Pollstar (02/15/22) Pittman, Sarah
Coachella and Stagecoach organizers have updated their health and safety rules to lift COVID-19 vaccination, testing and masking mandates at the April music festivals in California. The updates come four months after producer Goldenvoice relaxed its vaccination requirements, allowing fans to gain admission to Coachella and Stagecoach grounds with a negative test within 72 hours of entry or proof of vaccination. The festivals' websites note, however, that "the event shall be presented in accordance with applicable public health conditions as of the date of the event and which may change at any time as determined by federal, state or local government agencies or instrumentalities, artists or the promoter; such requirements may include, without limitation, changes to capacity, attendance procedures and entry requirements, including proof of vaccination and/or negative COVID-19 test, and other protective measures such as requiring attendees to wear face coverings." Ticket holders who do not comply with any laws, mandates, health orders or directives, promoter or event terms, conditions or rules, could be denied admission, or be required to exit the venue without a refund. Attendees are further notified that they "assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and confirm that they will adhere to local quarantine mandates and the CDC quarantine requirements." As part of the changes that went into effect Feb. 16 in California, "mega events" are now deemed indoor events with more than 1,000 attendees or outdoor events with over 10,000 attendees. Vaccine verification or negative testing is obligatory for indoor mega events and recommended for outdoor mega events, with no restrictions on capacity limitations and no physical distancing constraints for attendees, customers and guests.
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