As hospitalizations and COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Los Angeles County, supervisors unanimously approved a plan Tuesday to consider requiring proof of vaccination in some indoor public spaces.
The motion, proposed by Supervisor Janice Hahn, calls on county staff and attorneys to report back in 14 days on possible options for what this kind of policy could look like.
County public health experts, attorneys and the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs will be part of the reporting team.
“The latest nationwide surge of COVID cases is being driven by and large by the unvaccinated,” Supervisor Janice Hahn said in a statement.
“To prevent future surges and new and more dangerous variants from circulating, especially as we approach fall and winter, we need to at least consider the possibility of requiring proof of vaccination for certain indoor public settings.”
Following unanimous approval, Hahn shared an emotional tweet thanking her colleagues for supporting the motion.
Hahn said the motion is aimed at preventing closures of businesses like those seen in 2020, following stay-at-home orders and social distancing mandates.
“That was devastating to our businesses and our local workers, Hahn said. “We need to look at every tool at our disposal to protect our residents and our economy.”
Over the next two weeks those assessing the motion will assess similar policies adopted by other jurisdictions and consider whether the policy should require proof of full or partial vaccination.
They will also consider whether the policy should apply to all indoor public spaces or to certain non-essential business and events.
According to a statement on Hahn’s website, the board also asked for a report back from the Department of Public Health on the process for proving vaccination status. Those notes are also expected in the next 14 days.
Hahn’s motion was passed just after a similar executive order by board Chair Hilda Solis that requires all L.A. County employees to show proof of vaccination by Oct. 1.
