You'll need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to visit these major theme parks next month
All theme park visitors age 12 and older in Los Angeles will be subject to new COVID-19 vaccine and testing requirements, including at Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain, beginning Oct. 7.
Per a new public health order issued earlier this month by Los Angeles County, proof of full vaccination or results of a negative COVID-19 test taken within the preceding 72 hours will be required to attend outdoor events with 10,000 or more people, including theme parks.
"Beginning on October 7, all persons ages 12 and older must be prepared to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test taken within 72 hours of visit, prior to entry to the theme park," Universal said in updated safety guidelines while noting that visitors 18 and older must also show a photo ID. "Full COVID-19 vaccination means that two weeks have passed since receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series (e.g., Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) or since receipt of a single-dose vaccine (e.g., Johnson and Johnson [J&J]/Janssen)."
Universal and Six Flags will be the first major theme parks in the U.S. to be affected by pandemic-related restrictions issued by their local governing body.
"Verification will take place when required based on theme park attendance," says Universal, which reminds guests that face masks remain compulsory at all times, both indoors and outdoors, at the theme park, and when indoors at Universal CityWalk.
Read more: Los Angeles announces vaccination requirement for bars and theme parks
"We encourage all guests to keep a safe distance between travel parties, and we remain focused on maintaining the highest cleanliness and sanitization standards," it said.
Eligible forms of vaccination proof are the same at theme parks as they are throughout Los Angeles, and include vaccination records issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, California Department of Public Health and World Health Organization, or other documentation from a health care provider. Negative results of either a PCR or rapid antigen test taken within the 72-hour period of entering the park will be accepted. Test results can be printed or shown in an email or text message, and must certify said results are from a testing provider or laboratory. At-home tests will not be accepted.
Although Los Angeles theme parks are the first to be affected, other major theme parks, like Disney World, require face masks indoors. While not yet seen, a wide-reaching theme park vaccination mandate is supported throughout the industry.
Related: Unvaccinated? Think twice before booking trips to these 5 US cities
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