Topline
Los Angeles County health officials are planning to issue an order this week, that will require proof of vaccination against coronavirus to enter indoor bars, nightclubs and other places that serve alcohol, as well as proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test attend large outdoor events — the latest move by city officials to encourage residents to get vaccinated amid the spread of the delta variant.
Key Facts
To enter indoor bars, nightclubs, wineries, breweries and lounges, workers and patrons will need to show proof they have gotten one shot of a Covid-19 vaccine by October 7 and are fully vaccinated by November 4, the Los Angeles Health Department confirmed to Forbes.
People who work at or attend large outdoor events with more than 10,000people, like music festivals or L.A. Chargers and Rams home games, will also need to show proof they have gotten vaccinated against coronavirus or tested negative for the virus 72 hours prior to entering the event.
The L.A. County Health Department said it will “prepare toolkits” to hep businesses confirm proof of vaccination and will provide “education and support” to businesses that need assistance.
Critical Background
"This modified health officer order aligns with the continued need to reduce risk of transmission and increase vaccination coverage,'' L.A. Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer told the county’s Board of Supervisors Wednesday, according to NBC Los Angeles. "This is a reasonable path forward that will position us to be better able to break the cycle of surges.”
Key Background
The Los Angeles City Council passed a motion in mid-August to allow the city to draft plans to require residents to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination to enter places like restaurants, bars, retails stores, fitness centers and spas, but the city did not move to set any mandates in place and has left it up to individual businesses. The city of West Hollywood, which is also located in Los Angeles County, issued an emergency executive order earlier this month for people entering restaurants bars and gyms to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination. The Los Angeles Health Department has backed Covid-19 vaccine requirements, saying in August that data has shown the “vaccines are effective at preventing serious illness that causes hospitalization, and death.”
Further Reading
LAPD Employees Sue City As Police Across U.S. Rally Against Covid Vaccine Mandates (Forbes)
Los Angeles School District Will Require Eligible Students Get Vaccinated Against Covid-19 (Forbes)
