NYC to mandate proof of vaccination for many indoor settings

New York City is mandating proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter certain indoor businesses — including all indoor restaurants, entertainment venues and gyms, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday. “It’s time for people to see vaccination as necessary to living a good and full and healthy life,” de Blasio said during his daily press briefing.“This is crucial, because we know that this will encourage a lot more vaccination.”

The program, which de Blasio dubbed the “Key to NYC Pass,” makes New York the first major US city to create such a mandate and, according to the mayor, marks a significant escalation of the city’s efforts to curb the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases driven by the Delta variant, and will launch on Aug. 16.

“It will require vaccination for workers and customers in indoor dining, in indoor fitness facilities, indoor entertainment facilities,” he said. “The only way to patronize these businesses indoors is if you’re vaccinated.” “If you want to participate in society fully, you’ve got to get vaccinated,” de Blasio added.

Enforcement will begin on Sept. 13, following a public service announcement campaign, de Blasio said. Entry will be denied to anyone without a shot.“If we’re going to stop the Delta variant, the time is now,” said the mayor. “This is going to make clear, you want to enjoy everything great in this summer of New York City? Go get vaccinated.”.. (Excerpts from the New York Post)