Coachella and Stagecoach will now accept a negative COVID-19 test instead of its initial requirement of only allowing entrance with proof of vaccination.

The two festivals announced the reversal of a vaccine requirement via Instagram stories on Tuesday.

“After seeing first-hand the low transmission data and successful implementation of safety protocols at our festivals recently, alongside the rising vaccination rate of eligible Americans, we feel confident that we can safely update our policy for Coachella that allows for negative covid test taken within 72 hours of the event OR proof of full vaccination,” Coachella’s updated policy now says.

The updated policy on the Coachella website does state that, “All attendees should evaluate their risk in determining whether to attend the festival,” and that attendees should assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 by entering the festival.

Masks will also not be required, though they are recommended to protect against "desert dust."

The announcement comes after Goldenvoice, the organizer of both events, said that the festivals will only accept proof of a Covid vaccine for entrance in August.

The organizer originally had stated a strict guideline related to its requirement and expressed a strong opinion towards customers who would choose to not get vaccinated. “ We wish you would reconsider your choice because this is a matter of public health, and we won’t get to have nice things like normal concerts without masks unless everyone gets vaccinated,” Goldenvoice said.

Coachella occurs on back-to-back weekends. Next year it is scheduled for April 15-17 and April 22-24, 2022, while Stagecoach is the following weekend from April 29-May 1. The festivals have been canceled for the past two years due to the pandemic.

RELATED STORIES
Coronavirus