Good afternoon everyone,

Yesterday Mayor London N. Breed and the Director of Health Dr. Grant Colfax announced San Francisco’s plans to allow some businesses to resume operating, with modifications starting on Monday, May 18th.

Businesses that will be allowed to operate with storefront pickup on Monday, May 18th 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,

• Sewing, needlework, and piece goods stores (primarily engaged in the retail sale of sewing supplies, fabrics, patterns, yarn and other needlework accessories)

The Department of Health has ordered new directives for business categories. Please see yellow highlighted information.

In our next email we’ll provide you with more information/details on “Store Front Pick Ups” and what that means for your business.

We will continue to do check-ins with Japantown businesses throughout the week. We look forward to seeing you and if there are any questions do not hesitate to ask.

Please continue to stay safe & healthy,
JCBD Staff

Requirements for All Open Businesses

Many of you have contacted the JCBD letting us know that you are preparing to reopen for businesses. Businesses MUST complete and have ready the following 3 items before reopening.

1. * NEW * Post a Health and Safety Plan per new industry-specific guidance provided under Health Officer Order No. C19-07c. This Directive goes into effect immediately upon issuance but provides for an implementation grace period requiring compliance by 11:59 PM on May 15, 2020.
   Download fillable Health and Safety Plan forms by industry:

   • Grocers, farmers’ markets, pharmacies, and hardware stores

   • Restaurants for food take-out and delivery
     

2. Post a Social Distancing Protocol per the Shelter in Place Order. A fillable version can be downloaded here.
   

3. Follow the Face Covering Order by instituting policies to 1) inform customers about the new requirement, 2) take reasonable steps to only give access to those with face coverings, and 3) refuse service to anyone not following the order.

The above SF Dept. of Health posters/flyers must be posted at the entry way of your business along with a completed the Health & Safety Plan and Social Distancing Protocol.

Also make sure to mark your entry way so that customers stay 6 feet apart. It can be as simple as taping colored tape on the ground/floor.

New Health Order directives released May 8 include new Health and Safety Plan for businesses, setting the stage for a safe reopening.

The San Francisco Department of Public Health has released new directives for some types of essential businesses to help maintain progress against the coronavirus and set the stage for opening up more parts of society. 

These new directives make clear what is required for businesses to remain open.

• Grocers, farmers’ markets, pharmacies, and hardware stores 

• Restaurants for food take-out and delivery

Each directive has specific mandatory guidance for that industry.

Effective dates
The directives take effect immediately but include a grace period for complying with the requirements. Business need to comply with the requirements starting at 11:59 p.m. on May 15, 2020. The directives will remain in effect until the Health Officer changes them or determines they are no longer needed.

Things that are new:

Health and Safety Plan
Business must create and follow a Health and Safety Plan in addition to their Social Distancing Protocol. The Health and Safety Plan is a written policy for sanitizing, ensuring sick workers stay home, and educating personnel and employees about safety.

Face coverings and hand sanitizer for staff
Businesses must provide face coverings and hand sanitizer to their personnel, including contractors and those not classified as employees, like “gig-economy” drivers. Workers may still bring their own if they choose. 

Staff who have symptoms
Anyone allowed to work outside the home who comes down with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 cannot return to work until they get tested. San Francisco offers free testing for anyone working outside the home through CityTestSF.

Updated list on the 39 Essential Businesses that are Open (or soon to open) in Japantown. Please help us spread the word and share on your social media/website.

Please note the changes in operating hours for the Japan Center Garage. Please share this information with your staff and customers.