LA will require COVID vaccines in bars, nightclubs, etc.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required at indoor bars, wineries, breweries, nightclubs and lounges in Los Angeles County under an upcoming health order, an official says, which will help protect further the region against another wave of coronavirus.

The mandate will also apply to employees of these establishments and will require that they and clients have at least one dose of vaccine by October 7 and be fully immunized by November 4, the director of public health Barbara Ferrer at Wednesday’s supervisory board meeting.

“This is a reasonable way forward that will allow us to better break the cycle of flare-ups,” she told the board.

Under the new order, participants and workers at outdoor “mega-events” with more than 10,000 participants will also be required to provide proof of vaccination or show that they have recently tested negative for coronavirus infection. This requirement is already in place for indoor events where at least 1,000 people are present.

Ferrer said county health officials also strongly recommend, although not requiring, checking for vaccines in interior parts of restaurants.

The county’s ongoing requirement that residents mask themselves in indoor public places will remain in place, she added.