strut located at 470 Castro Street (415-581-1600).
San Francisco has identified ten (10) cases of monkeypox to date but anticipates more cases of monkeypox could occur. The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) is monitoring updates and guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on the evolving situation and has systems in place to receive reports of suspected cases and reach out to individuals and their close contacts. SFDPH has procured a limited supply of the Jynneos vaccine for preventative use in people who are identified as close contacts.
More information about monkeypox can be found here:
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Click HERE for San Francisco guidance, updates and outreach materials
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Click HERE for Q&A from CDPH
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Click HERE for information on monkeypox from the CDC
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Click HERE for guidance on social gatherings and safer sex from the CDC
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Here’s how you can Be COVID Ready:
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Most importantly: stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations (vaccination plus booster, if eligible). This is your first layer of defense against the virus, preventing serious illness and hospitalization.
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Keep rapid COVID-19 test kits on hand. There are options to receive free test kits from the federal program, through health systems and community organizations, or be reimbursed by insurance.
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Keep masks handy – you may need them during times of high community spread, or when the situation requires. N95s/KN95s or double mask, cloth over surgical, are best.
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Plan ahead in case you or a loved one becomes infected. For example, you may need a care plan for a child, or a work plan to cover your work duties.
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Know how to reach a doctor. If you are at high risk for serious illness, you may be eligible for COVID-19 medicine, but you must take it within days of onset of symptoms.
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Stay informed. Follow COVID news updates and health guidance through reliable and trusted sources of information, such as your local health department (SFDPH) and other government websites
Indoor Masking in SF is Still Recommended, Not Required
San Francisco continues to strongly recommend but not require people to wear masks in indoor public settings. While COVID-19 cases are high, and hospitalizations are also increasing, vaccines and boosters continue to protect against severe illness. With our high vaccination rate San Francisco is not seeing high rates of severe illness affect the wider population and among people who are vaccinated and boosted.
At this stage of the pandemic, as we learn to manage COVID as part of our daily lives, we want people to be prepared for COVID and be personally empowered to make the right decisions for themselves, their family, and their community. SFDPH continues to support highly impacted communities and people who are at high risk of severe illness, knowing that health inequities persist. New tools to prevent severe illness have become available through COVID-19 medicines like Paxlovid, and SFDPH has coordinated with the health systems to ensure quick access to care and make sure people who are disconnected from health care can also receive timely treatments.
Through our collaboration with community partners, San Franciscans have achieved one of the highest vaccination and booster rates in the country, including high rates among people of color and youth ages 5-17. Additionally, our death rate per 100,000 residents is among the lowest in California and the nation. We will continue to monitor the data and science and make adjustments as needed.
Clarification on Definition of “Up to Date on Vaccination”
On May 24, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its definition for being up-to-date on vaccination as follows: “You are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines when you have received all doses in the primary series and all boosters recommended for you, when eligible.” The San Francisco Health Officer’s orders and directives define the term “Up-to-Date on Vaccination” as including the first booster once eligible. At this time, the orders and directives are not changing the definition,, although the San Francisco Health Officer and Department of Public Health recommend following the CDC guidance regarding getting all COVID-19 vaccine boosters that are recommended once you are eligible. Future conditions may
require a change to this intent regarding boosters beyond the first booster. Learn more here.
CDC Strengthens Second Booster Recommendation
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently strengthened their recommendation for second booster doses. The CDC now recommends a second booster dose of either Pfizer or Moderna for those 12 and older who are immunocompromised, and those 50 and older at least 4 months after their first booster. While older Americans have the highest coverage of any age group of first booster doses, most older Americans received their last dose (either their primary series or their first booster dose) many months ago, leaving many who are vulnerable without the protection they may need to prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death.
For more information on eligibility for second booster doses, visit the CDC’s website.
Booster Expansion to Children Ages 5 to 11
The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) is recommending parents and caregivers to get children ages 5 to 11 a COVID-19 booster, now that this age group is eligible, to give stronger protection against the virus as cases continue to swell. Boosters are a good way to increase personal protection so that kids can go into the summer months with a strong defense against the virus.
