LA City Attorney Calls for Total Vaccine Mandate
By Greg Cornfield August 31, 2021 11:25 am
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In a landmark move to encourage mass vaccinations, Los Angeles County’s top lawmakers today are set to consider options for COVID-19 vaccine requirements for some public indoor locations.
Supervisor Janice Hahn had requested a report from the Department of Public Health on enacting such policies, and a spokesperson told Commercial Observer she plans to ask Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer today about implementation.
On Monday, L.A. City Attorney Mike Feuer again called for a countywide vaccination mandate, which would require proof of vaccinations to enter restaurants, bars, gyms and live events.
The L.A. City Council is currently working on a similar type of mandate, and earlier this month, the members voted to instruct Feuer’s office to draft an ordinance. But Feuer pointed out that the county’s recent report states a vaccination requirement will be most effective if it is countywide. And only 64 percent of county residents are fully vaccinated.
“Requiring proof of vaccination for these popular, but optional, activities could incentivize reluctant residents finally to get shots,” Feuer’s letter states. “This requirement could spur economic development by leading fully-vaccinated residents to feel safer in locations where they know everyone has received the shots.”
Gregory Cornfield can be reached at gcornfield@commercialobserver.com.
