Los Angeles COVID Vaccine Mandate: SafePassLA regulation enforcement across the city is now ongoing

LOS ANGELES (KABC) – The city of Los Angeles began enforcing the SafePassLA regulation – one of the strictest COVID-19 vaccine mandates of its kind in the nation – while state health officials watch closely for the Omicron variant of the virus.

If you are in LA you will need to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID.

Individuals visiting indoor restaurants, gyms, entertainment and recreational facilities, personal care facilities, and some city buildings are required to provide a full vaccination certificate.

The city’s new vaccination mandate went into effect earlier this month.

The SafePassLA regulation covers all persons who are eligible for a COVID vaccine.

So far, many business owners say they stick to the rules.

“We got this through two weeks ago,” said Harry Siafaris, the owner of Astro Diner in Silverlake. “We started with it and we didn’t have any problems. The customers understand that and if someone is not vaccinated they can sit outside on the terrace. “

Accepted forms of proof of vaccination are:

• A vaccination card issued by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or similar document issued by another foreign government agency

• A photocopy of a vaccination card or photo stored on a phone or electronic device

• A personal California State, COVID-19 digital vaccination record or similar identification issued by another state, local or foreign government, or private corporation

• Documentation of a COVID-19 vaccination by a healthcare provider.

People who appear over the age of 18 must also identify themselves with their vaccination certificate.

Companies that violate the regulation will be fined $ 1,000 for a second violation, a fine of $ 2,000 for a third violation, and a fine of $ 5,000 for the fourth and subsequent violations.

Individuals may be exempted from the mandate if they have medical conditions that limit their ability to be vaccinated or if they have “sincere religious beliefs” under the ordinance. These exceptions need to be verified by the location the person is trying to enter.

Negative coronavirus tests within 72 hours of entering these facilities would be required for vaccinations for anyone with a religious or medical exception. Customers without proof can continue to use outdoor facilities and can briefly enter a shop to use a toilet or to pick up a meal order.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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