After the relaxation of the rules of verification of vaccines and use of masks against COVID-19 by the countythe Los Angeles City Council will vote this Wednesday to end the city’s mandate that requires proof of vaccination to enter many closed establishments and large outdoor events.
The city ordinance, which went into effect on November 8requires individuals over the age of 12 to show proof of vaccination before patronizing restaurants, gyms, recreational and entertainment facilities, personal care establishments, and some city buildings.
The law also requires people to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to attend outdoor events with 5,000 or more people.
The motion was presented by the President of the Council, Nury Martínez. Essentially, it calls for rolling back the requirements, although individual businesses would be allowed to voluntarily require proof of vaccination from customers.
If the motion is approved by the full council, the city attorney will be directed to prepare a new ordinance and present it again to the council for a final vote.
Los Angeles County has removed the requirement that people show proof of vaccination to frequent the indoor portions of bars, nightclubs and lounges or outdoor mega-events. But people attending indoor mega-events of 1,000 or more people, such as sporting events, must still show proof of a COVID vaccination or a recent negative test.
Verification of immunizations or a negative test is also required for workers in health care facilities and group care facilities.
The city law is enforced by the Department of Building and Safety, which can issue administrative citations to businesses that violate the ordinance. The citations include a $1,000 fine for a second offense, $2,000 for a third offense, and a $5,000 fine for a fourth and subsequent offenses.
Los Angeles also enforces a vaccination mandate for its employees, who were required to get vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec. 18.
Los Angeles County health officials urged residents to continue wearing masks. They affirmed that despite the fact that the use is already optional, in most closed places, face masks offer strong protection against possible COVID-19 infections.
City Councilman Joe Buscaino, who is running for mayor, called Friday for that mandate to be repealed, saying he believes “it should be a matter of personal choice and we should respect the civil liberties of our employees and allow them to make their own decisions.” personal medical decisions.
The mandate for city employees to get vaccinated was approved by the City Council on August 18.
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