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Fully vaccinated customers gather at the bar inside Risky Business, that was once The Other Door but closed during the Covid-19 pandemic in the North Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California on May 21, 2021. - In order to go inside Risky Business, members must present their original vaccination card after being fully vaccinated, paying a small membership fee, signing a risk release form with penalties for lying, and waiting a full two weeks after competing their shots. While the policy is strict, once inside customers can enjoy an experience knowing that everyone else has been 100-percent vaccinated with an lively pre-pandemic atmosphere with people up close and personal - talking, hugging, playing pool and drinking without rules for masks or social distancing. Photo by Patrick T. FALLON / AFP / Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

Due to the recent surge in infected vaccinated bar workers, hundreds of bars in San Francisco would begin to require either proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 tests from those customers who want to remain inside the businesses' enclosed structures while they drink, an industry group stated Monday.

Based on the statement of the San Francisco Bar Owner Alliance, they have agreed that the measure would go into effect Thursday.

The alliance mentioned that vaccination cards or the test results from within 72 hours requirements would not be applicable for those customers who would be sitting outside buildings or open spaces.

According to NBC News, the San Francisco Bar Owner Alliance emphasized they believe that they are obligated to protect not only their workers but also their families while offering a much safer space for customers while they relax and socialize.

NBC Bay Area reported that the alliance, which represented around 500 San Francisco bar owners, stated it was a majority decision. The alliance said that it conducted a poll of its members before it announced the decision. Based on the result, eighty-five percent of alliance members agreed with the decision to have indoor customers have the requirements.

Moreover, the alliance stated that each bar would also be tasked to figure out the best way of enforcing the new rules.

Meanwhile, the highly contagious Delta variant which has spread across various parts of the U.S. has filled hospitals and alarmed public health officials once again. Public health officials were worried about the recent surge, especially for areas with low vaccination rates.

COVID-19 Rise in San Francisco

In San Francisco, almost three-quarters of its residents have been fully vaccinated.

Last week, San Francisco Mayor London Breed stated that out of the 1,800 individuals who have been hospitalized with the disease since December, only six among them have been vaccinated.

The number of infected vaccinated individuals was low, but experts have said that such serious "breakthrough" cases were rare, and most of them were only yielding mild or no symptoms at all.

Still, city health department data show a rise in the number of cases overall. With an average of 10 new cases per day last month, the numbers jumped to 118 last week.

Furthermore, Breed applauded the announcement made by the alliance and stated that it was a responsible decision that would help not only protect their employees but also their customers. Breed said last week that all city employees would be required to have proof of vaccination before returning to work, based on the announcement made by California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday for state employees and all health care workers.

This article is owned by Latin Post

Written by Jess Smith

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