Health Orders & Updates
August 2, 2021 – Message from the Chief
Louise Rogers, chief, San Mateo County Health
We have joined with the Bay Area counties and Dr. Morrow has issued an order, which takes effect tonight after midnight, mandating all individuals to wear face coverings when indoors in workplaces and public settings.
As you have heard, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), California Department of Public Health, and the Bay Area Health Officers were already recommending face coverings when indoors.
8/2/21-HO Order c19-12 Face Covering
This Order requires all individuals to wear face coverings when indoors in workplaces and public settings, with limited exemptions.
This Order directs that face coverings shall be worn, regardless of vaccination status, over the mouth and nose, in all indoor public settings, venues, gatherings, and workplaces, such as, but not limited to: offices, retail stores, restaurants and bars, theaters, family entertainment centers, conference centers and government offices serving the public.
July 2, 2021 – Message from the Chief
Louise Rogers, chief, San Mateo County Health
I write with news of our continued progress as our overall vaccination rate for San Mateo County as of 6/30/21 was 86.6% (576,674 people compared to our estimated population of 666,252 ages 12+ ), which is among the highest in the state.
June 11, 2021 – Message from the Chief
Louise Rogers, chief, San Mateo County Health
As we look forward to next week and the increased opening our residents and sectors will enjoy, I’m glad to share that as of June 10th, 556,528 SMC residents have been vaccinated, 83.5% of our eligible population over the age of 12.
May 26, 2021 – Message from the Chief
Louise Rogers, chief, San Mateo County Health
I write with the continued good news that all the numbers we use to measure our experience of the pandemic in San Mateo County are headed in the right directions.
Positivity for the virus has decreased to .3% countywide and .7% in our lowest quartile Healthy Places Index census tracts, the lowest gap we have had to date, and there were only 8 residents in the hospital yesterday as a result of the virus. We still experience a daily stream of positive cases (528 in the last 30 days), but the vaccine rollout has dramatically reduced the grave experience of the illness.
May 13, 2021 – Message from the Chief
Louise Rogers, chief, San Mateo County Health
I am so pleased to have an additional reason to update you on our vaccine rollout progress as San Mateo County’s COVID-19 adjusted case rate was low enough for two weeks for the county to move to the least restrictive Yellow Tier, representing “minimal” risk level.
We know that each of the almost half a million residents who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are contributing to stopping the spread of the virus and its variants as we strive to achieve even greater protection across all communities.
5/11/21-RESCISSION OF ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER No. c19-11
Effective immediately, Health Officer Order No. c19-11 (Social Distancing Guidelines and Face Mask Requirements issued on June 17, 2020) and Appendix A (Social Distancing Protocol (Revised) issued on December 22, 2020) is rescinded in full in accordance with Section 15 of that Order.
5/11/21-RESCISSION OF ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER No. c19-9
Effective immediately, Health Officer Order No. c19-9 (Allow Car Based Gatherings issued on May 11, 2020) and Appendix A (Car Gathering Plan issued on May 11, 2020) is rescinded in full in accordance with Section 10 of that Order.
May 7, 2021 – Message from the Chief
Louise Rogers, chief, San Mateo County Health
As we begin the month of May, following four months of hard work by so many to make the COVID-19 vaccine available to every eligible resident, we are now in the long-anticipated phase of having enough supply of vaccine to make access easier and more predictable.
April 27, 2021 – Message from the Chief
Louise Rogers, chief, San Mateo County Health
I appreciate being able to share more good news as California beats back the virus (see CDC map at this link) and the vaccine supply from both federal and state pathways to San Mateo County improves.
April 22, 2021 – Message from the Chief
Louise Rogers, chief, San Mateo County Health
With everyone age 16+ now eligible to be vaccinated in San Mateo County, we are excited to be able to connect residents to all available pathways in and around where they live, work or study.
April 16, 2021 – Message from the Chief
Louise Rogers, chief, San Mateo County Health
Our COVID-19 vaccine rollout in San Mateo County continues to inspire hope each day, while I know you are likely hearing and experiencing some frustration about the opening of vaccine eligibility to all residents age 16+ this week.
April 7, 2021 – Message from the Chief
Louise Rogers, chief, San Mateo County Health
My update this week comes at a time when we are nearing almost everyone in San Mateo County being eligible to be vaccinated – coming April 15th – as we also reach a milestone of half of our residents age 16+ receiving at least a first dose.
