California becomes the first state in the nation to require people to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative test in order to attend any indoor event with over 1,000 people.
Currently, vaccination verification or a pre-entry negative test is necessary when 5,000 or more persons attend an indoor event. The new rules apply to what California calls “mega events”, including conventions, conferences, expos, sporting events and concerts.
The new rule, announced Wednesday, will take effect on September 20th requires people to:
- Show a vaccine card, QR code or photo of vaccine card
- Negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of the start of the event
Event organizers will not be allowed to permit people who attest to taking the Covid-19 vaccination to enter the event without proof.
The California Department of Public Health tweeted, “This new measure will help encourage more vaccinations & increase safety at events while ensuring businesses can thrive.”
? Beginning 9/20, proof of vaccination or a negative #COVID19 test will be required for indoor events w/1,000+ attending. This new measure will help encourage more vaccinations & increase safety at events while ensuring businesses can thrive. More info: https://t.co/q2LfCiCBeh pic.twitter.com/bklps6o6Vn
— CA Public Health (@CAPublicHealth) August 19, 2021
“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,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “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.”
