Coronavirus: Los Angeles to require proof of vaccination for bars, nightclubs and large outdoor events – as it happened
Los Angeles county is set to broaden its proof of Covid-19 vaccination requirements for indoor venues such as bars and nightclubs and outdoor “mega events” like concerts and sporting matches.
The most populous county in the US will issue a revised health order later this week setting out the requirements, Barbara Ferrer, the county’s public health officer, said on Wednesday.
The order will require all customers and employees in indoor areas of bars, breweries, nightclubs and wineries to have had at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine by October 7 and have received their second by November 4.
Restaurants will be strongly recommended, but not required, to verify vaccination for individuals patronising or working in indoor parts of their premises. Ferrer said the order was aimed more at “drinking establishments” without restaurant permits because activities, such as singing and dancing, that occur at bars tend to represent a higher risk of virus transmission than a sit-down meal.
“This is a reasonable path forward that will position us to be better able to break the cycle of surges,” Ferrer said during a meeting of the county’s board of supervisors.
The updated health order will also tighten restrictions on outdoor mega events, defined as those with more than 10,000 people in attendance. Effective October 7, all attendees, employees and participants at these events will be required to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative test taken within the 72 hours prior to the event.
The requirements will apply to sports fixtures, including those of the city’s top-tier teams, such as the Los Angeles Dodgers in baseball and the Rams and Chargers in American football, and theme parks like Universal Studios Hollywood.
LA county in April issued a mask mandate for mega events. Attendees at indoor mega events, with more than 5,000 people, are already required to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test.
New Orleans, New York City and San Francisco are among other US cities that have similar requirements that patrons and employees of bars, nightclubs and other indoor venues such as gyms and restaurants show proof of vaccination to gain entry.