Due to the recent surge in infected vaccinated bar workers, hundreds of bars in San Francisco would begin to require either proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 tests from those customers who want to remain inside the businesses' enclosed structures while they drink, an industry group stated Monday.

Based on the statement of the San Francisco Bar Owner Alliance, they have agreed that the measure would go into effect Thursday.

The alliance mentioned that vaccination cards or the test results from within 72 hours requirements would not be applicable for those customers who would be sitting outside buildings or open spaces.

According to NBC News, the San Francisco Bar Owner Alliance emphasized they believe that they are obligated to protect not only their workers but also their families while offering a much safer space for customers while they relax and socialize.

NBC Bay Area reported that the alliance, which represented around 500 San Francisco bar owners, stated it was a majority decision. The alliance said that it conducted a poll of its members before it announced the decision. Based on the result, eighty-five percent of alliance members agreed with the decision to have indoor customers have the requirements.

Moreover, the alliance stated that each bar would also be tasked to figure out the best way of enforcing the new rules.

Meanwhile, the highly contagious Delta variant which has spread across various parts of the U.S. has filled hospitals and alarmed public health officials once again. Public health officials were worried about the recent surge, especially for areas with low vaccination rates.

ALSO READ: 'Murderous': California Gov. Gavin Newsom Engages in Twitter War With Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Over Vaccine Misinformation

COVID-19 Rise in San Francisco

In San Francisco, almost three-quarters of its residents have been fully vaccinated.

Last week, San Francisco Mayor London Breed stated that out of the 1,800 individuals who have been hospitalized with the disease since December, only six among them have been vaccinated.

The number of infected vaccinated individuals was low, but experts have said that such serious "breakthrough" cases were rare, and most of them were only yielding mild or no symptoms at all.

Still, city health department data show a rise in the number of cases overall. With an average of 10 new cases per day last month, the numbers jumped to 118 last week.

Furthermore, Breed applauded the announcement made by the alliance and stated that it was a responsible decision that would help not only protect their employees but also their customers. Breed said last week that all city employees would be required to have proof of vaccination before returning to work, based on the announcement made by California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday for state employees and all health care workers.

RELATED ARTICLE: US President Joe Biden to Mandate COVID-19 Safety Measures To Protect Unvaccinated People; Will Americans Wear Masks Again?

This article is owned by Latin Post

Written by Jess Smith

WATCH: San Francisco bars set to require proof of vaccination - Yahoo Finance