It’s a tale of two cities.
Santa Monica will likely not follow the strict new Covid-19 vaccine
mandates announced yesterday for the City of Los Angeles.
The L.A. City Council — in an 11-2 vote — approved a measure that would require all eligible people to show proof of Covid vaccination to enter most indoor public spaces, including restaurants, gyms, salons and shopping malls beginning November 6.
Mayor Eric Garcetti has indicated that he will sign it and enforcement is expected to begin on November 29.
Businesses that violate the ordinance would be issued a minimum $1,000 fine.
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The L.A. city mandate is noticeably stricter than a recent order passed by the L.A. County Department of Public Health, which limits the restricted venues to mostly bars, lounges and nightclubs.
“Los Angeles County Public Health is Santa Monica’s public health authority,” Public Information Officer Constance Farrell told The Sun in a written statement Thursday.
“We follow all Health Officer guidance provided by the county and will do the same here and await any changes the county determines necessary. All Santa Monica bars, breweries, and other establishments are required to comply with LA County’s October 7th vaccination requirement. The City thanks the 85% of Santa Monica residents who have gotten the vaccine, which goes a long way to protecting community health.”
Santa Monica City Council member Phil Brock also indicated that he personally did not believe stricter measures were warranted at this time.
“Our residents and associated municipal staff vaccination rates are higher than the LA County norm,” he told The Sun.
“At this time, I believe we should follow the LA County Dept of Public Health rules but do not need to add any further restrictions unless the infection rate begins to rise again in Santa Monica. That being said, if you have not been vaccinated, please do so ASAP. If you are eligible for a booster, get it.”
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