March 30, 2021 – Message from the Chief
Louise Rogers, chief, San Mateo County Health
The Governor’s hopeful announcement that the State is expanding eligibility for the vaccine this week (April 1) to all residents ages 50+ and in a couple of weeks (April 15th) to all residents age 16+ is a promising sign that California and San Mateo County will receive much more vaccine supply by later in April, which will help us increase the speed of our vaccination as a County and as a country.
March 24, 2021 – Message from the Chief
Louise Rogers, chief, San Mateo County Health
Our work to reach every eligible San Mateo County resident with the COVID-19 vaccine continues with a deepening focus on our most vulnerable communities with several very targeted efforts this week.
We also seeing more and more residents complete their full vaccination course, having passed the 52% mark of those who have received two doses of Pfizer or Moderna or one of Janssen.
March 19, 2021 – Message from the Chief
Louise Rogers, chief, San Mateo County Health
This week we continue to see progress in the San Mateo County COVID-19 vaccine rollout, while also acknowledging that the large group of approximately 200,000 residents who became eligible on March 15 occurred at a time in which the vaccine supply in San Mateo County has actually decreased.
March 11, 2021 – Message from the Chief
Louise Rogers, chief, San Mateo County Health
I write with gratitude for the hopefulness that our vaccine rollout is enabling for so many of our older adult and essential worker residents, while also acknowledging the significant work that remains to assure equity in the reach of the vaccine.
March 5, 2021 – Message from the Chief
Louise Rogers, chief, San Mateo County Health
As this week marks the one-year anniversary of our collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic, I am so glad to be sharing that 164,388 of our residents have received vaccinations and this is 25.6% of our adult population.
3/10/21-RESCISSION OF ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER No. c19-1e
Effective immediately, Health Officer Order No. c19-1e (“Long Term Care Facilities Order” issued on October 29, 2020) is rescinded in full in accordance with Section 17 of that Order.
January 19, 2021 Health Officer Statement
Please read or reread my previous statements below to get a better understanding of where we find ourselves today and actions you can take to protect yourselves and your family.
12/22/20- Health Officer Order c19-11 Appendix A: Social Distancing Protocol (Revised)
HO Order c19-11 Appendix A: Social Distancing Protocol (Revised)
Revised to remove language about not permitting individuals to bring reusable items from home into stores. The removal of the language means that county residents are now able bring any kind of reusable item into a store, including shopping bags and coffee cups, though stores may adopt their own stricter policies prohibiting such items if they wish.
December 7, 2020 Health Officer Statement
Please read or reread my previous statements below to get a better understanding of where we find ourselves today and actions you can take to protect yourselves and your family.
November 23, 2020 Health Officer Statement
I haven’t updated this statement in a while because I have said most of what I know and I have given recommendations about what you need to do multiple times. Please read or reread my previous statements on this site to get a better understanding of where we find ourselves today and the actions you can take to protect yourselves and your family.
Orders of the Health Officer for Quarantine & Isolation
Date Orders Issued: October 29, 2020
San Mateo County Health Officer Dr. Scott Morrow has issued updated orders for individuals who are close contacts of a positive case (for quarantine) or who have tested positive for COVID-19 (for isolation), along with instructions for home quarantine and home isolation.
For Quarantine
HO Order c19-7c Home Quarantine (revised) 20201029
HO Order c19-7c Home Quarantine (revised) (Spanish)
HO Order c19-7c Home Quarantine (revised) (Simplified Chinese)
HO Order c19-7c Home Quarantine (revised) (Tagalog)
HO Order c19-7c Appendix A Home Quarantine Instructions (English)
HO Order c19-7c Appendix A Home Quarantine Instructions (Spanish)
HO Order c19-7c Appendix A Home Quarantine Instructions (Simplified Chinese)
HO Order c19-7c Appendix A Home Quarantine Instructions (Tagalog)
For Isolation
HO Order c19-6c Home Isolation (revised) 20201029
HO Order c19-6c Home Isolation (revised) (Spanish)
HO Order c19-6c Home Isolation (revised) (Simplified Chinese)
HO Order c19-6c Home Isolation (revised) (Tagalog)
September 21, 2020 Health Officer Statement
Please read or reread my previous statements below to get a better understanding of where we find ourselves today and actions you can take to protect yourselves and your family.
August 6, 2020 Health Officer Statement
Please read or reread my previous statements below to get a better understanding of where we find ourselves today and actions you can take to protect yourselves and your family.
July 20, 2020 Health Officer Statement
Please read or reread my previous statements below to get a better understanding of where we find ourselves today and actions you can take to protect yourselves and your family.
Order of the Health Officer No. c19-1d: Long-term Care Facilities (Revised)
Date Order Issued: July 14, 2020
Please read this Order carefully. Violation of or failure to comply with this Order constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. California Health and Safety Code § 120295, et seq.; Cal. Penal Code §§ 69, 148(a)(1).
