How would Vallejo react to vaccination proof mandate?

300 bars, restaurants in San Francisco requiring proof of vaccination

Proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a passing COVID-19 test is not required — as of now — to enter a restaurant or bar in Solano County. But events in nearby San Francisco show just how fluid the situation is.

To protect employees and customers, the San Francisco Bar Owner Alliance — representing 300 businesses — announced Monday that its members will limit indoor service to those who have been vaccinated or can prove they are COVID-free.

“Effective Thursday, July 29, it will be the official position of the SF Bar Owner Alliance that any customer who wishes to remain

inside our establishments show proof of vaccination or a 72-hour negative COVID-19 test,” the group’s statement reads. “Guests without these verifications are welcome to sit outside in parklets or other spaces we offer.”

Solano County Public Health has not heard any similar rumblings that the county would follow San Francisco’s way, but health official Jayleen Richards admitted the department is keeping an eye on the situation.

“Solano Public Health will continue to follow the guidance and mandates issued by California Department of Public Health,” Richards said. “Solano Public Health is not considering such a measure and the CDPH has not mentioned such a measure. Solano Public Health encourages eligible populations to get vaccinated. Vaccination clinics are scheduled throughout the county and posted on the Solano County website. We encourage eligible Solano County residents to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones.”

On the Times-Herald Facebook page, some people claimed a possible mandate would be discrimination or unconstitutional. Others rejoiced, saying this is just what businesses, especially those that work in them, need.

Ana GongI wrote: “I feel for the employees who have to enforce it. The public can be awful. I am all for it. We need to get all who can, vaccinated.”

John Handley and Earlene Millier agreed. “Proof of vaccination is needed for every establishment. If you can’t ensure me and my family’s safety in your establishment, we will not go! That simple.”

“Without mandates, we will not reach herd immunity,” Millier said. “I got the vaccine the minute I was eligible, as did many others, and I am tired of having to put up with the antics of the unvaccinated. We accept many limits on our ‘freedom’; seat belts, speed limits, laws. A requirement to get the vaccine is no more of an infringement on freedom than any of those. In fact, if we act responsibly, we could put an end to COVID-19, and then we’d all have a lot more freedom.”

Others like registered nurse Janet Gradwohl PecorellaI wished people would quit thinking this is a political issue. St. Patrick-St. Vincent High graduate David Childress commented, “Wouldn’t bother me, we would find out who’s lying about being vaccinated.”

While some would be for it, some of those people wondered if it would even be possible.

“I love the idea, but not sure whether it’s Constitutional,” Angela Negra wrote. “I’m not saying it isn’t … just saying it might be challenged, and that challenges presented might be upheld.”

Others like Krissy Reagan love the idea and don’t mind showing proof they are vaccinated.

“I think it’s a great idea. If you don’t want to do your part (with the exception of those who legitimately have a medical reason/exemption) and get vaccinated then you shouldn’t be able to go out and undo all the sacrifices we made to be at a point of re-opening,” Reagan wrote.

Earlier this month, Vallejo Mayor Robert McConnell urged everyone in the city to get vaccinated, especially with an increase in many of the unvaccinated getting the Delta Variant.

“What’s reality with the statistics is that you’re not likely to contact the variant if vaccinated, but there is still a chance you can,” McConnell said. “If you get it, then possible long-term effects could have an impact on your bodies and your breathing. You don’t want to be that one person. Why increase the chance of being that person? It’s a losing bet.”

Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed course Tuesday on some masking guidelines, recommending that even vaccinated people return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the delta variant of the coronavirus is fueling infection surges.

Citing new information about the variant’s ability to spread among vaccinated people, the CDC also recommended indoor masks for all teachers, staff, students and visitors at schools nationwide, regardless of vaccination status.

Bay Area News Group reporter Linda Zavoral and Associated Press writer Mike Stobbe contributed to this report.