With federal and state approvals and recommendations for boosters in this age group recently finalized, San Francisco health providers have begun rolling out booster doses for the more than 32,000 children that are, or will be, eligible at five months past completion of their primary vaccine series. More than 73% of San Francisco children in this age group have completed the two-dose primary vaccine series.
For more information about booster expansion for ages 5 and older, click here.
Vaccine Eligibility Expansion for Children Under Age 5
SFDPH has been working closely with health care systems, including Kaiser, UCSF, Sutter, and San Francisco Health Network (SFHN), and pediatric primary care providers to lay the foundation for COVID-19 vaccinations for children under age 5 when they receive authorization through state and federal agencies. We expect parents or guardians will need to have one-on-one medical guidance and discussion with their pediatricians about the vaccine, which will be a special formulation for this age group.
We are encouraging parents of children under age 5 to seek a vaccine through their pediatrician’s office to ensure the vaccine is offered by a trusted provider and in a comfortable setting. We know that some parents and their children under age 5 are not linked to a pediatrician and we will be planning to offer vaccines for children under age 5 in a limited capacity at our community clinics.
We also know that some pediatric providers may encounter operational challenges in offering the vaccine, such as storage and refrigeration; SFDPH has been helping to problem solve these infrastructure needs to support vaccinations of this age group and identifying gaps where resources could be focused to ensure equitable access within communities experiencing disparities in healthcare access or highly impacted by COVID-19, regardless of immigration status. Additionally, while California health regulations permit pharmacies to administer vaccines to children aged 3 and older, the list of participating pharmacy locations within San Francisco is still to be finalized.
COVID vaccinations are an opportunity to connect children with their health care providers and also address other health care needs they may have, including getting up to date on their other vaccinations such as the annual flu vaccine or other childhood immunizations.
COVID Treatment is Available to Those Eligible
San Franciscans can be prepared for COVID-19 by knowing if they, or someone they love, are at high risk for severe illness and how to get COVID-19 medicines.
With COVID-19 medicines now more readily available and many people eligible for treatment, the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) is urging people to be prepared by knowing if they are at high risk for severe illness from the virus and how to get timely access to medical care should they test positive.
Most San Franciscans who are eligible for COVID-19 medicines and test positive should access treatment by going to their health care providers. SFDPH is also helping link people at high risk to health care providers, including those who are uninsured or otherwise disconnected from medical care, regardless of immigration status.
COVID-19 medicines, including oral medicines like Paxlovid, and injectable or intravenous infusion treatments are free to the patient and are proven to reduce the risk of severe illness. Time is of the essence, as some of the medicines, namely those taken by mouth, must be taken within five days of the onset of symptoms.
Currently, under federal and state guidance, a person is eligible for treatment if they test positive for COVID-19 and meet at least one of the following criteria:
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Age 65 or older
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Pregnant
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Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated
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12 or older and have these common medical conditions
Read more about COVID medicines and resources available here. School Vax Pop ups Extended Through June
Our vaccination pop-up clinics at San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) school sites have been extended through June! Bret Harte Elementary School in the Bayview will continue to operate from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays until June 24. Our pop up site at Balboa High School will operate from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays until June 30.
We continue to redouble our vaccination efforts in SF’s highly impacted communities, and will continue to partner with SFUSD and our local community organizations in an effort to find other creative and meaningful ways to reach families in the coming weeks and months.
Our current SFUSD pop up vax sites:
📊 Balboa High School
1215 Carolina St
Thursdays until June 30 / 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where to get a vaccine or booster:
Here are the following locations in San Francisco where people ages 12 and up can drop in to receive a booster, Monday to Friday, while supplies last each day:
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ZSFG (1001 Potrero Ave, Bldg 30)
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Southeast Health Center (2401 Keith Street)
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Chinese Hospital (845 Jackson Street)
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Kaiser Clinic (2350 Geary Blvd)
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Mission Wellness Pharmacy (2424 Mission St.)
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HealthRight 360 (Ages 18+, 1563 Mission St.)