Order No. c19-11 of the Health Officer of the County of San Mateo – Social Distancing Guidelines and Face Mask Requirements
Date of Order: June 17, 2020
Please read this Order carefully. Violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. (California Health and Safety Code § 120295, et seq.; Cal. Penal Code §§ 69, 148(a)(1))
UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTIONS 101040, 101085, AND 120175, THE HEALTH OFFICER OF THE COUNTY OF SAN MATEO (“HEALTH OFFICER”) ORDERS:
June 15, 2020 Health Officer Statement
Please read or reread my previous statements below to get a better understanding of where we find ourselves today and actions you can take to protect yourselves and your family.
June 1, 2020 Health Officer Statement
Please read or reread my previous statements below to get a better understanding of where we find ourselves today and actions you can take to protect yourselves and your family.
APPENDIX A: Home Quarantine Instructions
For Close Contacts of Those who Have Been Diagnosed With COVID-19
You need to stay home (quarantined), even though you maybe not feel sick, since you had close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. Quarantine is a way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to more people.
During your Quarantine period, please follow the instructions below:
San Mateo County Health Officer Order for the Control of COVID-19 No. C19-7b (REVISED) Directing Individuals in the County who are Close Contacts of Individuals Diagnosed With COVID-19 to Quarantine Themselves
Date of Order: May 14, 2020
Please read this Order carefully. Violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. California Health and Saf. Code, § 120295, et seq.; Cal. Penal Code §§ 69, 148(a)(1).
APPENDIX B: Home Isolation Instructions
For People Who Have Been Diagnosed With COVID-19
During your Isolation Period, please follow the instructions below:
SAN MATEO COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER ORDER FOR THE CONTROL OF COVID-19 No. c19-6b (REVISED) DIRECTING INDIVIDUALS IN THE COUNTY DIAGNOSED WITH COVID-19 TO ISOLATE THEMSELVES
Date of Order: May 14, 2020
Please read this Order carefully. Violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. California Health and Saf. Code, § 120295, et seq.; Cal. Penal Code §§ 69, 148(a)(1).
May 4, 2020 Health Officer Statement
Please read or reread my statements below from 4/13/20, 3/23/20, 3/16/20, 3/10/20, 3/5/20, and 2/27/20 to get a better understanding of where we find ourselves today and actions you can take to protect yourselves and your family.
April 13, 2020 Health Officer Statement
Please read or reread my statements below from 3/23/20, 3/16/20, 3/10/20, 3/5/20, and 2/27/20 to get a better understanding of where we find ourselves today and actions you can take to protect yourselves and your family.
March 23, 2020 Health Officer Statement
Please read or reread my statements below from 3/16/20, 3/10/20, 3/5/20, and 2/27/20 to get a better understanding of where we find ourselves today.
March 16, 2020 Health Officer Statements
Please read or reread my statements below from 3/10/20, 3/5/20, and 2/27/20 to get a better understanding of where we find ourselves today. Over the last few days, I’ve instituted a number of aggressive measures to try to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community. I have done so because time is of the essence and the types of measures implemented matter. I have implemented these measures to prevent the collapse of our healthcare system and to reduce death of our loved ones from COVID-19.
March 10, 2020 Health Officer Statement
The bulk of what I want to tell you is in my slightly modified March 5 statement below. Please re-read it slowly and carefully and consider your next actions. Over the last long weeks, I have been faced with unanswerable dilemmas and conundrums daily. I have been asked to make significant policy decisions with very little information on which to base them. I have 35 years of experience as a physician, and almost 30 years of experience in local public health, more local public health experience than almost anyone in our state.
March 5, 2020 Health Officer Statement
This is a difficult message to share, but it is important to recognize how difficult the times ahead may be and how you must now take assertive action to prepare for them. Our local situation surrounding novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing rapidly. COVID-19 is spreading in our community, the extent of which is unclear. It has likely been spreading for weeks, perhaps months. I have no reason to believe that how it’s spreading in other countries won’t be replicated to some degree here. We now all need to take assertive actions to inhibit the spread of this new virus.
February 27, 2020 Health Officer Statement
I share the concerns of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): we all need to be prepared for COVID-19 to spread within the United States. Our lives may be significantly disrupted by the measures needed to respond to a global pandemic. A pandemic is a global occurrence of an infectious disease. A pandemic is a disaster with unique characteristics. The two most important differences between a pandemic and other disasters are that the whole world is going through this disaster at the same time and people may become fearful of other people.