Strict Prokes, Oscar 2022 Will Require Twice PCR And Have COVID-19 Vaccinations For Visitors

JAKARTA - The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that it will require two negative PCR tests and proof of vaccination for guests and nominees attending the 94th Oscars in March 2022.

Currently, COVID-19 cases are declining in the Los Angeles area. Oscar organizers said they were also consulting with local government officials and infectious disease experts for the continuity of the event.

This year, the Oscars invited 2,500 people to attend the theater, which normally accommodates a capacity of 3,317 people. Quoted from Reuters on Friday, the requirements to wear a mask will vary at the event which will be held on March 27 at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles County, United States.

While performers and presenters are not required to show proof of vaccination, they must undergo a PCR test with strict health protocols.

Quoted from ANTARA, Guests and nominees who are seated closest to the stage or at the bottom of the theater are not required to wear masks. However, they are required to sit at a greater distance than usual.

Meanwhile, visitors sitting on the mezzanine are required to wear masks because they will be sitting close together, the New York Times reported.

According to Variety, companies and other major events in Los Angeles are also starting to relax health protocol policies as COVID-19 cases decline.

Disney theme parks, for example, will no longer require fully vaccinated visitors to wear masks this week. On Tuesday, February 15, Coachella announced that it would not require proof of vaccination or COVID-19 testing for visitors attending the upcoming festival in April.