More Seattle entertainment venues to require proof of vaccination as COVID-19 cases increase

The list of Seattle venues requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination is growing.

The Seattle Theatre Group (STG) announced last week it would begin requiring proof of vaccination for entry at the Paramount, Moore and Neptune theaters starting Aug. 12. Children under 12 and people who cannot receive the vaccine may show a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of performance for entry.  Attendees will also be required to wear masks when not eating or drinking. 

Seattle Arts & Lectures (SAL) also implemented a vaccine requirement last week with their first in-person speaking event with author Anthony Doerr later this month.

"Seattle Arts & Lectures requires attendees to provide proof of vaccination for our in-person events this season," wrote SAL on their website's FAQ section. "Masks are required for all attendees, regardless of vaccination status. Likewise, our staff and volunteers will be vaccinated and masked."

Other music venues have implemented similar policies including Capitol Hill's Neumos and Barboza, Ballard's Tractor Tavern, South Lake Union's Kremwerk and Fremont's Nectar Lounge and High Dive.

"A healthy music industry relies on healthy fans and artists, and this measure will help to ensure all involved are able to enjoy the music safely and responsibly," wrote the owners of Nectar Lounge last week.

The new precautions come amid a "delta-driven surge" of COVID-19 cases in Washington. Last week, King County averaged 344 cases per day — a 48% increase from the previous week. Cases remain largely among the unvaccinated.

"Compared to fully vaccinated residents, those who are not fully vaccinated were five times more likely to test positive for COVID-19, 11 times more likely to be hospitalized, and 11 times more likely to die," Public Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin said in a news briefing last week.

Despite the rise in cases, Duchin said that the county is currently not planning to implement any economic restrictions unless hospital systems become overwhelmed. However, wearing a mask inside public indoor places remains recommended.

Last month, several restaurants in Capitol Hill began requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for indoor service as cases began to climb again. Now, the list of restaurants has grown to over 100. Yelp also recently added a feature that can make it easier for diners to see restaurants requiring vaccination proof and places where staff are required to be vaccinated.

Despite what some lawmakers have said, asking for proof of vaccination does not violate Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protections, and it is legal to ask if someone has been vaccinated. Providing vaccination status remains a personal choice.

"HIPAA does not prevent anyone from asking anything," Alan Meisel, a University of Pittsburgh professor, told the Associated Press. "What it does is prohibit certain health care entities from revealing certain health information about patients."