As cable cars make their long-awaited comeback in San Francisco, the Bay Area reintroduces mask mandates.

After being absent for 16 months, the cable cars have triumphantly returned to San Francisco.

This announcement coincides with new health orders from San Francisco and seven other Bay Area officials mandating indoor face coverings in public places, irrespective of vaccination status, effective August 3.

"The COVID-19 vaccines are proven to be highly effective at preventing severe illness and hospitalizations. They remain our best defense for ourselves, our families, and our communities," stated Dr. Naveena Bobba, the acting health officer of San Francisco, in a press release. "Wearing masks indoors is a temporary strategy to combat the Delta variant, which is leading to a significant rise in cases, along with anticipated increases in hospitalizations and fatalities. By wearing masks indoors, we protect our fellow residents and support our healthcare professionals," he emphasized.

The new order also applies to businesses, which are expected to comply with the mask requirement.

The struggle against COVID-19 faces a setback just as the city's iconic cable cars resumed service on Monday after a 16-month hiatus due to the pandemic. Passengers must wear face masks while riding, as announced by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency on August 2.

"Due to the specialized skill and maintenance needs of this distinctive transportation system, we will offer a limited free schedule across all three cable car lines throughout August. Operating hours will be from 7 a.m. to approximately 10:30 p.m., seven days a week," the announcement stated. "We appreciate your understanding, as service may be inconsistent during this soft-launch phase of the system."

That's right, cable car rides will be free for the entire month of August.

The agency has announced that face masks must be worn at all times, including when waiting for, boarding, and riding any vehicles of the San Francisco Municipal Railway, commonly referred to as Muni, the city's public transit system.