Maroon 5’s long-awaited concert at Cincinnati's Riverbend Music Center on Aug. 28 will have a few caveats for concertgoers.
The band announced that it wants a “Girl Like You” to come with either proof of vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 test results.
“We want you to know that our top priority is the safety and well being of our fans as well as that of the hard working men and women who make these events possible,” the band explained on Facebook. “We want our fans to stay safe and healthy and we really want to bring the show to all cities as planned!”
Fans looking to attend the Cincinnati concert will need to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated from COVID-19, meaning that two weeks have elapsed since they received their final dose of a two-shot vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) or a one-shot vaccine (Johnson & Johnson). The original card that they received at the time of their vaccination or a printed copy and a valid ID can be presented at the door.
Fans without vaccination must show proof of a negative COVID-19 diagnostic test from within the past 48 hours.
Because coronavirus vaccines aren't yet approved for children ages 11 and younger, kids will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 diagnostic test from within the past 48 hours.
In addition to vaccines and negative tests, Maroon 5 also is encouraging attendees to remain masked during the show. The band has stipulated the COVID-19 precautions for select shows beginning Aug. 16.
A note on the Riverbend website says that the safety protocols are at the band's request.
Performers, venues and businesses across the country have been implementing vaccination or COVID-19 test standards for entry as the highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus has been spreading throughout nearby states. Health officials have long said that a combination of vaccinations and masking will help slow the spread.
In July, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that both unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals wear face masks, especially indoors and in regions of great virus transmission or low vaccination. But as vaccinations have plateaued and Ohio and Kentucky rescinded their coronavirus safety protocols in early June, the region's COVID-19 cases have increased.
On Aug. 9, the CDC had labeled Hamilton, Clermont and Warren counties in Ohio and Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties in Kentucky as "high risk" on the CDC's county-level COVID-19 tracker, while Butler County in Ohio was labeled as "substantial."
Maroon 5's road to Riverbend has had its obstacles. The band originally announced its tour to promote album JORDI in December 2019, with a Cincinnati date in 2020. After a year of postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the show was finally rescheduled for later this month.
Read more information about Maroon 5's entry requirements at Riverbend Music Center.
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