Inslee: Proof of vaccination or negative COVID test to be required at most large events in WA

Starting next month, those wishing to enter most large events in Washington will be required to prove they’re fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or they’ve tested negative for the virus within 72 hours.

The order, announced by Gov. Jay Inslee at a press conference Thursday, goes into effect Nov. 15.

It applies to everyone over the age of 11 trying to enter indoor events of at least 1,000 people or outdoor events of at least 10,000 people. For now, the order applies only to ticketed and registered events with "defined entrances," such as conventions, concerts, sporting events, fairs and theme parks. 

"This is yet another step in the ongoing battle with this disease," Inslee said Thursday. "We believe it is a very important one. It can help incentivize people to decide to get vaccinated and avoid the headache of having to get a test." 

The order does not apply to religious services or events, or events held on K-12 school grounds.

Those who aren't fully vaccinated will be required to show they've received a negative result on a PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the time they're trying to enter an event subject to the order.  

This decision by Inslee is the latest in a slew of COVID-19 countermeasures he’s implemented in recent months. Inslee brought back a statewide mask order for indoor settings, mandated hundreds of thousands of Washington workers get vaccinated or face termination, and ordained that masks be required at all outdoor events of more than 500 people.  

There are several ways to prove that you’re fully vaccinated against the virus in Washington. The easiest is to show your CDC-issued vaccination card, or a photo of it. However, if your card was lost or destroyed, the following are also accepted as proof:

- A printout from the Washington State Immunization Information System.
- A verified electronic medical record printout from your medical provider.
- A “Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination” from MyIR Mobile (print or screenshot)
- A QR Code from the MyIR Mobile or a QR code displayed on a mobile app from an endorsed partner of MyIR Mobile.

The CDC considers an individual fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Nearly 60% of Washington residents are fully vaccinated against the virus, according to the state Department of Health.