Long Beach bars and nightclubs are no longer required to confirm patrons’ vaccination status, according to an updated health order now in effect.
The health order, which was issued yesterday by the Long Beach Health and Human Services Department, aligns with California Department of Public Health guidelines.
Proof of vaccination is not required at breweries, craft distilleries, wineries, lounges and mega-events as well, but the order “strongly recommends” these high-risk settings maintain a process for verifying that patrons are fully vaccinated.
All public and private K-12 schools are no longer required to adhere to a previous health order that required schools participating in modified quarantine to have on-site testing options and ensure participating students were properly masked at the time of exposure.
In addition, youth sports organizations are no longer required to follow the Youth Sports Protocol, but are “encouraged” to follow new guidance that “strongly recommends weekly testing and group tracing,” according to a statement from the City.
COVID-19 daily case rates and transmission is low, per CDC community levels.
As of March 18, 2022, the seven-day average case rate is 2.5 per 100,000 people in Long Beach.
Back on January 10, the City faced 474 cases per 100,000 people.
“The risk of COVID-19 infection for those who are not or cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19 continues to remain high,” the City said in a statement. “Outbreaks continue to have negative consequences for businesses and institutions.”
The Long Beach Health Department “strongly recommends” that people follow common-sense COVID-19 safety strategies, such as staying at home when sick, masking indoors, frequent hand washing, testing for COVID-19 and becoming vaccinated and boosted when eligible.
For the latest information on COVID-19 in Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/COVID19.