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All DPH neighborhood events and sites
For more information about drop-in sites for vaccines and boosters click here.
For more information about drop-in sites for testing click here |
Muni is Expanding Bus Service July 9Muni continues to expand service and implement the 2022 Muni Service Network plan as resources allow. The 2022 Muni Service Network plan was developed with public feedback, prioritizing:
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Linking neighborhoods in our Muni Service Equity Strategy to essential destinations like hospitals, food hubs and neighborhood commercial corridors
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Adapting to changing travel patterns
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Getting the most out of the Muni system and system-wide improvements
Changes taking place on July 9 focus on restoring and extending bus service to pre-pandemic routes.
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The 2 Sutter will come back with a modified route between the Ferry Plaza and the Jewish Community Center food hub. For service to Clement Street, customers can take the 1 California, which travels one block north of Clement Street.
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The 6 Haight-Parnassus will come back with its full pre-pandemic route.
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The 21 Hayes will come back from St. Mary’s Hospital to Grove and Hyde Streets near the Main Library. Customers can take any of the routes serving Market Street for downtown service.
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Other modified or extended bus routes include the 23 Monterey, 28 19th Avenue, 43 Masonic, 49 Van Ness, 52 Excelsior, 57 Parkmerced, 58 Lake Merced and 66 Quintara.
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Due to changing trip patterns, the L Taraval Bus will also be shortened to run between the SF Zoo and West Portal Station with increased frequency every 8 minutes on weekdays and every 10 minutes on weekends. Customers can connect to the Muni Metro for downtown service at West Portal Station. This change comes as a high number of L Bus riders are already choosing to transfer to the Metro for a fast ride downtown. This allows the SFMTA to increase L Bus frequency and redirect some additional resources to reduce crowding on other routes.
Visit the SFMTA.com/ServiceChanges for the most up to date information.
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Excelsior Art Initiative
PAID Artist Opportunity!! ArtSpan's 2022 Excelsior Art Initiative Call-for-Proposals is now OPEN. The 4th iteration of EAI features new & returning venues plus an art walk as part of the neighborhood–wide Jerry Day after-party on August 13th.
Create custom installations highlighting the venue and the energy of the community while growing your art viewership! ALL installations are temporary and ephemeral. Artists receive a stipend of $1,000–$1,300 (depending on the size and intricacy of the installation) for their creative labor and supplies. Innovative temporary installations can creatively re-design street-facing windows, parklets, exterior/interior walls or spaces, and more. Installations are intended to remain on-view for 3 months from August to November.
Check out the details and apply today: https://bit.ly/3arqt84
ARTISTS WITH TIES TO THE EXCELSIOR ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
IMPORTANT DATES
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July 17: Call-for-proposals closes
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July 20: Artists notifications begin
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August 03-07: Art installed at partnered venues
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August 13: Informal art walk during neighborhood-wide Jerry Day closing celebration
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November: Art de-installed
To apply: https://bit.ly/3arqt84
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SF Department of Disability and Aging Services Survey:
The San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services wants to hear from you! We are currently gathering community input on the affordable housing needs of older people and adults with disabilities as part of the 2022 Aging and Disability Affordable Housing Needs Assessment.
Visit sfhsa.org/housing to take the survey and register for a virtual or in-person community forum. Add your voice to this important process, and help improve affordable housing services for older people and adults with disabilities!
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Trail walks in McLaren Park
Recreation & Parks is hosting two trail walks to share proposed priority trail improvements, highlight natural resources, and hear park user suggestions for signage that will help people navigate and appreciate McLaren Park. Each walk will take approximately 90 minutes and traverse 2-2.5 miles of challenging terrain. Come dressed for variable weather, with sun protection, a water bottle, and sturdy footwear.
July 14 starting at 8:30 am
Walking Upper Reservoir and Shelley Inner Core
Meet at the Upper Reservoir Parking Lot
For further information on the Trail Walks,
please go to https://sfrecpark.org/civicalerts.aspx?AID=741.
For further information on the Improvement Project, please go to httpshttps://bit.ly/mclarentrails. |
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