On Friday, California health officials provided updates on planned public health regulations after reopening, including requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations and negative tests at indoor “mega” events.
For “mega” outdoor events with more than 10,000 individuals, California Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly said the state will recommend that venue operators verify vaccinations and negative tests. For those who are unvaccinated or cannot provide a negative test, they will only be allowed entrance if wearing a mask, Ghaly added.
“We will be laying out pretty clear recommendations and guidelines on how that vaccine verification and negative testing can occur,” Ghaly said during a press conference. “There is an option to have it be by self-attestation, and we will go into the details of what that self-attestation methodology can look like for the vendors through our CDPH postings on this issue.”
In indoor venues, Ghaly said, the threshold is reduced to 5,000 individuals and verification will be required, not recommended, at these “mega” events. There will not be an option to enter the venue for those without a vaccination or negative test, even if they wear a mask.
As California looks toward reopening and moving beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, Ghaly noted that the state will not enforce capacity limitations or physical distancing in business sectors after June 15.
Ghaly added that businesses and venues added that California Department of Public Health mask guidelines will align with those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to Ghaly, the state will not require or consider a vaccine passport for vendors.
“We know this technology is being privately developed, and we understand that certain business sectors, specific operators, may have some requirements on vaccine passports,” Ghaly said during the press conference. “Our intention is to provide some guidance, some guidelines so that those who do implement it do it in a way with ultimate integrity and responsibility.”
