On the same day that Philadelphia and Seattle both announced ends to their respective vaccine passport programs, the city of Los Angeles made proof of vaccination a requirement to attend a victory rally for the Super Bowl XLV Champion L.A. Rams. The city also dropped its mask requirement for large outdoor gatherings just hours before the victory celebrations, which drew thousands of fans.
The Rams were honored by the City of Los Angeles just days after they emerged victorious over the Cincinatti Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. Rams players, coaches and the team’s Super Bowl trophy were celebrated along a 1.1 mile parade route that started from the intersection of Royal Street and West Jefferson Boulevard and ended at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
After the outdoor parade, the team held a rally in the Coliseum’s Olympic Plaza. Though the event was open to the public and free to attend, attendees were required to present a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination to enter.
Unvaccinated residents were barred from the rally even as surrounding municipalities had already dropped masking and vaccine requirements. The event was held just days after dozens of unmasked celebrities and politicians were photographed at the Super Bowl, where masks were supposed to be a requirement. Even L.A Mayor Eric Garcetti was seen partying without a mask during the game.
Here’s LA’s lying mayor @ericgarcetti not wearing a mask. Again. Will he claim he was holding his breath again? pic.twitter.com/qwjgHNlvrA
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) February 14, 2022
The City of Los Angeles lifted its COVID-19 mask mandate for large outdoor venues at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, just hours before the start of the parade. The city still maintains an indoor mask requirement, however, as does the Los Angeles School District.