Proof of Vaccination Required in L.A. Restaurants, Bars, and Other High-Risk Settings

(LOS ANGELES) —  As of today, all guests and employees of L.A. restaurants, bars, wineries, breweries, nightclubs, and other indoor areas will be required to show proof of vaccination before entering the facility. According to the Sept. 15 news release from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) all attendees, including employees of the venues, will be required to have one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Oct. 7 and the second dose by Nov. 4.

 The order will also require vaccination proof or a negative COVID test at least 72 hours before attending outdoor concerts and events including all home games from the Dodgers, Rams, Chargers, LAFC, and the LA Galaxy.

 Although the state has the lowest covid case rate among all 50 states, it still remains at a concerning level despite having moved from “high” to “substantial” transmission rates since Sept. 14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Public health officials confirmed 31 new deaths and 1,479 new cases as of Oct. 6  adding to California’s 4.52 million cases and 69,184 deaths since the pandemic began in early 2020.  

 “As evidence mounts affirming the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, vaccination mandates are an increasingly important tool to prevent future COVID surges that cause widespread suffering,” said L.A. County Director of Public Health Barbara Ferrer. “The modified Health Officer Order aligns with the continued need to reduce the risk for transmission and increase vaccination coverage; this is a reasonable path forward that can position us to be better able to break the cycle of surges.” 

 The revised order that required L.A. County residents to wear masks at all outdoor events including restaurants and bars remains in place. The first mask mandate ended on June 15 as cases began to decline, but the order went back into effect on Aug. 20 in response to the delta variant’s rapid spread throughout the community.

 The LADPH encourages all people 12 and older to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Residents of L.A. County can go to www.vaccinateLACounty.com to find a vaccination site near their area. The county hosts 18 vaccination sites along with the 1,156 sites from hospitals, pharmacies, convenience stores, and the LA City Fire Department..