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SF’s New Rules for “Mega Events” 5,000+ Capacity

Check out the new relaxed COVID rules for large indoor (5,000+) and outdoor (10,000+) events
By - posted 6/9/2021 No Comment

Although San Francisco is getting rid of almost all COVID restrictions beginning 12:01am on June 15, 2021, there still are some narrow exceptions for what the state defines as a “Mega Event.” 

The San Francisco Department of Public Health will require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test at indoor mega events of over 5,000 people; unvaccinated attendees must wear face coverings per state requirements. If only self-attestation is required, all attendees must wear face coverings.

Also keep in mind that businesses and venues are allowed to have any mask rules they wish.

Read more at Beyond the Blueprint for Industry and Business Sectors – Effective June 15

SF’s “Mega Events” Basics

Indoor Events (5,000+ Capacity)

  • Verification of fully vaccinated status or pre-entry negative test result is required of all attendees.
  • Unvaccinated attendees must wear face coverings
  • If only self-attestation is required, all attendees must wear face coverings.
  • No capacity restrictions (other than normal venue capacity limits)
  • No social distancing restrictions.
  • No masks required by the state if you’re vaccinated. Unvaccinated people still are required by the California Dept. of Health to wear masks in indoor public settings. Please note that venues are allowed to require you to wear masks should they choose to.

Outdoor Events (10,000+ Capacity) 

  • Venues are required to make available masks for all attendees. (but masks are not required)
  • Unvaccinated people are required to wear masks any time physical distancing cannot be maintained.
  • Venue must communicate to all attendees that it is “strongly recommended” to be fully vaccinated, obtain a negative test or wear a face covering”
  • No capacity restrictions (other than normal venue capacity limits)
  • No social distancing restrictions.
  • No masks required by the state. Please note that venues are allowed to require you to wear masks should they choose to.

What is a Mega Event?

Mega Events are planned public or social occasions that include over 5,000 participants or spectators indoors and over 10,000 outdoors. Mega Events may have either assigned or unassigned seating, and may be either general admission or gated, ticketed and permitted events. Mega Events are also characterized by large crowds where participants and spectators may be talking loudly, chanting, cheering, or yelling.

Mega events may draw from beyond the nearby community and will often draw attendees and participants from other states and countries. From a public health consideration, Mega Events are higher-risk settings for transmitting COVID-19.

Mega events include conventions, shows, nightclubs, concerts, sporting events, theme parks, fairs, festivals, large races, and parades when attended by more than 5,000 participants or spectators indoors, or more than 10,000 participants or spectators outdoors.

With the exception of live events/entertainment, fairs, water parks, amusement parks and large private events or gatherings, mega events do not include sectors previously identified in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy because they do not have the same risk factors described above.

Can venue operators use self-attestation to confirm that an attendee meets either the negative tested or fully vaccinated status requirement.

Yes, self attestation can be used to meet either requirement.

What does it mean to “self-attest” to a negative test or fully-vaccinated status?

Each customer will be asked to confirm that they will meet the requirements for a negative test or are fully vaccinated before entry into the event.  Venue operators are encouraged to obtain this confirmation during registration or at ticket purchase.  For sales made the day of the event, or for sales made through a third-party seller, confirmation can be made either in writing or verbally by the customer prior to entry into the venue.

What about customers who purchase tickets for a group?  Can they confirm for the entire group?

Yes, any customer purchasing tickets for a group will be required to confirm that all parties in their group will meet the negative tested or fully vaccinated requirements for indoor Mega Events. For indoor and outdoor Mega Events, all attendees must follow current CDPH Guidance for Face Coverings.

Are there any consequences for falsification of vaccine status or testing results in order to attend an indoor event with over 5,000 attendees?

Vaccination record cards are intended to provide recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine with information about the type of vaccine they received, and when they may be able to receive a second dose of the vaccine. By misrepresenting yourself as vaccinated, you put yourself and others around you at risk of contracting COVID-19. Additionally, the unauthorized use of an official government agency’s seal (such as HHS or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)) is a crime, and may be punishable under Title 18 United States Code, Section 1017, and other applicable laws. https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2021/PSA210330