With proof of vaccination or COVID-19 testing, California arenas, theaters and concert venues will be allowed to operate indoors starting April 15.

Although Los Angeles County has not publicly announced if its venues will align with the order yet, the Lakers put out a statement that implied fans would be able to watch the April 15 game against Boston, in person.

“We are incredibly excited that the State of California  announced guidelines today that will allow Lakers fans to return to STAPLES Center,” the Lakers said in a statement. “Now that we have the guidance, we will work with LA County Public Health and STAPLES Center to finalize our plans to have fans safely attend our games starting with the Lakers vs. Celtics game on April 15th.”

In order to attend an indoor event, proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test will be required, although the process for that has not yet been announced.

There is also a possibility of having seperate sections within the venues where fully vaccinated people may sit shoulder-to-shoulder, with masks, while non-vaccinated people may be seated in a curated, socially-distanced manner.

The capacity at which theaters and arenas can operate will vary depending on  which “tier” the county is in according to California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

“Today’s update to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy is a result of the progress we are making both in vaccinations and in controlling the spread of COVID-19,” California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said. “By following public health guidelines such as wearing masks and getting vaccinated when eligible, we can resume additional activities as we take steps to reduce risk.”

Los Angeles is currently in the orange tier, but as of this writing, a capacity limit has not been announced for the tier. Those counties the red tier, which has been more restrictive than the orange tier, will be allowed 10% in venues that have a max capacity of 1,500 or less. Venues that are larger will be allowed 20% capacity within the red tier.

Other high capacity venues such as theme parks and outdoor stadiums have started to the reopening process in Los Angeles, but this would be the first time indoor venues will be reopening.

Orange tier modifications to the L.A. Health Officer Order will begin Monday with expanded capacity for businesses and the reopening of bars.

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