Photo Credit: Gerson Repreza
Los Angeles County has issued a mask mandate for what it calls ‘outdoor mega events.’
The mask mandate goes into effect on August 19 and affects any event with 10,000 or more attendees. SoFi Stadium is included in the mandate, so attendees there will have to mask up regardless of their vaccination status.
“Masks will now be required at all outdoor mega-events, regardless of vaccination status,” the official tweet reads. As the highly infectious Delta variant continues to spread, mask-wearing will reduce the risk of being infected with and transmitting COVID-19.”
Masks are required at all times except when actively eating or drinking. It is recommended that event operators verify vaccination status or a negative COVID-19 test for all attendees. New York City is taking it to the extreme, requiring a COVID-19 vaccine card or digital copy for entry into restaurants, bars, nightclubs, or outdoor music festivals.
The number of businesses falling under the new NYC mandate include three dozen varieties of indoor setting. Businesses that don’t comply with the new policy could face a $1,000 fine.
San Francisco and New Orleans have also required gym and bar patrons to show proof of vaccination. The number of daily COVID-19 infections has doubled in the last two weeks, according to a Reuters report.
San Francisco’s mandate begins August 20 and requires proof of vaccination for attendees of indoor events of 1,000 or more. Meanwhile, Nashville’s Music City Center says mask requirements are up to event organizers.
“Event organizers may choose to mandate masks or face coverings, regardless of vaccination status,” says Heather Jensen, Music City Center’s Director of Communications. “Any such mandate will be communicated prior to the event, and all MCC visitors and staff in the occupied space must abide by the mandate for the duration of the event.”
The states with the worst COVID outbreak in the United States are centered around Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Many intensive care units in those states are being stretched to capacity with unvaccinated patients.
“Our frontline health care heroes are finding themselves stretched thin and physical and mental exhaustion is taking its toll,” says Florida Hospital Association President Mary Mayhew.
