DOM In the News

Read about how the Department of Medicine is responding to the outbreak of the coronavirus respiratory illness COVID-19. See related COVID-19 publications.

Women on bench in masks

California to drop social distancing requirements in June 

SF Gate |

Monica Gandhi was quoted in SF Gate agreeing with California’s June 15th reopening, citing vaccine effectiveness and California’s successful vaccine roll-out. 

ZSFG outside

One of the Bay Area's biggest hospitals has hit a huge milestone: Zero Covid patients 

San Francisco Chronicle |

Monica Gandhi was quoted in the SF Chronicle describing how San Francisco General Hospital has reported zero Covid-19 patients, commending the event as a huge milestone in the pandemic to demonstrate the effectiveness of vaccines. 

Girl in mask

Expert: CDC’s looser mask guidelines rely on compliance, personal responsibility

KCBS Radio |

Bob Wachter was quoted on KCBS Radio expressing concerns about relying on individual compliance regarding the CDC’s indoor masking guidelines.

Masking makeup graphic

Some Pandemic Health Habits Deserve to Stay 

Scientific American |

Monica Gandhi was quoted in a Scientific American article about how the pandemic has taught us to take community health more seriously and to recognize our personal responsibility to avoid sickening others.

At&t park

San Francisco Giants announce major changes to fan attendance rules

SF Gate |

Monica Gandhi and George Rutherford were quoted in SF Gate commenting on the change in San Francisco Giants fan attendance rules, where fans will no longer have to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter the park.  

Mask on ground

The science is clear: Masks worked, but vaccinated people don't need them now

Washington Post |

Monica Gandhi wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post urging the public to embrace the CDC’s mask guidance because other interventions are no longer needed when immunizations can suppress the virus.  

Nurse at table

The risk that you'll become a 'breakthrough' Covid case is lower in the Bay Area than elsewhere. Here's why

San Francisco Chronicle |

Bob Wachter and Monica Gandhi were featured in the SF Chronicle discussing the lower risk of infections in the Bay Area, and how the CDC’s recommendations were premature given that young children and immunocompromised people have yet to be vaccinated. 

mask grafitti

California nurses' union wants the state to keep its mask mandate, against CDC directives

SF Gate |

Monica Gandhi was quoted in SF Gate describing the need for schools and businesses to loosen up mask mandates for people who are vaccinated.  

People sitting with masks on

California will wait until June 15 to lift indoor mask mandate for vaccinated people

San Francisco Chronicle |

Bob Wachter and Monica Gandhi were quoted in the SF Chronicle agreeing with California’s move in waiting to lift indoor mask mandates, calling it sensible. 

Man getting vaccinated

Bay Area ICU hospitalizations back at pandemic low - experts cite 'marvelous vaccines'

San Francisco Chronicle |

Peter Chin-Hong was quoted in the SF Chronicle explaining how high rates of vaccination and natural immunity from the winter surge have contributed to the dramatic decline in Covid-19 hospitalizations in the Bay Area. 

People wearing masks

CDC's mask guidance may come as a 'psychological shock.' But here's the data behind it 

San Francisco Chronicle |

Monica Gandhi and Kirsten Bibbing-Domingo were quoted in the SF Chronicle about the CDC’s relaxed mask guidelines, where some experts recommend waiting a few more weeks until more people are vaccinated, and infection rates drop even lower. 

cookout with masks

What you need to know about the CDC's new mask guidelines

SF Gate |

Bob Wachter was quoted in SF Gate about how the CDC’s new mask guidelines could encourage people to get vaccinated. 

Newsom in Mask

UCSF expert: California, San Francisco should 'immediately' lift mask mandates for vaccinated 

SF Gate |

Monica Gandhi was quoted in SF Gate calling on officials in California and San Francisco to ease mask mandates to align with the new CDC guidance.

The atlantic

American Kids Can Wait

The Atlantic |

Monica Gandhi and Vinay Prasad co-wrote an op-ed in The Atlantic urging the U.S. to delay shots for children until global vaccine-manufacturing capacity significantly expands and the crisis in India subsides.

Newsom removing mask

California ending mask mandate June 15? Newsom softens earlier remarks 

San Francisco Chronicle |

Monica Gandhi and George Rutherford were featured in the SF Chronicle commenting on Newsom’s remarks regarding the state’s mask mandate and updated guidelines.