L.A.’s New Vaccine Mandate Will Require Full Proof of Vaccination for Indoor Businesses

Los Angeles is implementing one of the strictest vaccine mandates for indoor businesses in the nation this week.

Starting Monday, anyone who’s eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine will have to show proof they are fully vaccinated under Los Angeles County’s new SafePassLA ordinance. The mandate was put in place to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 as new virus variants continue to mutate.

The ordinance will apply to those looking to visit indoor restaurants, entertainment and recreational facilities, gyms, and other city buildings, ABC 7 reports. People who look like they’re over the age of 18 will have to show identification along with proof of vaccination.

The news outlet reports a few acceptable forms of vaccination proof, including a vaccination card issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a photocopy of your vaccination card on your cell, digital copies of vaccination records, or documentation of documentation COVID-19 vaccinations from a healthcare provider.

If any businesses are caught breaking the ordinance twice, they could face a fine of $1,000. More than one violation could lead to $2,000 to $5,000 worth of fines. According to the ordinance, if a person has a “sincerely held religious belief” or cannot receive the vaccine because of medical conditions, they will not have to abide by the rules of the mandate. However, they would need to negative test results for the coronavirus within 72 hours of entering said establishments.