LOS ANGELES—Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer sent a letter to county leaders Aug. 3 urging them to follow the lead of New York City and require people to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter indoor establishments such as restaurants, gyms, and theaters.
But while no such requirement appears to be on the horizon locally, the chair of the county board of supervisors said nothing is off the table when it comes to controlling the spread of COVID-19.
“We will continue to assess the information we receive regarding this ever-changing virus and its impacts, and the county will consider all options to help protect the health and well-being of residents, businesses and employees,” Supervisor Hilda Solis said in a statement in response to Feuer’s request.
Mayor Eric Garcetti’s spokesperson Alex Comisar similarly said, “With cases and hospitalization rising rapidly, we are not taking anything off the table,” noting that the mayor always listens to LA County Department of Public Health experts for guidance on issues related to the coronavirus and vaccinations.
“The mayor strongly urges everyone to get vaccinated, and supports businesses that are taking steps to keep their workers and customers safe,” Comisar said.
In his letter, Feuer urged the county board to require vaccination proof for people to take part in “certain indoor activities.” He pointed to the New York regulation that will mandate customers to show proof of vaccination to patronize bars, restaurants, fitness centers, and other attractions.
“Principally because many county residents refuse to act responsibly and get vaccinated, residents who followed public health advice and received vaccines nonetheless face the risk of breakthrough COVID and now must follow the county’s mandate to wear masks in indoor public venues,” Feuer wrote.
“I urge the county to take this commonsense public health and safety action immediately, allowing for a brief period before it would take full effect. The interim period would allow unvaccinated residents to get shots, businesses to become educated on the new rule, and the county to develop protocols for enforcement.”
