Los Angeles is following New York City’s lead: The Los Angeles City Council and Mayor Eric Garcetti have approved an ordinance that will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter indoor public spaces, including theaters, restaurants, bars, gyms, and malls. The rule will go into effect starting Nov. 4, and the city will begin enforcement Nov. 29.
“Vaccinating more Angelenos is our only way out of this pandemic, and we must do everything in our power to keep pushing those numbers up,” said Garcetti in a statement. “These new rules will encourage more people to get the shot and make businesses safer for workers and customers so that we can save more lives, better protect the vulnerable, and make our communities even safer as we fight this pandemic.”
People who have a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief that precludes them from being vaccinated will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours.
This ordinance follows in the footsteps of New York City’s Key to NYC program, which mandates vaccinations for indoor public spaces, including theaters, concert venues, and restaurants. San Francisco and West Hollywood have also passed similar laws.
Details on how L.A. plans to implement the ordinance have not been released. In NYC, the city and state have created mobile apps that allow people to store their vaccination information. Noncompliant businesses will first receive a warning, followed by a fine of up to $5,000 for subsequent violations.
L.A. had already been requiring vaccinations for sporting events and concerts with more than 10,000 attendees. The city has also mandated that city workers be vaccinated. In Hollywood, one of L.A.’s biggest centers of industry, many production companies are requiring vaccinations for cast and crew.
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