California state officials announced new rules this week requiring those who cannot show proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination to get tested closer to the time of the event. they want to enter a concert, stadium or other large venue.
the new rules, which came into effect on Wednesday, requires unvaccinated attendees to the event to be tested within the day if they undergo an antigen test, or within two days for a PCR test, before attempting to enter a large room.
This replaces a previous requirement that unvaccinated participants had to be tested at least 72 hours before an event.
California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly announced the change on Monday, saying the update seemed appropriate given that tests are now more widely available, than turnaround times for results are faster than before and that there are more transmissible variants of the virus. circulated.
The rules apply to “mega events,” which the state defines as events that draw crowds of more than 1,000 attendees indoors and more than 10,000 people outdoors.
For mega indoor events like sporting events, concerts and conventions, verification of full vaccination status or a negative test result prior to entry is required of all attendees.
For outdoor mega events such as music or food festivals, marathons and parades, verification of vaccination status or negative test result prior to entry is only strongly recommended, but not required at all the state.
In Los Angeles County, verification of vaccination status or search for a negative coronavirus test is required indoors and outdoors.
The count updated their health worker prescription to mirror that of the state, announcing that starting Friday, anyone attending indoor or outdoor mega-events who cannot provide proof of a full vaccination must present proof of a negative test taken in the day prior to entry if the test was an antigen test, or within the previous two days if it was a PCR or molecular test.
Children under 2 are exempt from the testing requirement at mega indoor events in LA County and statewide.
During LA County Outdoor Mega Events, children under 5 are exempt.
California’s new testing rules for events have been announced along with other changes, including a new statewide mask mandate for all indoor settings and a new recommendation that travelers who return or visit California get tested within three to five days of arrival.