Los Angeles Requires Everyone 12 and Over to Be Vaccinated to Enter Venues Across the City

If you plan on visiting LA, you'll need to show proof of vaccination to enjoy many of the activities the city has to offer thanks to a sweeping new vaccine mandate that comes into effect today. LA's mandate covers more businesses than New York City's or San Francisco's, requiring that patrons and employees are vaccinated before entering restaurants, bars, cafes, theaters, museums, sports and entertainment venues, beauty salons, and all indoor City buildings.

It applies to anyone over the age of 12, though there are certain exemptions; people who cannot get vaccinated for medical or religious reasons don't have to show proof of vaccination, but they must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test instead.

While the mandate is effective from today, there is an adjustment period to allow businesses and people to get their jabs and documentation in order, and proof of vaccination won't actually be required for entry to most businesses until 29 November, NPR reports.

Visitors from outside California can present their white logo Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) paper vaccination cards to enter venues. International visitors to LA who were vaccinated outside of the US can show a paper or digital copy of their official vaccine record. While residents have a second option, as California has created an online system for people to upload their vaccination status—with a barcode that can be scanned at entry points. 

The vaccine mandate has arrived at a point when case numbers are rising across the wider county, according to LA Public Health. But vaccination numbers are also on the rise, with public health officials confirming that 71% of the population of Los Angeles County is now fully vaccinated.

Outlining the vaccine mandate plan last month, LA's mayor Eric Garcetti stressed vaccination is the key to ending the pandemic. "We must do everything in our power to keep pushing those [vaccination] numbers up,” he said. "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."

As of 7 October, LA's large theme parks—including Universal Studios Hollywood and, on select days, Six Flags Magic Mountain – require attendees over the age of 12 to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result (taken within 72 hours) before entering. Guests are also required to wear their masks at all times in theme parks, unless they are eating or drinking.