MILWAUKEE — Summerfest is working to ensure the health and safety of festival-goers and staff this year.

Music festival officials previously announced that they will require a COVID-19 vaccination to attend the festival. Those not vaccinated will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of the date planned to attend the festival or a concert.

This includes Wednesday shows at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater.

For proof of vaccination, attendees must present their original vaccination card or a printed copy of it. For any vaccine documentation that is reprinted, such as a printed copy, the entire front of the vaccination card must be visible or it will not be accepted. They can also show a screenshot or photo on their phone, but the entire front of the vaccination card must be visible as well.

Those unvaccinated can provide printed copies of their negative test results, as well as printed or digital copies as well, but the entire result must be visible or they will not be allowed onto the grounds.

Following CDC guidelines, masks are recommended for indoor spaces. Those unvaccinated are encouraged to wear masks in any large gatherings.

Additionally, kids under the age of 12 will be required to wear masks. Individuals 12 and older must obtain a negative COVID-19 test or show proof of their vaccination.

The announcement was made with the support of the City of Milwaukee Health Department.

“We collaborated with national health experts and music industry executives and determined this was the best course of action for Summerfest,” President and Chief Executive Officer of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. Don Smiley said.

The announcement follows similar protocol as Chicago's Lollapalooza, which also required proof of vaccination or negative test results. Smiley cited Lollapalooza as an example.

“They had 100,000 people down there every weekend day and fans had to show proof of a vaccine card or a negative test, somehow, some way, they got through it,” he told Spectrum News 1. “I would encourage people to come early. Avoid the lines, get through the gate, come down enjoy the music and the lakefront.”

Extra safety measures will be implemented at Summerfest as well, including increased hand sanitizer stations, cashless transactions and overnight deep-cleaning and sanitizing.

“Milwaukee World Festival has been a community leader and a tremendous partner in prioritizing the health of festival staff, vendors, performers, and attendees throughout their planning,” Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson said in a statement. “We are pleased with their proactive decision to implement these additional safety measures and ensure festivalgoers can feel comfortable attending this beloved music fest responsibly.”

For more, visit http://Summerfest.com, www.milwaukee.gov/COVIDtesting and/or www.milwaukee.gov/COVIDvax.