Cathedral City votes to no longer require proof of vaccination or negative COVID test for indoor dining

People looking to dine indoors in Cathedral City will no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

On Wednesday, Cathedral City council members voted 4-1 to remove the city order that would require this for entry into indoor dining establishments.

Councilmember Rita Lamb was the lone no vote.

The order has been in place since August 11. The vote rescinds the order immediately.

The council also unanimously voted to extend the city's mask order through Oct. 31.

City officials issued a statement on the vote through the city's Facebook page:

"The City Council voted Wednesday night to loosen some of the COVID-19 requirements as health data reported to Riverside County shows significant reductions in the number of positive coronavirus cases in Cathedral City. Rescinded immediately was Emergency Order #6 that required restaurants, bars, and similar type facilities to require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test in order to dine or drink indoors. Patrons will no longer need to show proof to eat or drink indoors.Although the number of positive cases had lowered significantly, the council decided to extend, out of caution, Emergency Order #5 that requires the use of facial coverings (masks) at all indoor public spaces and outdoor public spaces when social distancing with others outside of your household is not possible. Several exceptions would include eating, drinking, or receiving services that requires the removal of a mask including facials and facial hair treatments. Emergency Order #5 will extend through October 31, 2021. The City Council will look at the positive case data by October 31st to determine whether there is a need to extend the mask requirement beyond October 31st or to rescind or amend the order."