WeHo City Council ratifies new vaccination order

Independent Staff Report

WEST HOLLYWOOD — The City Council has ratified an emergency executive order and approved a resolution to implement COVID-19 vaccine verification requirements, which will apply to covered businesses, city facilities, city contractors, city employees and city officials.

The emergency executive order was issued by the city manager Sept. 10.

That order was ratified by the City Council Sept. 20, with modifications that aim to be consist with orders issued by the county Department of Public Health.

Under the order, patrons of covered businesses must provide proof that they have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine between Oct. 7 and Nov. 3. After Nov. 4, they will have to provide proof that they have both doses of the vaccine to enter the business. Under the order, covered businesses are defined as restaurants, theaters, cannabis consumption lounges, entertainment venues, fitness facilities and personal care establishments. Bars and nightclubs are covered by county requirements and to the extent local bars and nightclubs are not covered, they would be covered by the city’s order.

Starting Oct. 7, businesses will be required to post signage informing patrons that proof of vaccination is required to enter.

Covered businesses will be required to learn the vaccination status of all employees by Oct. 7 and by Nov. 4 but ensure that all staff working onsite and dealing with the public have been vaccinated fully.

Persons under the age of 18 are not required to show proof of full vaccination.

All city employees, temporary employees, interns, contract personnel, volunteers and elected or appointed officials who work at any city facility will be subject to a separate vaccination policy that will require vaccination no later than Nov. 1.

People entering city facilities and employees of city contractors must provide proof of at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccines between Oct. 7 and Nov. 3 and proof of full vaccination after Nov. 4.

The requirements also apply to team sports, athletic activities and privately organized clubs and leagues held outdoors or indoors at a city facility. Youth sports and programming are not covered by the order and are subject to applicable requirements for youth activities issued by the county Department of Public Health.

The vaccine verification requirements are aimed at safeguarding health and safety, a city spokesperson said.

For more information about the vaccine verification requirements policy, contact Janet Jimenez, assistant to the city manager, at (323) 848-6376.