SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Before the puck drops on Thursday night, parents who bring their children to large events at the SAP Center will have to get familiar with updated COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
Just about everyone attending an event of 1,000 or more guests at the SAP Center will have to either prove they're vaccinated or present a negative COVID-19 test.
Announced on Monday, the updated rules will impact the youngest fans- specifically those between three and 11-years-old.
"It does give that extra layer of protection, so that we're comfortable in the event," San Jose resident Christina Jimenez told ABC7 News. "And we can enjoy it."
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An "extra layer of protection" which previously only applied to those 12-years-old and up.
Of course, since kids five and under can't yet get vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test within 72-hours of the event is required.
On Monday, ABC7 News visited with parents in Downtown San Jose.
Deni Navarro said she feels for her energetic five-year-old daughter, but explained that for the family, safety means staying away from large crowds.
"It's definitely gonna take some time and some patience and a lot of people all getting on board," Navarro shared.
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Gilroy resident Karen Ponce said her 7-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter will also be keeping their distance and not attending any large events in the near future.
"I work in a hospital. So, it's kind of scary," Ponce said.
With Ponce on the front lines, she admitted news of the omicron variant is doing little to ease concern. However, she's hopeful the updated rules are a step in the right direction.
"The more precaution everyone could take... I mean, maybe it'll smooth things out in the near future and that strain won't be as bad, you know," she added.
The Chase Center in San Francisco is also making similar changes. On Monday, the Chase Center announced children two to four-years-old will need a negative test. While those five to 11-years-old will have to provide either a negative test or proof of vaccination.
Updated rules at the Chase Center took effect for Monday night's Warriors game.
A release to ABC7 News read:
"Per the San Francisco Department of Public Health order, fans ages 12 and older who are not fully vaccinated are not eligible to enter the venue for events with more than 1,000 attendees, regardless of the reason they are unvaccinated," it continued.
Back in San Jose, the SAP Center pointed to changes recently announced by the State. The California Department of Public Health recommends vaccination or testing for children three to 11 at indoor venues across California with 1,000 or more guests.
A release by the SAP Center said Sharks Sports & Entertainment (SSE) partnered with CLEAR and the company's Health Pass technology to give guests a "seamless and convenient process to show proof of full vaccination."
The release read:
"For purposes of CLEAR, based on current health directives, guests of SAP Center are organized into four groups:"
The first event to be impacted by this updated policy is Thursday night's Sharks home game.
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