Mayor London N. Breed and the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) announced a local emergency declaration to strengthen the City’s preparedness and response to the rapidly rising cases of monkeypox.
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The declaration of a local emergency is a legal action that will mobilize city resources, accelerate emergency planning, streamline staffing, coordinate agencies across the city, allow for future reimbursement by the state and federal governments and raise awareness throughout San Francisco about how everyone can stop the spread of Monkeypox in our community.
It will go into effect on August 1.
Currently, SFDPH has confirmed 261 cases of monkeypox in San Francisco. There are reportedly 799 cases in California, over 4,600 cases in the United States, and more than 19,000 cases globally (in 76 countries).
“We need to be prepared and this declaration will allow us to serve the city better,†said Director of Health Dr. Grant Colfax. “Our COVID-19 response has taught us that it is imperative that we mobilize city resources. The declaration helps us ensure we have all the tools available to augment our outreach, testing and treatment, especially to the LGBTQ+ who remain at highest risk for Monkeypox.â€
“San Francisco is an epicenter for the country. Thirty percent of all cases in California are in San Francisco,†said San Francisco Public Health Officer Dr. Susan Philip.
"We have always been on the forefront of advocacy and action for LGBTQ+ health and I'm issuing this declaration to reaffirm our commitment to the wellbeing of these communities and to allow us to move more quickly to obtain and distribute the resources needed to help those disproportionately impacted.â€
As Monkeypox cases continue to increase in San Francisco, the demand for vaccine remains high and additional supply is needed to stop community spread.
This week, San Francisco is expected to receive 4,220 doses of Monkeypox vaccine. SFDPH initially requested 35,000 doses of the monkeypox vaccine to meet the needs of San Franciscans. Including this week’s allocation, to date the City has only received approximately 12,000 doses.
While the Monkeypox virus impacts all people, data shows significant spread in San Francisco’s LGTBQ community at higher rates. However, anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can be infected and spread monkeypox.
The City has been working diligently to increase the implementation of testing, treatment, and vaccine distribution in response to the spread of the Monkeypox virus. San Francisco has a significant number of Monkeypox cases and lacks sufficient vaccine supply for the number of people in need.
SFDPH will continue to request additional vaccine allocations from the state and distribute to community clinics, health systems, and other locations where they are needed. 
Monkeypox spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, which includes sex, kissing, breathing at very close range, and sharing bedding and clothing. ■