As we endure yet another year of the pandemic, many festivals are announcing their star-studded line-ups. Are these festivals a signal that COVID is almost at its end? With big headliners such as Kanye West, Harry Styles, and Billie Eilish taking the stage at Coachella, many people are still wary about attending these massive festivals.
Goldenvoice Events (known for Coachella, Day N Vegas, and Stagecoach) made headlines last fall when they announced that vaccinations would not be required for their music festivals. Now they are doubling down and have revealed that there will no longer be any COVID-related precautions to entry. Not even a negative test.
A tweet from the official Stagecoach account states, “Festival Admission Update: As we prepare to spend an incredible weekend in the desert together we are announcing that there will be no vaccination, testing, or masking requirements at Stagecoach 2022, in accordance with local guidelines.”
Festival Admission Update: As we prepare to spend an incredible weekend in the desert together we are announcing that there will be no vaccination, testing or masking requirements at Stagecoach 2022, in accordance with local guidelines. Visit https://t.co/mSx3KWeASg for more info pic.twitter.com/wy4VzOTPBU
— Stagecoach Festival (@Stagecoach) February 15, 2022
Coachella’s “Health & Safety” page says, “In accordance with local guidelines, there will be no vaccination, testing or masking requirements at Coachella 2022,” adding, “However, the event shall be presented in accordance with applicable public health conditions as of the date of the event and which may change at any time as determined by federal, state or local government agencies or instrumentalities, artists or the promoter; such requirements may include, without limitation, changes to capacity, attendance procedures and entry requirements, such as proof of vaccination and/or negative COVID-19 test, and other protective measures such as requiring attendees to wear face coverings.”
With COVID cases surging across the U.S.. many are wondering: is it too soon for music festivals? That all depends on which festivals — unlike Coachella & Stagecoach, many other festivals are taking precautions.
For example, New York City’s Governors Ball’s COVID-19 policy states. “Safety is always our number one priority, and please rest assured that we are working very closely with City and State officials on all things COVID-19 related. As of now, a full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result will be required to attend the festival. Documentation will be checked upon entry…”
Each festival has its risks, so it’s up to fans to decide whether it is worth attending the many music festivals that will be happening this year. With many festivals scheduled into the fall of 2022, you can expect a lot of changes to happen. If you will be attending, make sure to pay attention. The pandemic is far from over and we always have to remember the many deaths that have occurred, as we always take necessary precautions.
