California is all set to become the first state to implement a brand new safety protocol for large events, announced the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on Wednesday.
The new safety protocol will require everyone to submit either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours when attending events with 1000 or more people. This move will take effect in California for the very first time, starting September 20.
The newly revised guidelines were a stricter variation of the original, where such requirements were needed only for events with at least 5000 people in attendance.
The new rules will also apply to large events including concerts, sports games, and parades. That said, self-attestation will no longer be acceptable. Instead, attendees will need physical proof, either a vaccine card, a QR code, or a photo of their vaccine card.
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In a statement, Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, California’s public health officer, said that the move was prompted by the Delta variant. “The Delta variant has proven to be highly transmissible, making it easier to spread in large crowds where people are near each other for long periods of time. By requiring individuals to be vaccinated, or test negative for COVID-19 at large events, we are decreasing the risk of infection, hospitalization, and death,” he said.
The State public health officials also said that the revised guidelines are supported by the events industry, including the top executives at Live Nation and AEG.
Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino showed support for the new rules, saying: “Vaccination and health check requirements ensure everyone can continue enjoying live music while also encouraging even more people to go get vaccinated.”
The music events company Goldenvoice took the new guidelines to the next level. Aside from the attendees, they also require their event staff from its clubs, venues, and festivals to present physical proof of vaccination.
Other state-wide vaccine mandates also in effect had California require health care workers, teachers, and L.A. city government officials to get vaccinated.
Meanwhile, some restaurants, bars, and event organizers have already started requiring customers to show proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test while the L.A. county officials discuss better options for indoor gatherings, reported KTLA.