Vaccination Proof Required Inside Palm Springs Restaurants and Bars

A recent negative COVID-19 test will suffice, too.

• Story by City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, CA — Proof of coronavirus vaccination or testing to eat indoors were among several COVID-19 mandates unanimously approved by the Palm Springs City Council on Wednesday.

The council voted 5-0 to require masks inside all businesses for customers and employees, require proof of vaccination or recent COVID-19 test to eat indoors at bars and restaurants, and to require proof of vaccination or a recent COVID-19 test to attend “large-scale” ticketed events.

Cal State University Mandates Vaccination For All

The restaurant and bar mandate only applies to their indoor sections, no proof will be required to eat outside, according to officials.

Restaurants have three weeks to implement the necessary requirements.

Now, all city employees are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

Borrego Springs and the Galleta Meadows

On Monday, the City of Palm Springs began requiring mandatory face coverings for everyone inside city facilities, and by city employees while outdoors and interacting closely with others.

Face coverings will also be required at VillageFest, the city’s weekly Thursday night street fair that begins Aug. 12.

“The top priority of the City Council is always the health and safety of our community and we have heard from our residents, businesses and workers overwhelmingly that they want their leaders to set an example and implement necessary precautions to keep Palm Springs safe,” said Mayor Christy Holstege.

What is considered a “large-scale event” was debated Wednesday at the specially called city meeting. Although no definition was given, the Splash House event scheduled Aug. 13-15 and the Dinah Shore Weekend scheduled this fall were cited as examples of needing proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter.

Policy trends from cities such as New York and Los Angeles provided by city manager Justin Clifton were used to justify their new mandates.

Council members said these mandates can be reduced and appealed at any time and with another special meeting if needed.

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