Latest coronavirus: Los Angeles to require proof of vaccination for entry to bars, clubs and large outdoor events

Los Angeles County is set to expand its proof of Covid-19 vaccination requirements for indoor venues such as bars and nightclubs and outdoor “mega events” like concerts and sports matches.

The most populous county in the United States will issue a revised health order later this week outlining the requirements, Barbara Ferrer, the county’s public health official, said Wednesday.

The order will require that all customers and employees in indoor areas of bars, breweries, nightclubs and wineries have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine by October 7 and have received their second by October 4. November.

Restaurants will be strongly recommended, but not required, to verify the vaccination of people attending or working in the interior parts of their premises. Ferrer said the order was aimed more at “consumption establishments” without a restaurant license, as activities, such as singing and dancing, that take place in bars tend to pose a higher risk of transmitting the virus. than a sit-down meal.

“This is a reasonable way forward that will allow us to better break the surge cycle,” Ferrer said at a county supervisory board meeting.

The updated health ordinance will also tighten restrictions on outdoor mega-events, defined as those in which more than 10,000 people participate. As of October 7, all attendees, employees and attendees of these events will be required to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative test taken within 72 hours of the event.

The requirements will apply to sports facilities, including those of the city’s top 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 issued a mask warrant for the mega-events in April. Attendees of 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, and San Francisco are among other U.S. cities that have similar requirements that customers and employees of bars, nightclubs, and other indoor locations such as gyms and restaurants show proof of vaccination for enter.