Are you thinking of going to a bar in Los Angeles this weekend? Be sure to bring evidence of the Covid vaccine.
The LA county public health director said today that a vax test will soon be needed for interior bar and nightclub patrons. The new rules will also include vaccination tests or a negative Covid test within 72 hours for theme parks or outdoor events with 10,000 people or more, starting October 7th.
An updated and revised order of health officer is expected on Friday.
“This amended Health Officer Order conforms to the continuing need to reduce the risk of transmission and increase vaccination coverage,” Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer told the Board of Supervisors today. “This is a reasonable way forward that will position us to be able to better break the cycle of climbs.”
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The order will require a vaccination test for employers and employees in indoor portions of bars, wineries, breweries, nightclubs and lounges. All clients and workers will need at least one dose of vaccine on October 7 and a second on November 4. The plan will also recommend, but will not require, vaccine verification for employees and customers in restaurant interior areas.
Ferrer said some of the things people do in bars, such as singing and dancing, tend to present a higher risk of Covid transmission than a restaurant to sit on. He added that the order is aimed more at “beverage establishments” without restaurant permits.
“There is a cyclical nature in this virus, and as long as we have a large number of unvaccinated people here in the county, we are at the mercy of the cyclical nature of the (virus),” Ferrer told supervisors. “We condemn ourselves, potentially, to another rise, later in October, November and December, when conditions really favor the replication of the Covid-19 virus if we are not diligent now and take some actions that reduce the risks. of exhibition.
The 17,500-seat Hollywood Bowl announced today separately that its audiences will face a test or vaccination warrant beginning Sept. 24.
City News Service contributed to this report.