COVID-19 Prevention in Public Settings

There continues to be a significant risk of COVID-19 transmission in Los Angeles County. Residents are asked to get vaccinated and get boosted when eligible and are encouraged to wear a mask in indoor public places. This is to protect themselves and others, especially those who are at high risk of becoming seriously ill if they get COVID-19. To see what the current LA County community COVID-19 level is click here.

To learn more about how to reduce your risk, visit ph.lacounty.gov/reducerisk.

Everyone* 2 years of age and older is required to wear a mask in these locations:

• On all forms of public transportation in LA County. This includes trains, buses, taxis and ride-shares.
• In all indoor transportation hubs in LA County, including airports and bus terminals, train and subway stations, seaports or other indoor port terminals, or any other indoor area that serve as a transportation hub.
• In healthcare settings
• In long-term care settings and adult/senior care facilities
• In state and local correctional facilities and detention centers
• Shelters and cooling centers
• In any other location where it is the policy of the business or venue

Masks are strongly recommended in many other situations – for details see the Mask Wearing Rules and Recommendations webpage. Masks that fit and filter well should be worn.

*There are some people who should not wear a mask, such as children younger than 2, people with certain medical conditions or disabilities, and people instructed by their medical provider not to wear a mask. Children ages 2 to 8 should wear a mask only when under adult supervision. See Who should not wear a mask and Special considerations for persons with communication difficulties or certain disabilities.

No one can be prevented from wearing a mask to enter a business or participate in an activity.

Some venues, events, and health care settings may require visitors and customers to show proof of vaccination or a negative test. Check their rules before buying a ticket or visiting.

Proof of vaccination

To prove that you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 most venues are likely to accept a digital vaccination record, vaccination record card, a photocopy of the card, or a photo of the card on a phone. Some venues may also require a photo ID. Check the specific requirements of the venue.

Visit the Public Health COVID-19 vaccination records web page to learn about the different types of vaccination records. You can get a free digital vaccination record at myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov.

Proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test

To prove that you had a recent negative test, venues may ask for a photo ID and a negative COVID-19 viral test result. The test may have to be taken within a certain time limit – for example 2 days (if PCR/NAAT) or 1 day (if antigen) before you enter the establishment or event. Check the specific requirements of the venue.