Los Angeles’ vaccine mandate went into effect today, requiring locals and visitors to show proof of vaccination to enter commercial establishments such as restaurants, bars, museums, theaters, sports venues, and even nail salons. This mandate is reminiscent of New York’s and San Francisco’s vaccine requirements, albeit slightly stricter, and is implemented amid a rise in Delta-driven coronavirus case numbers.
New Vaccine Mandate Details
If you plan on visiting LA, it’s essential to show proof of vaccination to enjoy many of the activities the city has to offer due to a new sweeping vaccine mandate. The mandate applies to a broader range of businesses compared to New York City’s or San Francisco’s, requiring both patrons and employees to be vaccinated before entering:
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Cafes
- Theaters
- Museums
- Sports and entertainment venues
- Beauty salons
- All indoor City buildings
Who the Mandate Affects
The mandate applies to anyone over the age of 12. However, certain exemptions are in place; individuals who are unable to get vaccinated for medical or religious reasons are not required to show proof of vaccination but must present a negative COVID-19 test instead.
Implementation Timeline
Although the mandate is effective from today, there is an adjustment period to facilitate businesses and individuals in obtaining their vaccinations and the necessary documentation. Consequently, proof of vaccination won’t actually be required for entry to most businesses until November 29, as reported by NPR.
Requirements for Visitors
Visitors from outside California can present their white logo Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) paper vaccination cards to enter venues. International visitors to LA vaccinated outside of the US can show either a paper or digital copy of their official vaccine record. Moreover, California residents have an additional option, as the state has created an online system for individuals to upload their vaccination status, which generates a barcode that can be scanned at entry points.
Vaccination Rates and Safety Measures
The vaccine mandate comes at a time when case numbers are rising across Los Angeles County. Encouragingly, vaccination numbers are increasing as well, with public health officials confirming that 71% of the population in Los Angeles County is currently fully vaccinated.
In outlining the vaccine mandate plan, LA’s mayor Eric Garcetti emphasized that vaccination is the key to ending the pandemic. He stated, “We must do everything in our power to keep pushing those [vaccination] numbers up. These new
