Indoor Event Vax Requirement Doesn’t Include Schools, Churches
"Large Event” does not include any assembly operated, managed, conducted, controlled, or supervised by a public, private, or charter K-12 educational organization or a religious or faith-based organization."
Those words are straight from Gov. Inslee's latest proclamation concerning the requirement to show vaccination proof at indoor events at or exceeding 1,000 persons.
A LOT OF PARENTS, CITIZENS WONDER ABOUT SCHOOL EVENTS
As the requirement went into effect on Monday, Nov. 15th, a lot of people reached out to us wondering how this indoor mandate would affect larger school events, and/or religious observances.
The mandate in place now requires anyone 12-or-older who attends what the state calls a "large event" to offer either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours. For outdoor events, that number is 10,000 persons.
An email from Robyn Chastain, the PIO for the Kennewick School District, indicated there's nothing in the proclamation that covers K-12 schools.
A number of parents were worried about larger sporting or music-theatrical or other school events that sometimes do approach or exceed 1,000 persons.
However, this will affect concerts, sports, and other large gatherings that could exceed 1,000 persons.
The Tri-City Americans have released information that will be in effect when they return home from their latest road trip, they'll be back at Toyota Center on Nov. 26th. vs. Vancouver. Do keep in mind these are state mandates, not from the team or the WHL:
" In compliance with an updated mandate from Washington state, all fans age 12 and over attending Americans games will be required to provide proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test, taken in the 72 hours before the game."--(from Americans website and information release).
If a person chooses the negative test route, this is what is required (per the state):
- "The first and last names of the individual tested.
- The type of test performed (must be molecular or antigen).
- The date the specimen was collected (must be within the 72 hours preceding the individual’s participation in or attendance at the Large Event); and
- A negative result."
Not just sports teams, but other large event promoters are waiting and watching to see what effect this mandate will have on their games, concerts etc.
We do know there have been a few dozen season ticket holders with the Americans who have canceled their packages due to this new vax proof mandate. Specific numbers are not available.
COVID protocols have had a profound effect on events in our area. For example, when area high schools were 'required' to include negative COVID test results or vax proof to attend homecoming per 'guidance' from the Benton Franklin Health Department (via the state) Kamiakin High School saw a dramatic drop in attendance.
A source told us in the past as many as 1,000 of the student body attended the function, this year (Oct) the count was slightly over 300. The school did issue refunds to between 140-200 students, according to our source.
KEEP READING: See 25 natural ways to boost your immune system
READ ON: See the States Where People Live the Longest