Here’s what to know about new mask rules at Sacramento venues: Golden 1, Cal Expo, more
With the shift in the statewide mask mandate, entertainment venues across Sacramento are redefining their COVID-19 policies.
But as the mask mandate loosens for fully vaccinated Californians — from required to strongly recommended in several indoor public settings — the state is still asking people to mask up with an N95 or KN95 respirator. Those who are unvaccinated are still required to wear a mask, with few exceptions, according to California Department of Public Health.
And depending on what type of mask you wear, how often you wear it and how well it fits your face, masks are still an effective tool against COVID-19 even if others are not wearing them.
Just remember, the rules on showing proof of your vaccination status or a negative COVID-19 test at entertainment venues hasn’t changed. So be sure to check the venue’s COVID-19 guidelines before attending.
Here’s what you need to know about the mask policies of several venues in Sacramento:
Golden 1 Center
With an arena capacity of about 17,600 for NBA games, the Golden 1 Center last updated its COVID-19 policy on Feb. 16 for fully vaccinated guests. Now only unvaccinated people ages 2 and up are required to wear a mask at all times while in the arena except while actively eating or drinking at their seat or in designated areas.
You’re still encouraged to wear a mask, even if you got all your COVID-19 shots.
Ace of Spades
Masks are currently recommended, but not required, for fully vaccinated people at Ace of Spades. Those who aren’t vaccinated must wear a well-fitted mask unless actively drinking or eating in the 1,000-person venue.
SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts District
The SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, Memorial Auditorium and the convention center, haven’t dropped their mask requirement, according to the COVID-19 policy page.
However, the safety page notes that the city follows county and state requirements and the criteria is subject to change. Also: Event organizers can require higher standards than what is required by the city.
As the rules stand now, according to the website, those inside the venue must wear a mask at all times. Acceptable masks include: surgical, cloth, KN95 and N95. Gators, face shields and masks with an exhalation valve aren’t accepted.
Prolonged periods of mask removal aren’t permitted, except for eating and drinking. Masks must be worn in between eating and drinking.
The Sofia, Home of the B Street Theatre
All attendees, staff and volunteers are required to wear a mask at all times, according to The B Street Theatre website. The venue, which has a capacity of 254 people, recommends people to wear an N95 or KN95 mask.
The Sofia also has a limited number of masks available upon request, according to its health and safety page.
Cal Expo
Cal Expo follows state and local guidelines. In settings where masks are required for unvaccinated people, businesses, venue operators and hosts at Cal Expo may choose to implement vaccination requirements to determine which guests are required to wear a mask. They are also allowed to require that all patrons wear a mask.
Sutter Health Park
According to Sutter Health Park’s face covering policy, fully vaccinated people aren’t required to wear a mask in the 15,000-seat stadium. But it’s still recommended that unvaccinated people wear one and the venue follows the state and local mandates.
Guests ages 2 and younger aren’t required to wear a mask.
Harlow’s Restaurant and Nightclub
According to Harlow’s website, the mask policy hasn’t changed. Face coverings are required while waiting in line and while inside the venue.
Once inside, masks should only be removed while eating or drinking.
This story was originally published February 22, 2022 at 12:07 PM.