Optional Indoor Masking at Businesses to Begin for Vaccinated Individuals
Feb 24, 2022 10:08AM ● By Jeanne Fratello
"Due to the labor-intensive nature of verifying vaccination and
testing status of patrons entering City facilities without a mask, the city of Manhattan Beach has opted to continue requiring masks indoors
for all patrons until further notice," according to the statement.
City officials also noted that as transmission declines, it is anticipated that Los Angeles County
will reach the "moderate rate" level of transmission by mid-March. After
seven consecutive days at this level, the Los Angeles County Health
Officer will remove the indoor masking mandate for fully vaccinated
persons in most indoor public places. During this time of transition,
many businesses in Manhattan Beach may not have the resources to verify
vaccination status upon entrance; therefore, indoor masking may remain a
requirement in those businesses.
The Downtown Manhattan Beach Business and Professionals Association also released a statement, which noted, in part, "Many of our local businesses are experiencing extreme staffing challenges and simply may not have the resources to verify vaccination status of all customers. Please be patient and courteous to our businesses who are continuing to balance the health and safety of our community with the needs of maintaining their own business needs."
Options for Businesses
Option 1: Starting this Friday, establishments, businesses, or venues that want to allow fully vaccinated customers and workers to unmask while indoors must:
a) Verify that 100% of customers (5 and older) and workers prior to, or upon, entry to indoor spaces:
i) Provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, or
Provide proof of a recent negative COVID-19 viral test result. Tests for customers must be taken within two days of entry if a PCR test, or one day if an antigen test. Employees will be allowed to submit a negative test result every three days.
Those who are not fully vaccinated or do not show proof of vaccination, are required to provide a negative test, and continue wearing a well-fitting mask while indoors (as required by the state), except when actively eating or drinking.
Option 2: Starting this Friday, establishments, businesses, or venues that want to allow their fully vaccinated customers to unmask indoors while all onsite workers remain masked, must:
a) Verify that 100% of customers (5 and older) prior to, or upon, entry to indoor spaces
i) Provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, or
ii) Provide proof of a recent negative COVID-19 viral test result. Tests for customers must have been taken within two days of entry if a PCR test or one day if an antigen test.
b) Adhere to the following regarding customers and masking:
i) Fully vaccinated customers may be unmasked in the indoor setting.
ii) Customers that are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear a well-fitting mask while indoors (as required by the state), except when actively eating or drinking.