Entertainment commission briefed on new health order lowering "mega event" thresholds and adding booster requirements

At its remote meeting, the commission heard from the executive director (name not specified in the transcript) about a Jan. 10 health officer order that changes how the city defines and regulates "mega events." The director said the city lowered the indoor threshold for mega events to 500 attendees (from 1,000) and set the outdoor threshold at 5,000 attendees.

The director said the health officer "recommends that whenever possible everyone attending" wear higher-grade respirators or a surgical mask under a cloth mask and that, effective Feb. 1, patrons 16 and older must show proof of a booster dose if they are eligible. The director added that, "effective February 1, all operators or hosts of indoor mega events must require all staff to show proof of receiving a booster" when staff are eligible.

The report clarified that events of 1,000 or more attendees still must submit a health-and-safety plan to the health officer; events with between 500 and 999 attendees do not have to submit a plan but remain subject to the proof-of-booster requirement. For outdoor events, staff said events with 10,000 or more attendees will be required to file a health-and-safety plan and operators are encouraged to consider booster proof for patrons and staff when feasible.

The director said staff will notify permit holders with an e-blast and follow up with permit holders and commissioners about questions and implementation. No formal action was taken; the report was provided for information and staff promised to answer follow-up questions and to assist permit holders with compliance.