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Coronavirus: LA County to require proof of vaccination inside bars, nightclubs

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County health officials are expected to issue an order later this week requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for customers and employees in the indoor areas of bars, nightclubs and other venues.

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The order will also be extended to wineries, breweries and lounges, the Los Angeles Times reported.

According to Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer, patrons and employees must have at least one vaccine dose by Oct. 7 and be fully vaccinated by Nov. 4, the newspaper reported. The mandate is expected to be issued by Friday, KNBC reported.

According to KABC, the order will strongly recommend -- but will not require -- proof of vaccination for the indoor parts of restaurants.

“This modified health officer order aligns with the continued need to reduce risk of transmission and increase vaccination coverage,” Ferrer told the Board of Supervisors. “This is a reasonable path forward that will position us to be better able to break the cycle of surges.”

About 67% of residents in Los Angeles County have been at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19, the Times reported.

Under the new order, participants and workers at outdoor mega-events in the county with more than 10,000 attendees must either provide proof of vaccination or show that they have recently tested negative for COVID-19, according to the newspaper.

>> Coronavirus: LA school officials order vaccine mandate for students 12 and older

The decision comes about a week after children 12 and older in Los Angeles public schools were ordered by school district officials to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January in order to attend classes in person.

Ferrer said county health officials will be working with operators of all affected venues to discuss implementation strategies, KABC reported.

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