Long Beach released its newest health order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, in part by encouraging more residents to get vaccinated.
The new order requires proof of vaccination to enter drinking establishments that do not serve food, and proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours to attend large outdoor “mega” events of more than 10,000 attendees.
There are also new protocols in place for youth sporting events, and updated guidance on quarantining from the Centers for Disease Control.
The same rules are also in place in the rest of Los Angeles County.
Drinking establishments
All indoor bars, wineries, breweries, nightclubs and lounges that do not serve food must require proof of vaccination, with two deadlines for patrons: By Oct. 7, they must show they’ve had at least one shot of a two-dose vaccine, and have received the second dose by Nov. 4.
Employees of these establishments may qualify for a medical or religious exemption, with required testing instead.
Restaurants and other establishments that serve food will not be subject to this requirement, but health officials strongly recommend they follow the same guidance.
Masking continues to be required in all indoor public settings.
Mega events
Effective Oct. 7 the city will require vaccination verification or a negative test result for participants within 72 hours prior to attending outdoor mega events of 10,000 people or more that are ticketed or held in a defined space with controlled points of entry.
Attendees of indoor mega events of 1,000 or more people are already required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result prior to entry.
This requirement had already been in place for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, which takes place this weekend.
Youth sports
Effective Sept. 25, youth recreational sports must operate in accordance with new protocols, which requires masking indoors and routine screening testing and other best practices for youth sports leagues.
The city also strongly recommends that all student athletes ages 12 and older, coaches and team staff be fully vaccinated.
Read the full protocols for youth sports here.
Quarantine and isolation orders
The revised Health Order also implements updates to the blanket quarantine and Isolation orders in alignment with the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health:
Unvaccinated individuals who have had close contact with a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 positive person must quarantine for at least seven days and up to 14 days after COVID-19 exposure. Individuals may discontinue quarantine within the timeframes below if they do not develop symptoms:
- After day 10 from the date of the last exposure. Testing five to seven to 7 days after exposure is strongly recommended but not required, or:
- After day seven if the individual tests by having a diagnostic specimen collected on or after day five from the date of last exposure and the test is negative.
Read all revisions to the health order here.