A sign against vaccination is taped to the windows of Basilico's Pasta e Vino, Huntington Beach (California). Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty ImagesBasilico's Pasta e Vino, Huntington Beach, says it has to prove that its patrons have not been vaccinated.The restaurant was fined $165520 in June for not complying with California's COVID-19 regulations.In California, and all across the US, COVID-19 is on the rise.For more stories, visit Insider's homepage.California's Italian restaurant requires patrons to prove they are not vaccinated. This is despite an increase in COVID-19 cases.Basilico's Pasta e Vino, Huntington Beach, California shared a July 22 Facebook post with photos of two anti-vaccination signs that were displayed on its windows. The signs read: "We have zero tolerance to treasonous and anti-American stupidity." We appreciate your thought."More American cities, counties, and businesses are doubling down on anti American lockdown mandates?" "Well, 'Basilico’s Pasta e Vino’ just tripled down," reads the caption on the Facebook post. "Never complied from day one. Now, they have banned masks and now require proof that you are Un-vaccinated!"California's COVID-19 response site advises people not vaccinated to use masks when dining out and to do so indoors.The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) has taken note of Basilico's disregard of COVID-19 prevention and issued five citations to him on June 17th. Fines of $165,520 are due to be paid in July.According to the DIR's inspection report, violations range from "serious to "willful serious" and show a failure to provide adequate COVID-19 protection for both employees and diners. According to the DIR's report, the inspection revealed that the restaurant did not provide face covers and make sure they were worn indoors by employees.Basilico's seems to be keeping its anti-vaccination stance. However, a ProPublica database shows that the restaurant accepted $57 738 in Paycheck Protection Program funding. Small businesses can apply for federally-backed loans through the PPP to help them stay afloat during the pandemic. These loans would cover expenses and maintain staff levels.Continue the storyThe restaurant acknowledged that it had never complied with lockdown orders. Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty ImagesAs the highly infectious COVID-19 Delta strain surges across the country, so does the restaurant's opposition against vaccines and mask-wearing.California had reported 3,830,008 Covid-19 patients as of Wednesday with 14.2 new cases for every 100,000 residents. According to California Public Health Department data, the number of COVID-19 positive patients admitted to ICUs in California has nearly tripled since July.Insider reached out to representatives of Basilico's, DIR and California Public Health Department for clarification.Aria Bendix, Insider's reporter, reported that the rise in cases in the country prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to revise its mask guidelines Tuesday after new evidence indicated that people vaccinated against the Delta variant of the virus could spread it."Information from many states and other countries about the Delta variant indicates that, in rare instances, some vaccinated persons infected by the virus may spread it to others," Rochelle Walensky, CDC director, said Tuesday in a press conference.Walensky stated that vaccines are still highly effective in preventing serious diseases. "The vast majority, the vast majority, of severe disease, hospitalization and death, is almost exclusively occurring among people who have not been vaccinated."Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, testified before the Senate on July 20, J. Scott Applewhite - via Getty ImagesSome restaurants require proof of vaccination for patrons in other parts of the country.CNBC's Danny Meyer, CEO at Union Square Hospitality Group which owns Gramercy Tavern and Manhatta and Union Square Cafe, stated that his restaurants will require indoor drinkers and diners to show proof they have been vaccinated.Dame in New York City, which opened during the pandemic outbreak, now requires diners to provide proof of vaccination.Patricia Howard, owner of Insider, said that she has been watching the NYC infection rate rise. "We cannot control whether someone next to us is wearing a mask on the subway, but we can control who comes through our doors."Insider has the original article.
