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The annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has announced it will not require attendees at this year’s event to wear masks or present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test.
The outdoor festival, which will be held April 15-17 and April 22-24 in Indio, CA, was canceled the last 2 years because of the pandemic. In the past, Coachella has drawn more than 100,000 attendees.
The dropping of COVID safety measures was announced Tuesday on the festival website.
“In accordance with local guidelines, there will be no vaccination, testing or masking requirements at Coachella 2022,” the festival said.
But the website noted that the requirements “may change at any time as determined by federal, state or local government agencies or instrumentalities. …” Face coverings were recommended against desert dust.
Stagecoach, a country music festival, also won’t require masking or proof of vaccination or testing when it’s held April 29-May 1 at the same venue in Indio.
Variety reported that California Department of Public Health rules went into effect Wednesday that no longer require proof of vaccination for big outdoor events. When it was announced last fall that both festivals would be held, organizers said they expected to require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for entry.
Another big music festival, Bonnaroo, has not said if proof of vaccination or a negative test will be required for entry when the music plays June 16-19 in Manchester, TN.
“Details of any necessary measures will be communicated as early as possible and will be shared on the event/venue website and social media channels,” the festival website said.
Bonnaroo was going to be held in 2021, with proof of having a vaccine or negative test required for entry, but it was called off because of heavy rains, CNN reported.
Sources
Coachella.com: “Health & Safety, Rules.”
StagecoachFestival.com: “Health & Safety.”
Variety: “Coachella and Stagecoach Festivals Drop All COVID-Related Restrictions, Including Negative Tests and Masks.”
Bonnaroo: “Covid-19 Health Policy & Bonnaroo Entry Requirements.”
CNN: “Bonnaroo organizers cancel this year’s festival, citing flooding from heavy rains.”
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